Dove World Outreach Center Quran-burning controversy

Terry Jones
Born	Template:Birth year and age Cape Girardeau, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Pastor
Known for	Quran burning controversy, leading Dove World Outreach Center

In July 2010, Terry Jones, the pastor leading the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, declared his intention to incinerate 200 Qurans on the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This announcement attracted significant media attention and widespread international criticism, particularly from the Islamic community worldwide. Numerous global leaders appealed to Jones to call off the planned event. His declaration incited demonstrations across the Middle East and Asia, which led to at least 20 fatalities. By early September 2010, Jones retracted his plan and committed not to proceed with burning the Quran.

Nonetheless, on March 20, 2011, Jones conducted a so-called "trial of the Quran" at his Gainesville church. The Quran was found "guilty" of crimes against humanity and subsequently set on fire within the church sanctuary. This provoked violent reactions in Afghanistan, notably an assault in Mazar-i-Sharif where protesters attacked a United Nations compound, resulting in at least 30 deaths—including seven UN personnel—and more than 150 injuries. On April 4, 2011, two American soldiers were killed by an Afghan police officer reportedly motivated by anger over the Quran burning. U.S. analysts criticized Afghan President Hamid Karzai for emphasizing this incident.

Terry Jones

Born in October 1951 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Terry Jones established the Christian Community of Cologne (CGK) in Germany in 1981 after his involvement with the now-defunct Maranatha Campus Ministries. In 1983, he obtained an honorary degree from an unaccredited theological institution and adopted the title "Doctor," which later resulted in a fine imposed by a German court. By the late 2000s, CGK had grown to encompass between 800 and 1000 members but expelled Jones in 2008 amid allegations including authoritarian leadership style, financial mismanagement, and forced labor practices. Additionally, he faced accusations of operating the church akin to a cult.

From 2001 until 2008, Jones worked part-time as pastor at Gainesville’s Dove World Outreach before transitioning to full-time after departing Germany. By the year 2010, this congregation numbered approximately fifty members.

In that same year, he authored Islam Is of the Devil, contending that Islam encourages violence and seeks to establish sharia law within the United States. Following his announcement to burn Qurans, he was condemned by the German Evangelical Alliance for both his theological views and perceived pursuit of publicity.

Jones contemplated participating in a UK demonstration in 2011 but was prohibited from entering by Home Secretary Theresa May on grounds related to public safety.

His provocative actions led to religious groups such as Hezbollah placing bounties on him.

In April of that year, Jones intended to stage a protest at Dearborn’s Islamic Center but was detained for refusing to post a peace bond; he was subsequently released and charges dismissed due to violations of due process.

An unintended firearm discharge took place outside a television studio around that time.

During an authorized demonstration in Dearborn on April 29, clashes broke out between supporters of Jones and Muslim counter-demonstrators, resulting in multiple arrests.

2010 Quran Burning Threat

In September 2010, Jones declared his intention to burn the Quran on the anniversary of September 11, labeling the event as "International Burn a Quran Day." This announcement triggered widespread denunciation from political figures and religious communities alike. Subsequently, Jones withdrew the planned event and sought dialogue with imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, associated with Park51. Nevertheless, on March 20, 2011, Jones proceeded with an actual Quran burning.

This incident ignited protests, including a fatal assault in Afghanistan that claimed at least 14 lives. In April 2011, Jones further escalated tensions by suggesting Muhammad be tried for "crimes against humanity".

Context

Dove World Outreach Center is a modest Gainesville church with approximately 50 congregants, led by Terry and Sylvia Jones. The church attracted media scrutiny due to its anti-Islamic and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, which included lawn signs proclaiming "Islam Is of the Devil" and children wearing T-shirts bearing similar messages to school.

The idea to burn the Quran emerged from discussions on social media platforms in July 2010, particularly within the Facebook group titled "Islam Is of the Devil." Initial backing was minimal; however, media attention intensified after Jones released a video accusing Islam of orchestrating the events of 9/11. The mayor of Gainesville referred to Dove World as a "small fringe group and an embarrassment." Sunni scholars from al-Azhar University cautioned that such an act could have severe repercussions. President Obama condemned the plan, emphasizing its potential danger to American military personnel abroad. In response, American Muslim communities launched efforts aimed at fostering interfaith harmony.

Local (Florida)

In reaction to Dove World's actions, the Gainesville Interfaith Forum designated September 11 as "Interfaith Solidarity Day." Mayor Craig Lowe publicly dissociated the city from Dove World Outreach Center. Additionally, twenty local faith leaders united in calling for support and solidarity with Muslim residents amid escalating tensions.

National

Prominent organizations such as the National Association of Evangelicals and the Southern Baptist Convention urged Jones to cancel his plans. The World Evangelical Alliance condemned the proposed burning as disrespectful to 9/11 victims and as an act likely to incite further violence. Various Christian leaders advocated for dialogue within their faith communities to oppose the Quran burning.

Feisal Abdul Rauf warned that such provocations would exacerbate radicalism and terrorist threats globally while stressing that relocating Park51 would send misleading messages internationally.

Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan appealed for respect toward Muslim communities as a means of safeguarding deployed troops.

U.S. government officials including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates denounced the plan as unrepresentative of American ideals and hazardous to military personnel overseas. The U.S. embassy in Kabul expressed strong opposition to the event. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs voiced concerns about the safety of American forces.

General David Petraeus highlighted the global dangers linked to such provocations. Republican leaders including John Boehner, Sarah Palin, John McCain, and Mitch McConnell criticized Jones’ intentions for putting troops at risk abroad. President Obama described the plan as conflicting with American values and endangering soldiers. In response, a book distributor pledged to provide free copies of the Quran for every one burned by Jones.

International

The German Evangelical Alliance publicly distanced itself from Jones, citing his contentious history in Cologne.

