Mumbai Christians criticise Koran burning in US

Christian bodies in Mumbai this week condemned the burning of the Koran by a pastor in the United States.

Evangelical pastor Wayne Sapp under the supervision of controversial preacher Terry Jones Sunday burnt a copy of the Koran in a small Florida church.

Gordon D'Souza, president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha condemned the act as "abominable" and said religion must unite not divide people.

Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman of the State Minorities Commission, said the Christian community unanimously condemned the "insane and irrational act" which he said will have wide-ranging implications.

Mathai , who also represents the All India Christian Council, urged the US government to take stern action against such acts.

Muslim leaders have also expressed their disapproval saying Christianity did not allow such heinous activities.

In neighbouring Pakistan, Christians and Muslims together took out a rally condemning the desecration of the Quran.

Prominent leaders from the Christian and Muslim community joined the rally and called for respect of religions.

They cautioned that the burning of Quran will undermine the efforts of inter-religious peace and harmony.

Last year, thousands of rioters attacked a Christian school in Kashmir after Pastor Terry Jones planned to hold a 'Burn A Koran' day on the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Jones, who heads the Dove World Outreach Centre church in Gainesville, Florida, however later cancelled his Koran-burning event after international condemnation.