Christians to condemn planned Quran burning in US

Church leaders in India will condemn the burning of Quran by some "fanatic" Christian groups in US.

Catholic and Protestants leader will come together in Mumbai on Wednesday to stress on Christianity's message of peace and condemn those acting contrary to it.

The meeting will be attended by the Catholic archbishop of Mumbai, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, along with bishops of the Protestant Church of North India and other Christian groups.

"We will speak out against a few Christian fanatics in USA. The tirade against Islam by some extremist Christians groups, particularly a little known preacher, pastor Terry Jones in Florida, is giving rise to misunderstandings," spokesperson for the Catholic archbishop, Fr Savio Fernandes, told a local media.

"Jones has threatened to burn the Quran to commemorate 9/11. We will send out the message that preaching hatred goes against the tenets of Christianity," he said.

Jones heads the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida. He is planning to host an "International Burn a Quran Day" on September 11. The nondenominational church has also accepted the support of Right Wing Extreme, an armed civilian militia group that has agreed to protect the church.

Says Gul Kripalani, former president of the Indian Merchants' Chamber and an activist for Christian groups, "It is time we told the world that Christians do not believe in violence and hatred. We have to come out openly and stop the extremists from abroad who are spreading hate."

He urged Christians in India to take a stand against this issue.