Terry Jones, Dove World Outreach Center Pastor, Defends Quran Burning On 'Hardball' (VIDEO)

Terry Jones, pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center, appeared on "Hardball" Thursday (Aug. 26) to defend his church's decision to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11.

"We have declared September the 11th 'International Burn a Quran Day' because we want to send a very clear message," Jones said.

"It is indeed a radical message but a very clear, radical message to Muslims, to Sharia law, that that is not welcome in America."

The "International Burn a Quran Day" is just the latest in a series of anti-Islamic protests that the Dove World Outreach Center holds each year to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"Hardball" host Chris Matthews, who called Jones' plans to burn the Islamic holy book "a terrible idea" and warned that it "could cause trouble and even death" when televised in Muslim countries, asked, "What do you think the reaction will be as this goes on international television? What will be the consequence?"

"We believe that this message will be received as it is intended, as a warning," Jones said.

WATCH:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy