Group plans protest at Koran burning

TAMPA - Pastor Terry Jones says he wants to send a message to Islam. But his plan burn copies of the Islam holy book, the Koran, has set off a firestorm of anti-American anger overseas.

"We see this as a time for people who are on the side of justice and equality to speak up," said Chris Ernesto, with St. Pete for Peace.

Ernesto and dozens of others from the Bay Area plan to hold a counter protest in Gainesville.

He's worried about the consequences, if the Dove World Church goes through with its plans.
And now, so is the U.S. military.

General David Patreaus says he's concerned angry protests, like this one in Kabul, will spread across the Afghanistan.

"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort in Afghanistan. It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses."

The Dove World Church was denied a permit, but still won't back down.

They're planning to hold the koran burning on the anniversary of the September 11-th terror attacks.

"We have declared 9/11 "burn a Koran day" because we want to send a very clear message to Islam." Pastor Terry Jones, Dove World Church says.

A message, Chris Ernesto and his friends hope to drown out, with their own message of tolerance.

"The American people has a negative connotation when they hear the word Muslim. It has to stop and it has to stop now," Ernesto said.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul is also condemning the church's plans.

They and officials in Washington say they are deeply concerned about the church deliberately offending members of religious or ethnic groups.

In Gainesville, fellow pastors call the church's plan "an embarrassment."

Many Muslims who live there, and attend the University of Florida are planning to leave town this weekend, because they're afraid there may be violence.

For more information:

St. Pete for Peace

Dove World Outreach Center