Community Response to Arson

The New York Times has an article up about the college where the suspected Alabama church arsonists either attend or attended in the past. At College, Moral Obligations are Felt on Church Burnings Two were current students when they were arrested.

What I find encouraging about the story is that the college, rather than distancing itself from the entire affair, is taking corrective action. There is a public petition for people to sign in protest against the arsons, the college has established a fund for rebuilding the churches, and plans to recruit student and alumni volunteers to help with the labor.

Clearly, a new building does not replace the memories and history of the lost churches. However, it's refreshing to see community leaders - in this case, Birmingham-Southern's administration - accept responsibility and act decisively to help repair the harm, whether or not they are technically or legally to blame.