Pastor Plans 'Burn a Koran Day'—September 11

A Florida pastor whose Bible is apparently missing the page that explains the Golden Rule has big plans for the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks—his church will play host to "International Burn a Koran Day." The Dove World Outreach Center, which is known for the "Islam Is of the Devil" sign on its lawn in Gainesville, says Islam is "a violent and oppressive religion," Kyle Munzenrieder blogs for Miami New Times.

The pastor, Terry Jones, tells Religion News Service supporters have been mailing copies of the Koran to the church. Jones and his congregation have vehemently protested the election of a gay man as mayor of Gainesville, notes Edge Boston. They plan another event, for next month, cleverly named "No Homo Mayor." Asks Munzenrieder: "The Westboro Baptist Church currently holds the title of most insane thing purporting to be a Christian church in America, but could a small congregation of horribly misguided Christians in central Florida soon be taking their place?" For more on Westboro Baptist's recent escapades, click here.
(More International Burn a Koran Day stories.)