If the threat by Terry Jones to burn a Qur’an on September 11th is carried out the persecuted church will suffer. Christians thousands of miles from Florida will die, their churches will be burnt and many innocent people will be forced to pay the price for one man’s foolish and disrespectful actions.

The Chief Executive of Human Rights organisation Christian Solidarity Worldwide writes:

The Qur’an is a sacred text to all Muslims and burning it would be both disrespectful and inflammatory. This irresponsible act could serve as an incitement to extreme violence. CSW is particularly concerned at the possible repercussions for Christian minorities living in Muslim countries, as well as any subsequent backlash against Muslims in the US and Europe. Many innocent people may pay a heavy price if this action goes ahead. We therefore urge Pastor Jones to reconsider his plans for the sake of vulnerable Christian communities throughout the world

Adding weight to these words are reports from the Church in Nigeria and the Middle East:

“Things are very, very difficult here…Several Village Heads who reported on Boko Haram have …been killed and then yesterday Boko Haram attacked Bauchi prison.  The situation in Maiduguri is very tense.  Please be praying for us.  We need prayers for God’s grace and survival…We are the ones who are going to bear the brunt of [the burning of the Qur’an]. Since we saw news of what he plans we have been weeping and mourning. Ramadan will end here either end today or tomorrow.  People are already moving their families away for safety." From a pastor in Maiduguri, Nigeria, scene of the 2006 cartoon riots and the worst of the 2009 Boko Haram violence

In northern Nigeria the tension is high. We are in great panic because if this occurs it will be worse than 2006, and most of our churches will be burnt down. If you can plead with those people to stop the burnings it will help us. "
Anglican Bishop Musa Tula of Bauchi, Nigeria

Rev Andrew White, sometimes known as the Bishop of Baghdad, a good friend of 24-7 (we featured an article asking for prayer for his church in the centre of the Iraqi capital earlier in the year) has also been warned of a personal threat to his life as well as those in his care if the burning goes ahead:

As I write the Iraqi Army Colonel has just left. He had a clear message: "There are plans to blow you up because of what the Pastor in Florida has said about burning the Holy Koran". There is nothing we can do to protect ourselves. The army is being sent to us in force to try and protect us, what they can do is also limited…”
The Reverend Canon Andrew White, Anglican Chaplain to Iraq
Provided by The Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East.

Please pray for peace, pray for our brothers and sisters who fear for their lives and their homes right now. Pray this disrespectful and inflammatory act is cancelled and God’s peace poured out.