Crimes motivated by racial animosity require a special response. The Community Relations Service takes pride in the important work it has rendered over the past eight months to more than 125 communities affected by church burnings. As devastating as these attacks have been, they have proven to be challenges for these communities to discover their own strengths. They have shown us how people of good will can come together, joining hands in rebuilding not merely the physical structure of the church, but weaving a new community fabric with the threads of trust and faith. CRS's work is not finished.
Church burnings continue.
In those communities where there is racial antagonism, CRS mediators will be available to provide conflict prevention and resolution services. Thank you for the opportunity to report on the work of the Community Relations Service Church Burnings Response Team.