Political and religious leaders are condemning plans for the head of a small U.S. church to burn Qurans on Saturday to protest against violent Islamic extremists. The church's leader Pastor Terry Jones of a small church in Gainesville, Florida, says they will conduct the event despite critics who fear it will inflame religious tensions around the world. Pastor Terry Jones view Pastor Jones said he is determined to go ahead because this is a very important message to radical Islam, whom he considers "the enemy." He said it has a growing influence around the world and cannot do (in the U.S.) what it appears to be doing in Europe. "They appear to begin, as they grow in numbers, to push their agenda, to push real law," said Jones. "What we are saying to them is that if they are in America they need to respect, honor and obey our constitution and not slowly try to push their agenda upon us." Pastor Jones said he has received more than 100 death threats and has started wearing a 40-caliber pistol strapped to his hip since announcing his plan to burn the book Muslims consider the word of God. The 58-year-old minister proclaimed in July that he would stage "International Burn-a-Quran Day." The church's leader, Pastor Terry Jones, says the burning of the Quran sends a message to violent Islamic extremists like al-Qaida, which carried out the attacks against the United States. "Our burning of the Quran is to call to attention that something's wrong. Something is wrong. It is possibly time for us in a new way to actually stand up, confront terrorism," he said. The Vatican has Condemns the plan as "outrageous and grave." The Vatican office responsible for relations with Islam issued a stern statement saying every religion has the right to respect and protect its sacred books, places of worship and symbols. Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue "Can’t be counteracted by an outrageous and grave gesture against a book considered sacred by a religious community." World Leaders on “Burning Quran” Issue Barack Obama- US president “…..this could increase the recruitment of individuals who would be willing to blow themselves up in American cities or European cities…….If he's (Pastor) listening, I hope he understands that what he's proposing to do is completely contrary to our values as Americans…… and as a very practical matter, I just want him [Pastor Jones] to understand that this stunt could greatly endanger our young men and women who are in uniform.” Sarah Palin- US presidential hopeful Writing on her Facebook page she said: "People have a constitutional right to burn a Koran if they want to, but doing so is insensitive and an unnecessary provocation – much like building a mosque at Ground Zero." Hillary Clinton- Secretary of State, USA “……..planned event goes against a long history of religious tolerance in the United States. ….. it also sends the wrong message about the country's relationship with Muslims in America and elsewhere. …… "It is regrettable that a pastor in Gainesville, Florida, with a church of no more than 50 people, can make this outrageous and distressful, disgraceful plan and get the world's attention. But that's the world we live in right now. I mean, it doesn't in any way represent America or Americans or American government, or American religious or political leadership," U.S. military officials “…… it might inflame tensions and lead to new attacks on U.S. forces in Afghanistan”. Robert Gibbs -White House spokesperson "Any type of activity like that that puts our troops in harm's way would be a concern to this administration," P.J. Crowley- State Department spokesperson “…the administration hoped Americans would stand up and condemn the church's plan…… we think that these are provocative acts ……we would like to see more Americans stand up and say that this is inconsistent with our American values; in fact, these actions themselves are un-American." Joint statement -US religious leaders “…this had been whipped up in part by "misinformation and outright bigotry" in response to plans to build an Islamic community centre and mosque close to the site of the 9/11 attacks in New York”. Ban Ki-moon- Secretary-General, United Nations “…….disturbed by the actions of the Dove World Outreach Center. ….. damage U.N. efforts to help communities overcome religious divisions around the world”. David Cameron, Prime Minister UK Spokesman said earlier that the prime minister strongly opposed any attempt to offend members of a religious group. Tony Blair- Britain's former prime minister "Rather than burn the Koran, I would encourage people to read it". Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono-President Indonesia “…images of the Qur'an in flames could "threaten world peace". Manouchehr Mottaki- Foreign Minister Iran “…..the burning would "face” reactions by the world's Muslims as well as followers of other religions". The foreign ministries of Pakistan and Bahrain "shameful act which is incompatible with the principles of tolerance and co-existence". India's Home Office has asked its country's media to exercise restraint in reporting on the planned burning. Global Protest Indonesia On Saturday thousands of Indonesian Muslims demonstrated outside the US embassy in Jakarta and in five other cities to protest against the church's plan. Afghanistan Hundreds of Afghans protested outside a Kabul mosque and chanted "Death to America". Pakistan About 200 people marched and burned a U.S. flag in the central Pakistani city of Multan. Latest Update Since tomorrow is Friday –Muslims holiest day of the week, on top of their largest religious festival “Eid”; massive demonstration is likely in Muslim countries. Where we are heading……at point of no return?