"Out of respect for each person's faith, we will not comment on any individual and their participation in the life this parish—even public figures," Bethesda-by-the-Sea's rector, the Rev. James R. Harlan, said in a statement earlier in the week. "Should we be asked to do so, we will work with the secret service to accommodate their needs for security, but we will not discuss those arrangements or plans, not even to confirm or deny that there are plans for any particular service. We are confident that any possible security arrangements will not make attending our beautiful Christmas worship any more challenging for those attending."