Cnn.com reports that a major Islamic group intends to distribute around 200,000 Qurans to replace the approximately 200 copies that will be burnt as part of a Florida church’s controversial plans to host a ‘Burn a Quran Day’.
The Pastor of the church, the Rev. Terry Jones, is resisting pressure from both religious and political heavyweights, and says he intends to proceed with plans to burn Qurans on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
President Barack Obama, Gen. David Petraeus (the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan), Hillary Clinton and other leading political and military figures have warned that Jones’ plans could have detrimental effects not only on American troops overseas, but also on Christians living in Muslim dominated countries.
On Wednesday, the Vatican joined the chorus of Christian groups from around the world, such as the World Evangelical Alliance, who have urged the church to reconsider the burning. Various Christian groups have continually challenged the theological ethic behind their plans, saying that these actions could hardly be described as being faithful to Jesus’ call to love others.
Rev. Jones, however, has repeatedly stressed his belief that if anyone is targeted by Muslim reactions because of the Quran burning day, it will not be his fault but the Muslims involved.
In response, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil liberties and advocacy group, plans to hold a news conference in Washington on Thursday to address the issue. The group's "Learn, Don't Burn" initiative includes the distribution of of 200,000 Qurans and other activities planned for Friday and Saturday.
"This educational initiative is designed for those who seek a proactive and constructive response to the church's very un-American actions," said Nihad Awad, CAIR national executive director.
"The tiny group of extremists carrying out the book burnings clearly do not represent our society or its values and have been repudiated by all mainstream religious and political leaders."
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting U.S. troops from religious intolerance, has promised to buy one new Quran and donate it to the Afghan National Army for each one burned in Florida.
(Image is of Rev. Terry Jones standing outside his church in Florida).