(RNS) Controversial Florida pastor Terry Jones, who sparked international outrage for plans to burn a pile of Qurans, will visit Ground Zero on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Jones told MLive.com he will hold a rally Sept. 10 at a yet-to-be announced location in the middle of the city, where he will speak to the dangers of radical Islam.
It’s a pet subject for Jones, who made national headlines last year for declaring Sept. 11 “International Burn a Koran Day,” encouraging Americans to burn the Islamic holy book.
Jones said the event was a one-off occasion, and he sees no reason to advocate another Quran burning. “It’s not something we’re looking to repeat,” he said.
After the Sept. 10 rally, Jones and his associate, Pastor Wayne Sapp, are planning several events, including a stop at the site of the proposed Park51 Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero, and an appearance at Ground Zero.
Jones said he doesn’t believe all followers of Islam are radicalized, but does draw a link between strict interpretations of the Quran and violence.
“I personally believe there are moderate, peace-abiding, peace-loving, constitution-respecting Muslims,” Jones said. “We’re definitely not aiming at them in any form, even though I understand that some of the things we do can be insulting to them.”
(Angela Wittrock writes for MLive.com.)
