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Tony Blair condemns Pastor Terry Jones proposal as deplorable, disrespectful and wrong

Tony Blair, founder and patron of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation – which aims to promote respect and understanding about the world's major religions and show how faith can be  a powerful force for good in the modern world – said the proposed burning of the Koran by Pastor Terry Jones would be “widely condemned by people of all faiths and none.”

Tony Blair said: “I deplore the act of burning the Koran. It is disrespectful, wrong and will be widely condemned by people of all faiths and none. In no way does this represent the view of any sensible person in the West or any other part of the world.

“Those who wish to cause religious conflict are small in number but often manage to dominate the headlines. You do not have to be a Muslim to share a sense of deep concern at such a disrespectful way to treat the Holy Book of Islam.

“Rather than burn the Koran, I would encourage people to read it. The work I do through the Tony Blair Faith Foundation shows how each of us can have our lives enriched immensely through learning more about each other’s beliefs – and we can learn much, even where we remain in disagreement with each other.

“Some people fear that engaging with those of another religion will water down their own faith. On the contrary: most people find that multi-faith encounters help them delve deeper into their own faith commitments. As a Christian, I stand alongside those of every religion and none to urge Pastor Terry Jones to call off his planned demonstration.”