CENTRAL FLORIDA — A Central Florida man has become a peace-keeper in an international religious controversy. A Muslim leader from Central Florida, Muhammad Musri, met face-to-face with the Florida pastor who has promised to burn the Quran on 9/11.
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"I think he is a man of God, who at the end of the day will do the right thing," said Musri.
But so far, the burning of of Muslim holy books is still scheduled for September 11, even though world leaders say it could spark international violence.
The burning is supposed to happen outside Dr. Terry Jones' church in Gainesville, with a congregation of 50 people.
A meeting with a Muslim leader is a big step in the debate. It is significant, but it has not diminished the tension or anticipation.
Journalists from Paris to the Middle East are focused on the tiny church, watching and waiting. The field outside the 50-person Gainesville church will be the humble stage for a global confrontation Saturday; the burning of some 200 Qurans.
It's an act many are warning against, including Musri, who is the president of Central Florida's Islamic Society, and traveled to Gainesville Wednesday.
Musri says he sees hope.
"I think the pastor, as a Christian, will follow the footsteps of Christ and will do the right thing," he said.
However, that optimism marks a stark contrast to the words of Dove World Outreach Center Pastor Terry Jones, who stood firm on his decision Wednesday.
"At this time we have no intention of cancelling," Pastor Jones said in a press conference.
Jones believes the Quran is an evil book, and sees his bonfire as way to avenge the 9/11 attacks.
Some, however, believe he is wavering because of his use of the word, "possibly" during the press conference.
"It is possibly time for us in a new way to actually stand up, confront terrorism," Jones stated.
WFTV set out to uncover more about Jones, the doctorate he claims to have and his reputation from decades in Germany. But Pastor Jones refused to release any information to WFTV.
"What do you say to people who are of the Christian faith and don't believe in what you're doing?" WFTV reporter George Spencer asked Jones.
"I don't mean to be rude, but did you somehow not understand my English?"Jones replied.
Other local pastors say Jones is a mystery to them.
"Quite honestly, nobody had much heard of Terry Jones before about a year or so ago," said John Fairless First Baptist Church, Gainesville.
That was when Jones' congregation put out signs saying, "Islam is of the devil," only a year after he got to the town.
The Quran burning event has sparked outrage, not only across the country, but around the world. The pope denounced the plan as "outrageous and grave."
Top Iranian cleric, Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi-Golpaygani said, "I along with 1.5 billion Muslims condemn this brutal and savage spirit, I warn about its consequences."
Top Obama administration officials have also spoken out against the act.