In front of the Dove World Outreach Center, a church in Gainesville, more than 100 people lined the street. The sign on the lawn of the church states, "Islam is of the Devil." In response Pastor Eve MacMaster of the Emmanuel Mennonite Church organized a prayer vigil. This sparked the interest of many other people who have no affiliation with the church.
"Pretty much we want to raise awareness to the community that this kind of stuff can't be going on. We want to embrace all cultures, all religions, all people with open arms." Pastor MacMaster says the idea for the vigil came to her after she heard of a Muslim woman who was brought to tears when she saw the sign. She wanted members of her church to stand together in peaceful prayer to show not all Christians support the sign's message.
"But I'm also feeling sorry that people who don't know the church, think that is representative of the Christian church. Which it is not." Although no one from the Dove Outreach Center was able to be reached during the protest, Dr. Terry Jones explained why the sign is there earlier this week.
"We just use Islam because at this time they are making great inroads in America, and they are trying to present themselves as a religion of peace."
ANOTHER PROTEST IS PLANNED FOR THURSDAY MORNING BEGINNING AT 10:00.