Anti-Islam Pastor Responds to Killings in Afghanistan

 

Terry Jones, the pastor whose Quran-burning event on Mar. 20 triggered mob violence that resulted in at least 11 deaths in Afghanistan on Friday, offered a fiery response to the bloodletting.

The killings are "a very tragic and criminal action," he said in a statement. "We must hold these countries and people accountable for what they have done as well as for any excuses they may use to promote their terrorist activities."

Fiery rhetoric has been a hallmark of Mr. Jones's leadership of the tiny flock at Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla.

Though his public denunciations of Islam date back to at least 2009—when he posted a sign outside his church that read "Islam is of the devil"—he garnered international media attention last year when he announced plans for a Quran-burning day on the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The resulting frenzy sparked demonstrations in Afghanistan and drew rebukes from President Barack Obama, the Vatican and a host of other high-profile figures. The Obama administration enlisted Defense Secretary Robert Gates to call Mr. Jones and try to dissuade him.

As Sept. 11 neared, Mr. Jones canceled the Quran-burning ceremony, saying that he had secured a promise to move a proposed Islamic center from a site near ground zero in New York. When mosque leaders denied such a deal existed, Mr. Jones backtracked, saying his plans were merely "suspended."

Then the pastor fell out of the news—until now.

The event held at Dove World Outreach Center on Mar. 20 was dubbed "International Judge the Koran Day." Though the church issued press releases and "invited people from all over the world," said church member Fran Ingram, the affair drew scant media coverage. About 50 people attended, of whom 15 to 20 were journalists, according to Stephanie Sapp, a pastor at the church.

During a six-hour trial, with Mr. Jones serving as presiding judge, a prosecutor and witnesses laid out a criminal case against the Quran. At the conclusion, Mr. Jones declared the holy book guilty, and a copy was soaked in kerosene and set aflame.