Muslim group says learn, don’t burn

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Awad announced today that he will offer the sermon for the end of Ramadan, the Muslims' holy month, in Gainesville on Friday and will also hold a news conference there on Saturday, following any Quran burnings.

Jones is calling Sept. 11, 2010, International Burn a Koran Day.

CAIR is designating Sept. 11 a National Day of Unity and Healing, to honor all those who lost their lives in the attacks of 2001, and to promote understanding between religions and cultures.

President Barack Obama spoke out about the proposed Quran burning for the first time today, calling it a "stunt," and saying the action would be a "recruitment bonanza for al-Qaeda."  Obama, in a televised interview, appealed to Jones to change his mind.

The President echoed sentiments expressed this week by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. and UN forces in Afghanistan, that Jones' provocative act could increase the dangers faced by U.S. troops serving in predominantly Muslim countries.

"We are already seeing protests against Americans just by the mere threat that he is making," Obama said.

There has been a protest in Pakistan against the proposed Koran desecration in which an American flag was burned. Another protest was held by Muslims in Indonesia.

A Muslim cleric in Afghanistan has warned of a major demonstration in Balkh Province on Monday if the Koran is burned. Political and religious leaders in Iran and Lebanon have warned of repercussions, and top officials from Pakistan and India have called upon Obama to step in and stop the event.

But Obama said that Jones has a right under the First Amendment to burn the book. The President said the only restriction on Jones is the city of Gainesville's ordinance against the public burning of anything.

"We are a government of laws. And so, we have to abide by those laws," Obama said.

Gainesville authorities refused to grant Jones a permit for the event and have said they will fine Jones if he goes through with the burning.

On several occasions the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right of Americans to burn the American flag, as an act of free expression guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Thirty-five clerics, representing several Christian denominations, as well as Jewish and Muslims congregations, signed a statement this week condemning the rising tide of anti-Muslim incidents.

"Hate is neither a religious nor democratic value," the clerics said in a joint release.

The National Association of Evangelicals has denounced Jones' plan and asked Muslims to recognize that the Dove World Outreach Center is not representative of the vast majority of American 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 Quran."

The NAE said it encourages increased understanding between those of different faiths and backgrounds, and laments efforts, such as the proposed Quran burnings, that work against a just and peaceful society.

"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," said NAE's Galen Carey.

Jones did not respond to emails requesting comment.