The difficulty comes in the fact that searches for such groups so far have been focused on organized conspiracies. It is far more likely in this case that it is far less organized than convenience would have us wish. Such workings would not be unusual in the rural South. The Ku Klux Klan has always managed to be an effective organization, without tying itself down to personal meetings among members in different states. The lack of an organized conspiracy should not be construed to mean that the motive behind the fires is not racism.
Most evidence points to that conclusion.
Hate groups have quite a history of attacking churches. The reasons why this would still be an effective tactic of hate today are clear. Most of the churches are in highly rural areas, which not only have provided hate groups with the cover of isolation for generations, but also allow the arsonist to work with a better chance of their deed being undisturbed and unnoticed until the flames leap into the southern sky. The isolated spots on which the churches are built, usually the result of donated land or chosen because of their picturesque scenery, also delay the fire crews. Also, in many communities, the church is the center of African American life and local culture.