Event Could Result in Increase of Persecution Against Christians in Muslim-Dominated Countries

Contact: Jerry Dykstra, Media Relations Director, Open Doors USA, 616-915-4117, JerryD@odusa.org

SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Over the weekend, angry crowds in Kabul, Afghanistan and Jakarta, Indonesia protested and threatened retaliation if the non-denominational Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla. goes through with its plans to publicly burn the Quran on Saturday.

Reaction to the possible burning of the Muslim holy book on the ninth anniversary of the September 11 Muslim terrorist attacks on America could unleash worldwide rage -- directed not only at the United States and its troops overseas but also Christians, especially those living in Muslim-dominated countries.

Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller says: "The planned burning of the Quran is a disaster on two fronts: It violates the command of Jesus to love our neighbor and it would likely cause Christians worldwide to be more vilified and persecuted."

Moeller says a possible Muslim backlash would probably focus on Christians living in predominately Muslim countries who already are caught in the crossfire, including those who have converted from Islam to Christianity.

"The burning of Qurans will only confirm what many Muslims believe -- that Christians hate Muslims. That is exactly the opposite message we as Christians want to send.

"I urge the Dove World Outreach Center and its senior pastor, Terry Jones, to cancel the event. Hate is not biblical; it is not the message of Jesus."

This morning Jones told CNN that the church is "weighing" its intentions after learning that the "International Burn A Quran Day" would endanger American troops.

Moeller urges Christians to unite in prayer this week and pray that the planned Quran burning will be canceled and the Dove World Outreach Center will stop its message of intolerance and hate.

If you would like to arrange an interview with Dr. Moeller, please contact Open Doors USA Media Relations Director Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email JerryD@odusa.org.

An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.