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The Southern Baptist-affiliated church, spiritual home to about 200 members, has been described as set in a racially integrated south Sacramento neighborhood.

The church had received no threats before the fire, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, but the pastor suspected the fire was deliberately set.

"An attack on a house of worship is a heinous crime leaving all affected community members feeling isolated, vulnerable and unprotected by law," Bergen said.

"State and federal officials and community organizations must join in the determination to eliminate hate-motivated conduct."