Three Black Churches Burned in Louisiana in Ten Days

Three Black churches in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, were destroyed by arson over a ten-day period in June 2026, prompting authorities to open a hate crime investigation and sending a wave of alarm through Black faith communities across the country.

Investigators said the fires were set deliberately and motivated by racial hatred. No arrests had been announced as of late June. Federal law enforcement joined the investigation alongside local authorities.

The National Black Church Initiative, which represents 150,000 African American churches and 27.7 million members, responded by raising its internal threat level to "Elevated," the highest tier in its color-coded security system. The organization advised member congregations to increase security measures, station deacons at entrances, and contact local law enforcement to coordinate protection.

The NBCI has maintained a threat monitoring system for years, citing a pattern of targeted violence against Black houses of worship. The organization called on federal officials to treat the Louisiana fires as a national priority.

St. Landry Parish has a painful history with church burnings. In 2019, three Black churches in the same parish were burned within ten days, and a white man was convicted of the crimes. Community members said the new fires brought back memories of that trauma.

Local pastors held a joint prayer service in the days following the fires, drawing hundreds of residents. Church leaders called for calm while also demanding swift justice. Fundraising efforts to help the affected congregations rebuild began almost immediately.