Koran-burning pastor back in Michigan

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DEARBORN, Mich., June 17 (UPI) -- Terry Jones, Florida's Koran-burning pastor, returned Friday to heavily Muslim Dearborn, Mich., wearing a bulletproof vest.

Jones was confronted outside City Hall by about 15 protesters from the group By Any Means Necessary, chanting "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Terry Jones has got to go" and carrying signs saying, "Honk against anti-Muslim Bigotry," The Detroit News reported.

Officers in riot gear stood nearby.

Jones says he will hold a "Saving America Rally" outside City Hall but not burn the Muslim holy book this time, as he did in Florida in March.

He also plans to visit Dearborn's annual Arab International Festival, accompanied by missionaries trying to convert Muslims to Christianity.

"We're not letting it affect our plans," said Fay Beydoun of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the large event.

A Detroit federal judge this week let Christian evangelists work the sidewalks despite the city's efforts to stop them.

An appearance by Jones in Dearborn April 29 nearly led to violence.

Mayor Jack O'Reilly Jr. sent a letter this week to residents denouncing Jones, the Detroit Free Press reported.

He said Jones and his supporters "are coming here to promote the concept that Islam is a false faith and that Muslims by teaching and nature are violent. We know that there is no substance to their message -- their goal is to promote fear and hatred in others."