A recent shooting inside a Tennessee church is pushing a local congregation to take action.  The group is looking at creating strong security measures to prevent a similar incident.

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that includes many faith traditions and the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield is hoping a new security plan will help keep visitors safe.

"We try really hard to make sure that they feel safe and welcome," said Linda Eckels, church administrator.

Right now, the church doesn't have any security procedures or policies set for handling situations like the incident in Tennessee, where a man is accused of killing two people and injuring eight at a Unitarian Church.

"Any shooting like that is always such as shock and is really unfortunate that it was at a Unitarian church," says Eckels.

Faith leaders believe the church was a target because of its acceptance of homosexuality and its other liberal stances.

"It gives you pause, especially when I'm here all day by myself.  I think about it and I keep myself locked in, but we are a really trusting group. It can easily happen anywhere," said Eckels.

The church has about 150 members and many drive long distances just to attend weekly service.

"I think it's appropriate for people to be alert and to look for potential hazardous situations like that," said church member John Prescott.

Church leaders say they have never had a serious incident happen there before and the recent tragedy isn't causing any concerns.

"You want to keep your family safe, but at the same time, an event happening like this in such a random fashion, you can't let an event like this control your life.  You have to continue to live your life.  You have to continue to live your life, be vigilant.  At the same time, do not let it affect what you do," said Prescott.

The Unitarian Church in Springfield will host a vigil later this week to remember the people killed, those who were injured and the survivors of that recent church shooting in Tennessee.  The event is scheduled for Friday at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at 2434 East Battlefield Road.