CSW condemns Quran burning

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) condemns the burning of the Qur’an and a depiction of the Prophet Mohammed by Pastor Terry Jones in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday 28 April, reportedly in protest at the ongoing imprisonment of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani in Iran.

Pastor Terry Jones carried out the burning, which was reportedly attended by 20 people and streamed live over the Internet, against the advice of the US government and the World Evangelical Alliance, whose representatives met with him in person.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, said, “The burning of the Qur’an, a sacred text to all Muslims, is a deeply offensive and inflammatory act. Moreover, the use of the Nadarkhani case to justify this action is extremely misguided and highly irresponsible. This will in no way assist Pastor Nadarkhani, but instead could have severe repercussions on Christian minorities living in Muslim countries, and raise unhelpful tensions between religious communities in the US and Europe. We strongly urge Pastor Terry Jones and others not to repeat this provocative act, which is divisive, unhelpful and could potentially endanger innocent people and communities around the world.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.