Reaction to Quran burning plan

APPLETON - Nadeem Siddiqui got word of Pastor Terry Jones' plan to burn the Quran two months ago. As a Muslim in Northeast Wisconsin he didn't feel outrage he felt compassion, believing the Florida minister was not fully informed about the Muslim community.

"It is our responsibility to teach this priest," explained Siddiqui. "He may misunderstand something."

Siddiqui took the time, like many Muslims he imagines, to write Jones by e-mail to offer his insight and answer any questions about the Quran, and dispel any suggestion the book has any connection to the 9-11 attacks.

"This is not the way to solve any problems. Evil does not solve evil," said Siddiqui.

Siddiqui never heard back from Jones.

While he believes the Quran is the true word of God, he respects the beliefs of others. So does Eric Hansen, a pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in De Pere.

"It's good to be informed I wanted to be able to speak about it in my Bible studies," said Hansen.

Hansen has his own copy of the Quran so he can preach with understanding. He's worried about the negative repercussions of Jones plans to do.

"It's completely against what Jesus said, teach the truth and love and that's not what he's doing," said Hansen.

Word of the burning has spread like wild fire. Those we caught up with on the streets of Appleton expressed concern.

"It's obviously intolerant they're doing it precisely to offend those practicing Muslims," said John Erdevig of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

"He may have the right but sometimes you have to look at the sensitivity of the issue," said Charles Washington of Appleton.

"You have to go sit with that person, you can't just say you're evil," said Siddiqui.

Siddiqui holds out hope of better understanding by Jones and others not familiar with the Muslim teachings. He says destroying the Quran will not destroy the truth.