New Zealand Christian Network, the New Zealand member of the World Evangelical Alliance, strongly condemns the actions
of Terry Jones in the US in burning a copy of the Qur’an.
National Director Glyn Carpenter said we endorse in the strongest way possible media statements by our global body.
Pastor Jones runs a church of only 30 people which is not connected to any denomination or any other body. His actions
do not reflect the model of Jesus Christ, nor Christ’s true followers.
The WEA had already condemned the actions of those in this small group responsible for burning the Qur’an back in March
and has since been in close contact with Muslim leaders in the U.S. on this matter. The WEA believes no book of any
faith community should ever be burned or desecrated in any way. The WEA also calls upon all Christians to refrain from
disrespectful and provocative activities towards all other religions.
The WEA is asking Muslim leaders to call upon their communities to end the violence. And the WEA urges Muslim leaders to
clearly explain to their followers that the actions of this tiny extremist group who have burnt the Qur’an are
absolutely condemned by Christians globally – this action does not represent the true Christian faith or the world’s two
billion Christians.
We join with the WEA in extending our deepest sympathy to the families of the UN workers killed in this violent attack,
and in the call to pray for peace and an end to this and all violence.
[ENDS]