Sydney Church Uses ISIS-Inspired Poster As Evangelical Tool; Muslim Leaders Fears Rising Tensions

The St Columbia United Church in Sydney is trying to reach out to Christians by using the flag of ISIS. The church is only one among the several that displayed the poster of ISIS' flag. Outreach Media, the supplier of the church poster, said it was a "great tool for evangelism" and designed to "spark conversations," News.com.au reports. The poster of the month draws inspiration from the terrorist flag and features the message, "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."

The church minister declined to comment about the poster. The Web site of Outreach Media contained the description referring to the poster. The company wrote that Jesus "commands" Christians to find love in their hearts and pray for ISIS fighters. The message called on Christians to love ISIS just like Jesus did when he died at the cross.

People who passed by the church did not appear to be concerned or bother about the ISIS-inspired church poster. Jack, a resident of Woollahra, told news.com.au that the mixed messages about the terrorists were exhausting. He said it was an obvious promotion of Christianity. An elderly woman who happened to pass by remarked that she was not sure how she felt towards the poster but only said people should be able to try and understand those who chose to become enemies. The old woman believes Muslims are "beautiful people" individually and it was unfortunate how some are quick to persecute them because of ISIS.

Meanwhile, Muslim community leaders in Australia said sectarian tensions are escalating as more radicalised Sunni youth seek to expand the religious conflict affecting the Middle East. Jamal Daoud, a Shia community leader in Sydney told CNN that tensions will continue to rise after a 47-year-old Shia leader was shot in the shoulder last Nov. 3 while observing a ritual, CNN reports.

Daoud said Rasoul Al Mousawi has been released from the hospital after receiving treatment for his gunshot wound. He claimed the attack was an example of a series of threats and attacks against Shia Muslims. He believes there is high tension between Sunni and Shia but the extremists who are inspired by ISIS are threatening those who speak against fighting in Syria.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott told media that the influence of ISIS can be seen in the shooting incident in Sydney. He called on everyone to reject the death cult.