South Carolina Pastor Charged With Setting Own Church Ablaze

BELTON, S.C. – A South Carolina pastor was charged with arson after he set fire to his own church, authorities said.

The State Law Enforcement Division charged 40-year-old Christopher Daniels with second-degree arson on Monday.

Daniels reported a fire at Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Belton when he opened the church for services Sunday morning, Anderson County Fire Chief Billy Gibson said.

Gibson said the century-old church suffered moderate fire damage and significant smoke damage.

The church changed names recently and was vandalized with graffiti a few months ago, members said.

Daniels remains at the Anderson County jail under a $25,000 bond. Jail officials didn't know if he had an attorney and a message left at his home wasn't immediately returned.