One man of the cloth said he has been advised not to wear his dog collar out and about amid fears he could be singled out in a terror attack.
It has also been suggested UK church congregations should have a 'bouncer' on the door so that worshippers at small parish churches are more protected.
National Churchwatch has warned smaller churches are at more risk than larger ones and issued new guidance following the murder of a French priest last month. The advice includes instructions to buy CCTV and carry personal attack alarms.
The vicar, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Mirror: "I've been told not to wear my dog collar in public to identify myself."