Since the early 1990's, Black Churches in the south were the target of several arson attacks. According to the Center for Democratic Renewal , "the greatest number of church burnings are happening in nine Southern states: Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Virginia." Eighty (80) mostly rural, historically Black churches were firebombed, burned or vandalized since 1990. In 1996, the pace picked up, with (as of 6/10/96) 28 incidents since January, 1996.

Several Church-based and other groups The National Council of Churches , the United Church of Christ , the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Center for Democratic Renewal have been actively working to investigate and record these incidents. These groups have "provided technical assistance, spiritual guidance, legal advice, and worked to develop an ongoing strategy to identify resources to begin the rebuilding and restoration of these historically Black and multiracial landmarks."

These attacks occurred at night, between 12 midnight and 7am. Most of the persons arrested have been white males between the ages of 14 and 45, many of them from middle class suburban families. Using accelerants and firebombs to start the fires, they traveled in groups of two to five persons.

Initially, law enforcement officials were slow to respond to the problem. Subsequently, they increased the pace of investigations, however, as additional resources were added. These resources included more officers, the creation of a Federal Task force to review these incidents, and the publication of a number to call to report information concerning these crimes (888-855-5000). For more information, contact The Department of Justice.

Black Church Burnings in the South: List of incidents

For further information - What you can do to help - Other sites with information on this problem.

CONTACT