The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) asks Muslim neighbors to recognize that the plans announced by a Florida group to burn copies of the Qu’ran on September 11 do not represent the vast majority of Christians.
“To all followers of Islam: Please do not judge all Christians by the behavior of one extremist,” NAE President Leith Anderson said. “One person with 30 silent followers does not speak for 300 million Americans who will never burn a Qu’ran.”
The Qu’ran burning event has been broadly condemned by American religious leaders. The NAE encourages increased understanding between those of different faiths and backgrounds, and it laments efforts, such as the proposed Qu’ran burnings, that work against a just and peaceful society. The NAE renews its call, first issued on July 29, for the cancellation of the September 11 bonfire.
Galen Carey, NAE Director of Government Affairs, said, “This event is not an appropriate response to the 9/11 attacks. It dishonors the memory of those who died in the 9/11 attacks and further perpetuates unacceptable violence.”
Anderson said, “The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. Burning the Qu’ran is bad news.”