Fuming pastor plans public burning of 'Harry Potter' works

ALAMOGORDO - A church pastor who condemns the "Harry Potter" fiction series as evil plans to hold a book burning on Sunday, Dec. 30, to destroy the works about the young wizard.

"'Harry Potter' is nothing but witchcraft," said Jack Brock, pastor of Christ Community Church in Alamogordo. "It's evil hidden behind the face of an innocent boy with little glasses."

Brock said he finds the books, written by British author J.K. Rowling, offensive for several reasons.

"The simple part is the story takes place in Hogwarts Boarding School," he said. "All the teachers are witches and wizards, and they teach witchcraft.

"If we hired someone who was into witchcraft or teaching witchcraft at (Christ Community Church) school, no one would come," he said.
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Brock said that other items, such as pornography and heavy metal records that "exalt Satan" will go into the fire with the "Harry Potter" books.

Earlier this year, similar book burnings were held in other areas of the country, such as Butler, Pa., and Aiken, S.C.

Some school districts have been asked to ban the books from classroom reading. In New Mexico, Carlsbad Municipal Schools agreed to no longer teach the books in class after some parents said the works desensitize children to witchcraft with their lighthearted tone. Students can still read the books independently.
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Brock said he couldn't recall hearing any actual reports of children engaging in harmful practices as a result of reading the series. And he admitted he has not read any of the books or seen the movie. But he said the books could inspire children to learn about real witchcraft practices such as Wicca, which he calls an "abomination."

Jim Preston, director of the Alamogordo Public Library, disagreed with Brock's analysis of the "Harry Potter" books, but defended Brock's right to free expression.
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Brock said he was not concerned with any public image the book burning might give himself or the congregation.

"The problem with most churches today is that nothing is said because they'll get people upset. This will get them thinking," he said.
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