Thaindian News

New York, Sept.6 (ANI): A Florida pastor, Bill Keller, has come to New York and criticized Muslims, Mormons, Hindus, pro-choice supporters gays.

He also used the occasion of his visit to slam the proposal to build an Islamic mosque and convention center near Ground Zero, and wants to build a Christian center to rival it, Fox News reports.

“Muslims are going to hell, we need to save them,” said Keller to a crowd of about 40 people at the New York Marriott Downtown, which overlooks Ground Zero.

Keller said that he is raising funds to create a permanent 9/11 Christian Center to counter what he calls the “victory mosque,” a few blocks from the site.

He asked: “Islam is not and has never been a religion of peace. How could you build bridges with people who ask their Muslim brothers to fly a plane into the Twin Towers and killed thousands of innocent people?”

“All we’re trying to do is teach people the only truth there is. Forty years ago, no one would call me controversial,” he said.

Many of those gathered to hear Keller speak came from out of town, but there were some New Yorkers in attendance.

“Without God I wouldn’t have been able to get through 9/11,” said Vincent Foras, a volunteer firefighter from Queens.

There were also a pair of protesters who slipped into the meeting who laughed loudly as Keller began his sermon.

Keller responded by saying, “Jesus loves you,” and “We will pray for you,” as the protestors were escorted out. (ANI)