Quran burning: No stopping pastor Terry Jones

Gainesville (Florida), Sep 9: Unfazed by the political and religious pressure to drop his Quran burning plan, pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Centre here has made it clear that he and his church are not backing down yet.

"As of right now, we are not convinced that backing down is the right thing," Jones said on Wednesday, Sep 8 at a news conference.

"We have received quiet a bit of support. We understand the concerns. We are still considering it," said the 58-year-old reverend, who refused to take questions.

Jones, who believes that the Quran is evil as it incites radicalism and violence, has reportedly received over 100 death threats ever since he announced his church's plan in July 2010.

The Florida church with about 50 followers will be observing the 'International Burn-a-Quran Day' on Saturday, Sep 11 as a tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attack.

The proposed burning of the Muslim holy book to mark the ninth anniversary of the Sep 11, 2001 terror strike has sparked off a row.

While top army officials, government authorities, religious and social leaders have all raised voices of condemnation against it, the holy book burning has also found some encouragement with supporters mailing copies of the Quran to the church.

OneIndia News