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Church group burns Potter books

The Rev. Jack Brock and his wife toss
The Rev. Jack Brock and his wife toss "Harry Potter" books into the "holy fire" following his sermon.  


ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico (AP) -- As hundreds protested nearby, a church group on Sunday burned Harry Potter and other books.

Jack Brock, founder and pastor of the Christ Community Church, said the books burned were "a masterpiece of satanic deception."

"These books teach children how they can get into witchcraft and become a witch, wizard or warlock," Brock said. Members sang "Amazing Grace" as they threw Potter books, plus some other books and magazines, into the fire.

Across the street, protesters chanting "Stop burning books" stretched in a line a quarter of a mile long.

"It may be useless but we want (the church) to know the community is not behind them," said Joann Booth, who protested with her four grandchildren. One protester dressed up as Adolf Hitler.

Brock told the congregation that he viewed the attention the church received as a blessing.

"There are those that are doing their best to make us look bad." Brock said. "But because of this, I've been able to preach the gospel around the world."

A letter to the Alamogordo Daily News inviting the community to attend the fire sparked debate in the town of 36,000. On Tuesday, protesters held signs reading "Book burning? Shame on our town" in front of the public library. Inside was a display highlighting the books.

Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.




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RELATED SITES:
Christ Community Church
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" film site
"Harry Potter" books from Bloomsbury

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