Burning of ‘Potter’ books draws hundreds

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — Claiming that behind the bespectacled face of Harry Potter is “the power of satanic darkness,” a New Mexico pastor led a public book burning Dec. 30. Jack Brock, pastor of the Christ Community Church in Alamogordo, drew hundreds of supporters and protesters to the after-service burning.

Church members sang “Amazing Grace” as they tossed dozens of Harry Potter books and other works they consider spiritually harmful into the flames. The burning, which had been advertised in Alamogordo the previous week, also attracted hundreds of Potter-loving protesters who chanted “Stop burning books” from across the street.