Text Size

Email Post

Print Post

Comments (13)

Save Article

Pastor Terry Jones plans to hold a Koran burning to mark the September 11 terror attacks, despite warnings it would incite more violence

Gainsville, FL - The pastor of a small Florida church said Tuesday he will go ahead with his plans to hold a Koran burning this week, despite warnings by the U.S. commander of the Afghan war of violent reactions in the Islamic world.

Terry Jones, who heads the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., said he had given “serious” consideration to the concerns expressed by General David Petraeus over plans to torch a Koran to mark the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, but said he would proceed anyway.

“We are taking the general’s words very serious. We are continuing to pray about the action on September 11th,” he said.

But he said “we have firmly made up our mind” to go ahead with burning the Muslim holy book.

“Instead of us being blamed for what other people will do or might do, why don’t we send a warning to them?” he said. “Why don’t we send a warning to radical Islam and say, don’t do it. If you attack us, ... we will attack you.”

In a statement, Petraeus expressed concern that the planned torching of the Koran would be a propaganda coup for Islamic extremists.

But Jones said that the Koran torching Saturday aimed “to remember those who were brutally murdered on September 11th,” and to send a warning “to the radical element of Islam.”

“We wanted to send a very clear message to them that we are not interested in their Sharia law. And we do not tolerate their threats, their fear, their radicalness. We live in the United States.

More of today's headlines

“Uman, Ukriane - In the last year of his life, R’ Nachman of Breslov stressed to his followers that it was important they spend Rosh Hashana with him. Consequently...” Ukraine - Free Kugel and Cholent For 20,000 This Rosh Hashana In Uman “Litchfield, CT - The borough of Litchfield is under fire, accused of discriminating against Jewish residents.   In 2007, the quaint borough denied a...” Litchfield, CT - Commission Accused of Religious Discrimination Against Jewish People