A small Florida congregation known for its vehement anti-Islamic and anti-gay positions
Founding and Early Years
The Dove World Outreach Center was established in 1985 by Dr. Donald O. Northrup and his wife Dolores in Gainesville, Florida. Initially, the church operated as a modest religious organization, describing itself as a “total concept church” dedicated to serving all. Its primary focus was on spreading Christian teachings and providing community support.
Following Northrup’s death in 1996, the church underwent a significant transformation. In 2001, Terry Jones, a long-time associate of Northrup, assumed leadership of the congregation. Jones, born in 1951 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, had previously worked as a missionary in Europe. His leadership would mark a dramatic shift in the church’s direction and public image.
Controversial Leadership and Activities
Under Terry Jones’ guidance, the Dove World Outreach Center adopted a more radical stance, particularly in its views towards Islam and other religions. The church’s new motto, “Islam is of the Devil,” was prominently displayed on signs, T-shirts, and even on the church property. This aggressive approach sparked outrage and protests from local and international communities.
The church’s anti-Islam activities gained significant media attention. In 2009, they posted a lawn sign stating “Islam is of the Devil,” which also became the title of a book published by Jones. This message was further propagated when children of church members attended public schools wearing T-shirts with the same phrase, leading to a legal challenge regarding the school’s dress code policy.
In addition to its anti-Islamic campaigns, the Dove World Outreach Center engaged in various other controversial activities. The church frequently protested against LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and other social issues, often using inflammatory rhetoric. In March 2010, the church notably protested against the possibility of an openly gay mayor in Gainesville, displaying a lawn sign reading “No Homo Mayor,” which was later changed to “No Homo” following complaints.
The “International Burn a Koran Day” Controversy
The most notorious event associated with the Dove World Outreach Center was the 2010 “International Burn a Koran Day.” Planned to coincide with the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the event was met with widespread international condemnation. High-profile figures, including U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, criticized the plan, highlighting its potential to endanger American troops and increase recruitment for extremist groups.
Despite the global outcry, Terry Jones initially remained adamant about proceeding with the Quran burning. However, he eventually canceled the event, claiming a promise to move the Park51 Islamic community center in New York in exchange for calling off the burning – a claim that was later denied by the involved parties.
Despite the cancellation of the initial event, Jones and his congregation continued to engage in Quran burnings. In March 2011, Jones supervised the burning of a Quran, which led to violent protests in Afghanistan, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. These actions strained international relations and raised questions about the limits of free speech and religious tolerance.
Legal Challenges and Public Safety Concerns
The church’s activities often resulted in legal challenges and conflicts with local authorities. Jones’ actions, particularly the Quran burnings, prompted severe backlash, including threats to his safety. Groups like Hezbollah announced bounties on his head, reflecting the extent of anger and opposition to his activities.
In 2011, Jones was briefly jailed in Dearborn, Michigan, for refusing to pay a peace bond before a planned protest outside a mosque. The following year, he was fined by German authorities for violating an order prohibiting him from entering the country due to concerns about public safety.
Decline and Relocation
The Dove World Outreach Center faced financial difficulties following their controversial activities. The church’s bank demanded immediate repayment of its mortgage loan, and their property insurance was canceled. In 2013, it was reported that the church would relocate to the Tampa Bay area, specifically to Bradenton, Florida.
The move came after the church’s Gainesville property was foreclosed upon due to financial difficulties. Despite the relocation, Jones continued to make headlines with his inflammatory actions and statements, although on a smaller scale.
Throughout its existence, the Dove World Outreach Center’s membership remained small, with reports suggesting that it never exceeded more than 50 regular attendees. Despite its limited size, the church managed to generate significant controversy through its activities and public statements.
image via San Diego Union Tribune
