- MEDIA ADVISORY -

CAIR, Fla. Muslims to Offer 'Spiritual Response' to Quran Burnings

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/9/2010) -- On Friday, September 10, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) National Executive Director Nihad Awad will join local Muslim leaders at a news conference in a Gainesville, Fla., mosque to offer a "spiritual response" to an extremist church's plan to burn copies of the Quran, Islam's holy text, on Saturday. [BREAKING UPDATE: It is now unclear whether the planned Quran burnings will go forward. “It is our sincere hope that Pastor Jones will stick to his earlier decision to cancel the Quran burning event,” said Awad.]

The news conference will follow regularly-scheduled Friday congregational prayers (Jummah). CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor will also take part in the news conference.

WHAT: Muslims Offer Spiritual Response to Quran Burnings
WHEN: Friday, September 10, 2010, 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Hoda Islamic Center, 5220 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL
CONTACT: CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor, Tel: 202-384-8857, E-Mail:csaylor@cair.com;

Earlier today, CAIR launched a major educational initiative, called "Learn, Don't Burn," that will seek to distribute 200,000 copies of the Quran to replace the 200 books that the Florida church plans to burn. The Qurans will be sponsored and distributed through CAIR's ongoing "Explore the Quran" campaign.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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