On the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the pastor of a small Florida church plans to protest Islam by setting 200 Muslim holy books on fire.

During this so-called “International Burn a Quran Day,” he hopes to convey that the Quran incites radical, violent behavior among Muslims.

But hate breeds hate.

And this senseless act will only add to the nationwide anti-Muslim sentiment on this anniversary. Setting flames to the word of Allah will provoke radical, violent behavior against Muslims and American troops.

In response to the proposed burning and the growing Muslim intolerance, the Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirkland will host an interfaith reading of the Quran at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11.

Members of Kirkland’s Ithna-asheri Muslim Association of the Northwest (IMAN Center) will present Quran readings in Arabic and English. Rev. Marian Stewart of Northlake will lead the service, which will also honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

We commend Northlake and IMAN for working together to bring awareness and respect for all religious beliefs. All are welcome at this interfaith gathering. The church is located at 308 Fourth Ave. South in Kirkland. For information, call 425-822-0171.