Arsonist torches seventh St. Louis church in 2 weeks

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- For the seventh time in the last two weeks, authorities in St. Louis are investigating a fire that was deliberately set at one of the city's churches.

A fire was intentionally set at the Shrine of St. Joseph Catholic Church early Thursday, officials said, but it did not cause much damage. The fire was reported at about 1:30 a.m. local time.

Perhaps of greater concern for officials, Thursday's fire is the seventh set at a St. Louis church in the past two weeks.

"We believe that this fire-setting activity is meant to send a message. We believe this activity may be the result of stress experienced in the subject's life, which may be noticeable to those around him or her," the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said in a statement earlier this week.

The first fire was set Oct. 8, authorities said, and five others were set at various churches between then and Thursday. Investigators said the fires may be the work of one individual or one group.

If the fires are being set by the same person or persons, they don't appear to be targeting any specific religion. Churches belonging to Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran and other non-denominational followers have been targeted.

Before Thursday, though, officials said the fires were directed at predominantly black churches, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Authorities are offering a $9,000 reward for information leading to the arsonist or arsonists.