An American Pastor, who’s planning to burn copies of the Koran outside his church in Florida, says he’s going ahead, despite worldwide condemnation.
U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has followed the NATO Commander in Afghanistan, General Petraeus, in branding the protest as disgraceful.
Pastor Terry Jones plans to torch the books on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
With more seats than worshippers, Pastor Jones’ message has never reached so many people.
His decision to burn 200 copies of the Koran on the Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks changed all that.
The prospect of the Koran burning sparked angry demonstrations in Kabul, effigies of Pastor Jones were set on fire, along with the US flag. An American convoy was also pelted with rocks. And there’s fear of worse to come.
In New York, a group of leaders from all the main religions expressed their abhorrence to Pastor Jones’ plans. A move welcomed by the US Secretary of State.
But for now Jones’ remains defiant. Worshippers at the Dove World Outreach programme have been sending in copies of the Koran in preparation for the burning.
Unmoved by his critics - and the hundreds of death threats he’s received, Pastor Jones’ says he’ll continue to pray on his decision.
Pictures courtesy of BBC
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