Online platforms such as Al-Falluja saw the emergence of threats involving violent reprisals.

Groups within the Muslim community, including Ahmadiyya, condemned Dove World’s conduct as extreme and unaligned with Christian principles, referencing Jesus’ messages of love and tolerance.

Worldwide mass demonstrations took place, notably in Indonesia where Hizb ut-Tahrir organized substantial protests denouncing the intended burning as a profound offense to Islam’s 1.5 billion adherents.

The World Evangelical Alliance issued a global statement reaffirming its denunciation.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed regret over any scriptural burning, deeming it an unacceptable form of protest.

Humanists International also voiced opposition to the planned event.

Following the announcement, violent protests broke out throughout Afghanistan, resulting in fatalities during confrontations near NATO installations; Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the act as deeply disrespectful to billions around the globe.

Qatar-based scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi criticized retaliatory violence while underscoring the importance of honoring all sacred texts, including those from Judaism and Christianity.

Demonstrations occurred across Pakistan, Gaza, India (including Kashmir), Somalia (involving Al-Shabaab), Iran (with official government condemnations), and various other nations. Some of these events escalated into violent episodes and arson attacks targeting Christian establishments.<refs omitted for brevity>

Counter protests

Retaliatory cyberattacks were launched against U.S. entities under aliases such as the "Here you have" worm, linked to threats directed at Jones.<refs/>

In South Africa, judicial orders halted planned retaliatory Bible burnings by local activists, citing the harm caused by such acts despite claims of freedom of expression.<refs/>

Governmental reactions

Numerous global leaders condemned the proposed Quran burning. These included Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, former Cuban President Fidel Castro, French Defence Minister Hervé Morin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei,<refs/> Lebanese President Michel Suleiman,<refs/> Pakistani government representatives,<refs/> Hamas officials,<refs/> U.S. President Barack Obama,<refs/> Vatican authorities,<refs/> NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen,<refs/> Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,<refs/> and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, all issuing statements denouncing or expressing concern about the intended act.

Media reactions

Media outlets faced criticism for amplifying a fringe group’s actions; some chose to limit their coverage while commentators debated the balance between journalistic responsibility and sensationalism. Conservative commentators connected radical Muslim responses to broader discussions on free speech and critiques of Islam. On social media platforms, opposition voices significantly outnumbered supporters.<refs/>

Actions against Dove World Outreach Center

Gainesville refused to grant Dove World permission to burn Qurans; meanwhile, mortgage lenders demanded full loan repayment, insurance coverage was revoked, and the property suffered vandalism. Additionally, web hosting providers discontinued services citing violations of their terms, and local officials sought reimbursement exceeding $200,000 for security expenses related to the anticipated events.

Death threats

Jones was the recipient of numerous death threats, including calls advocating suicide attacks on his church. These threats were publicly denounced by Muslim community leaders. Law enforcement maintained heightened security during Jones' public engagements. In 2013, Al-Qaeda released a bounty poster targeting him.

Other Quran desecration incidents

After Jones announced his plans, several other groups, such as the Westboro Baptist Church, threatened or carried out Quran burnings. Individuals in countries including the United States, Australia, and South Africa engaged in acts involving desecration or symbolic protests with religious texts, resulting in legal repercussions or job losses. Media platforms faced challenges in moderating content featuring such desecrations. Some Quran desecration occurrences near mosques triggered FBI investigations under hate crime statutes.

Cancellation (postponement) and aftermath

Jones called off his Quran burning event scheduled for September 11 just days before it was to take place and instead chose to meet with imam Feisal Abdul Rauf. Despite the cancellation, tensions remained elevated with law enforcement managing demonstrators from both factions. The World Evangelical Alliance requested Jones issue an apology, which he declined. Following this, a Hyundai dealership rewarded him with a vehicle as recognition for halting his plans.

In January 2011, Jones was prohibited from entering the United Kingdom due to concerns over public safety linked to his activities abroad.

2011 burning of the Quran

On March 20, 2011, Dove World Outreach organized an event titled "International Judge the Quran Day," conducting a mock trial that condemned Islam’s sacred text as the cause of violence; Jones presided over the trial dressed in judicial robes. The Quran was declared guilty and subsequently burned by Pastor Wayne Sapp.

Jones attempted to obtain permits for further demonstrations at Dearborn's Islamic Center but encountered legal obstacles including breach-of-peace charges which were later dismissed due to procedural errors.

Reactions

The Quran burning sparked violent protests throughout Afghanistan, resulting in fatalities among United Nations personnel and civilians; mobs attacked NATO installations and government buildings. Afghan officials partly attributed the unrest to Taliban influence.

The Gambian government called for legal action against Jones for his conduct.

Iran condemned the act and demanded prosecution against him.

Hezbollah announced a multi-million dollar bounty on Jones' life.

Global protests followed, including in Pakistan where banned groups issued fatwas inciting violence against him; Pakistani Christian leaders denounced retaliatory attacks targeting churches.

Muslim organizations in South Africa took legal measures against retaliatory Bible burnings.

U.S. President Barack Obama strongly condemned both the Quran burnings and subsequent violent assaults on innocent civilians.

Two U.S. soldiers were killed by an Afghan policeman reportedly motivated by anger over Jones' actions; this individual was controversially regarded as a martyr locally despite opposition from religious authorities.

See also

• 2005 Quran desecration controversy
• 2008 Eucharist incident
• 2012 Afghanistan Quran burning protests
• Book burning
• Criticism of Islam
• Freedom of speech in the United States
• Islamophobia

External links

• Vigil Events Organized by Muslim Community – video coverage by Democracy Now!, dated September 8, 2010

Terry Jones

• Stand Up America (Political organization led by Terry Jones)
• (Terry Jones)