Living Without Fear: A Catholic Response to Terror Threats and Global Tension

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By Deacon Ernest Martinez

When missiles fly between nations and headlines warn of rising terror threats, the natural human response is fear. It’s even more personal for people of faith when places of worship are named among potential targets.

But in these moments, especially now, as tensions rise again between Iran, Israel and the United States, Catholics are called not to panic, but to pray, think and act with courage and conviction. We do not look at the world through the lens of hysteria, but through the lens of hope and truth.

As someone who served in law enforcement and complex investigations for many years in Denver, I’ve seen up close how real these threats can be. But I’ve also seen how easily misinformation and fear can spiral into anxiety, paralysis or even misjudgment. What we need today is a firm grounding in both Catholic faith and factual awareness.

The Realities of Threat

Let’s be clear: terrorism is not a hypothetical danger. It has touched American soil more than once. I was involved in the investigation of the Najibullah Zazi case, an al-Qaeda plot that originated right here in our community, in Aurora, and that targeted the New York City subway system.

We’ve seen the tragic results of homegrown extremism, from the Boston Marathon bombings to the Oklahoma City bombing, to the Boulder extremist lighting people on fire, to violent white supremacist factions like the Aryan Brotherhood that have long operated across the Mountain West. Here in Denver, we remember the murder of radio host Alan Berg, assassinated by domestic extremists who hated his voice and influence.

In more recent years, we’ve also had to contend with violence from the far left. Groups affiliated with Antifa have vandalized churches, disrupted worship and burned businesses in the name of protest. As journalist Andy Ngo documents in Unmasked, many of these actions are rooted in a Marxist-inspired ideology that views faith, family and tradition as enemies to be eliminated.

In short, the threat is real, but not always in the way we imagine.

A Global Backdrop

The escalation of military conflict in the Middle East heightens today's sense of urgency. Iran’s aggression toward Israel and the U.S. military’s recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities raise not only geopolitical alarms but moral and spiritual ones.

Pope Leo XIV, in a recent address from Rome, urged world leaders to exercise restraint:

“War does not solve problems. It deepens wounds, destroys families and perpetuates hatred. Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility to stop the tragedy of war before it escalates beyond control.”

This echoes the Church’s Just War doctrine (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2309), which requires that war be a last resort, declared by a lawful authority and that the use of arms must not produce greater evils than the evil being resisted.

Christ Himself reminds us in Matthew 26:52:

“Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

Even in times of international instability, the Church insists that peace is not only possible, it is our mission.

Are Churches Under Threat?

With these rising tensions, some Catholics ask: “Are our parishes at risk?” The answer requires balance.

There is no widespread or specific threat currently targeting Catholic churches across the United States. However, symbolic institutions like churches, synagogues and mosques have historically been targeted because they represent something deeper: truth, tradition and community.

From my years in police work and intelligence, I know that sleeper cells, ideological extremists and lone actors do exist. But as a Church, we must not allow fear to dictate our mission or paralyze our worship. We are called to prudence, not paranoia.

As Christ teaches us:

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”  Matthew 10:28

A Catholic Response: Faith Over Fear

The Church doesn’t give us permission to run and hide. It gives us the tools to stand firm, to be wise and to act in love.

The Catechism reminds us in 2090 that hope in God is not passive; it’s active trust in his goodness and providence. In fact, fear is often the enemy of discipleship. As St. John writes:

“Perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18

We’re reminded every Sunday, especially in the Eucharist, that we belong to a kingdom not of this world. We receive the Body and Blood of Christ, and in doing so, we are strengthened for mission.

Our churches may not be fortresses, but strongholds of spiritual power. The presence of Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, makes every parish a battleground for hope.

What Can Catholics Do?

We are not helpless. Our response as Catholics should be threefold:

1. Pray: For peace in Israel, Iran, Ukraine and every conflict zone. For protection over our parishes. For wisdom in our leaders.

2. Prepare: Every parish should have a basic security plan, not out of fear, but responsibility. Local partnerships with law enforcement are helpful, and so is community awareness.

3. Proclaim: The Gospel is our greatest weapon. In a time of fear, confusion and ideology, we must proclaim Christ’s peace, dignity and truth, through our words and through our witness.

Final Word: Our Strength Comes from the Altar

In Psalm 46, we read:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change.”

Our world may change, and powers may rise and fall. But the Church remains — not because we are clever or strong, but because Christ has risen and remains with us.

Let’s not be spectators in a world of conflict. Let us be Eucharistic men and women, bringing hope to a world desperate for healing. Let us be prudent, prayerful and peaceful, but never afraid.

Now is not the time to hide.
Now is the time to be Catholic.
Now is the time to be courageous.

Deacon Ernest Martinez serves as Director of Deacons for the Archdiocese of Denver. He previously served in Denver law enforcement as an Intelligence & Complex Crimes-Investigative Commander. He frequently writes and speaks on the intersection of Catholic mission, public life and security.