Contact: Peggy Neinaber, National Clergy Council, 202-546-8329 ext 104, 202-236-0953 mobile

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced Shank), president of the National Clergy Council in Washington, DC, this morning met with Pastor Terry Jones, the minister who had planned to burn a Koran on the grounds of his church, the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida.

Rev. Schenck traveled to Florida from Washington yesterday with the Reverend Patrick J. Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition. The two men had requested a private meeting with the pastor to urge him to make his suspension of the Koran burning plans permanent. The two were following directives given by Jesus Christ in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 18, where controversies between Christians are to be dealt with privately and in person.

Only Rev. Schenck was allowed inside to meet with the pastor because Rev. Mahoney was distracted by media interviews.

Following their 20-minute meeting that included a closing prayer, Rev. Schenck said:

"No one should underestimate Pastor Jones. He is a complex man with deep convictions and the courage to express them. He was congenial, warm, hospitable and receptive. I told him unequivocally that I disagreed with his plans to burn the Korans and encouraged him to stick with his decision not to proceed. I assured him thousands of people are praying for him and promised to help him in any way I could to achieve what he needs to permanently cancel any Koran burnings. He indicated that was his desire."

Rev. Schenck is available for further comment. To arrange interviews call Peggy Neinaber of the National Clergy Council at office, 202-546-8329, ext 104 or mobile 202-236-0953.