Jones and Sapp - Time to make a stand

It seems to me that the time has come for Christians to make a stand against those people who preach wickedness in the name of Christianity.

One of the reasons for people becoming antagonistic towards Christians and for many others to become radicalised can be found in the vitriolic and most wicked outpourings, and the actions, of men like Terry Jones and Wayne Sapp.

Terry Jones demonstrates the immensity of his madness when he spoke of the murders last night, saying that he was not responsible for them and that it was 'time for islam to held accountable', but let's let the man speak for himself:

"We must hold these countries and people accountable for what they have done as well as for any excuses they may use to promote their terrorist activities. The time has come to hold Islam accountable. Our United States government and our President must take a close, realistic look at the radical element Islam. Islam is not a religion of peace. We demand action from the United Nations. Muslim dominated countries can no longer be allowed to spread their hate against Christians and minorities.

Let's look at the facts here:

Jones and Sapp burnt a copy of the Koran.

This act led to the protest which resulted in the murder of UN workers and security staff.

In many other places, those who seek to radicalise will be using this as fuel for their wickedness.

The reality is that the murders yesterday are an effect and the cause is Jones and Sapp, along with those in Mazar-e Sharif, and they have the blood of innocents on their hands.

The reality is that these men have incited this violence and are effectively enemies of peace and sponsors of the very violence they seek so that their message might find favour with other vile and wicked people.

The reality is that by their actions the lives of good people have been lost and the Gospel of Christ has been denied.

Islam is not a 'religion of peace' - and Christianity is? Not the way Jones and Sapp act!

The British Home Secretary was right in banning Jones from entering the country and the international community, the Church worldwide and each of us also need to act.

We can voice our views at the Dove World outreach site: info@doveworld.org. (it will do nothing, but at least we can make a stand).

We can write to the US Embassy (24 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 1AE) asking where 'freedom of speech' ends and incitement to racial, religious and political hatred begins and asking when the US government will act against the latter exhibited by these two men. I don't want to see 'freedom of speech' curtailed, but I do want people to be held accountable for their acts. There have to be responsibilities with rights!

We can preach peace from your pulpits and ask how Christians would feel if it was the Bible being burned by Islamic believers. Would we murder or would we act as believers? Would we seek to pray for those who curse us or acts against them (knowing what Jesus calls us to do)?

Ultimately those who committed the murders are responsible for their acts, but Jones and Sapp need to be made to realise that they, by their acts, commissioned the violence and sponsored the resultant deaths.

Pax

ps. And as we pray for those who mourn today, please remember to pray for those in Afghanistan who are working for peace. Pray for the forces on the ground (especially in Kandahar where tensions are rising) and for their families at home.