the sclc also chose a group of leaders called the board of directors to be in charge of making final decisions and planning strategies. at first, some churches and civil rights organizations joined the sclc. however, it was difficult to get churches to join. groups like the ku klux klan and the white citizens' council used violence and terrorism to attack civil rights activists. so did the police in many states. some churches which joined the sclc, or did civil rights work, were bombed or set on fire.