I appeal to you as a fellow pastor and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ not to go ahead with this misguided exercise of burning the Quran.
I also recognise that any worldview or religion that does not accept Jesus as Lord or recognise the Holy Scriptures as the final authority in matters of faith is captive to the devil. However I believe it is incredibly unhelpful to outreach around the world to antagonise Muslims by burning their holy book.
I serve in a part of Sydney, Australia where there is some outreach to Muslims happening and numbers of Muslims becoming disciples of Christ. I want you to understand that your misguided public event is likely to cause greater antagonism between Muslims and Christians and slow the cause of the gospel among Muslims. I am also concerned for friends who are serving in Muslim-majority countries who will be placed in increased danger by your actions - and also for the damage that you will do to the cause of Christ in these lands as outreach work is attacked more vigorously.
I call on you to preach the salvation that is found in Christ alone and to model the peace and forgiveness that can only be found in him.
I will be praying that you repent of this ill-advised intention and that instead you offer your own prayers that we may all live 'peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our saviour, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth . . .' (1 Tim 2:2-4).
I appeal to you in Christ,
Richard Blight
Minister, Padstow Anglican Church,
Sydney, Australia
The contact page for Dove outreach centre (where I sent this appeal) is here. (You might like to add your own).
The SMH article is here:
Praise God that Pastor Jones changed his mind - perhaps in response to appeals like mine (and no doubt many others)!
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