In 18 months, at least 62 African American churches have burned in 12 southern states. The supporting cast. White supremacists these days are encouraged and emboldened by public officials, Republicans and Democrats alike. And local police and federal government agencies are covering for the arsonist thugs. Law enforcers still deny the attacks are linked, even though most of those caught so far have ties to the Klan or Nazi-type groups.
Police also show their complicity with the bombers and burners by withholding information.
They regularly refuse to discuss their investigations with congregations who have been victimized, and they keep silent about planned Nazi and Klan activities to prevent community groups from protesting. Adding insult to injury are insurance companies. A report by the Associated Press documented that insurers were slow to settle claims brought by African American churches. Everybody's urgent business. Fortunately, a movement to defend Black churches is rising.