NCCS deplores US pastor’s intention

to burn Koran

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF SINGAPORE (NCCS) joined Christians around the world last month in deploring the intention of Pastor Terry Jones of the United States to burn copies of the Koran.

In a statement issued on Sept 9 by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon and Mr Lim K Tham, President and General Secretary respectively, the NCCS said that the act would be both offensive and hurtful to Muslims around the world and in Singapore.

“Such an act would be unchristian and a departure from the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ who tells His followers to love their neighbours and pray for all, including those who hate them, and to live in peace with all.” 

Pastor Jones subsequently called off the plan to burn the Koran on Sept 11.

The NCCS statement said that provocative acts such as the burning of sacred texts of religious communities achieve nothing except to fan further hostility and violence.

It said: “The various religious communities in Singapore have worked hard to create harmony, and mutual respect and understanding. We should not let what happens elsewhere affect our friendship and peace.

“We hope all of us will work harder to overcome religious extremism and gross disrespect of religions in all their forms,” it added.

Following the NCCS statement, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) said it was heartened by the churches’ statement which deplored Pastor Jones’ planned act.

Muis said such words of clarity and assurance bear testimony to mutual respect between Christians and Muslims and the strong relations among all various faiths in Singapore.