NBCI Raises Church Security Alert as Hate Crimes Target Black Congregations

The National Black Church Initiative has raised its internal security threat level to its highest tier, warning member congregations to take immediate steps to protect their buildings and members after a wave of racially motivated attacks on Black churches.

Three churches in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, were burned within a 10-day period. Authorities identified the fires at Greater Union Baptist Church, St. Mary Baptist Church, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church as racially motivated arson. A suspect was arrested and charged with hate crimes in connection with the attacks.

The NBCI, led by Rev. Anthony Evans, represents 150,000 churches and 27.7 million members across the country. The organization's "Color Threat System" is now operating at its highest level, advising churches to hire security personnel, install surveillance cameras, and establish direct lines of communication with local police departments.

The National Urban League cited FBI data showing a significant increase in white nationalist activity and hate crimes in the months leading up to the Louisiana fires. Civil rights organizations have called on the Justice Department to treat the pattern of attacks as a national crisis.

The Louisiana fires drew comparisons to the 1996 wave of Black church burnings that prompted Congress to pass the Church Arson Prevention Act. That legislation increased federal penalties for attacks on religious property and directed the FBI to investigate such crimes as hate crimes.

Rev. Evans said the NBCI is also working with insurance companies to help churches that have been damaged or destroyed get back on their feet. He said the organization is coordinating with local chapters to ensure that affected congregations have access to resources for rebuilding.

The NBCI has scheduled a Zoom call for pastors on July 27 to discuss security protocols and share information about available resources.