Police were called to reports of a suspicious package at St Peter and St Paul's in Chingford on Monday evening but officers later realised it was simply a Good News Bible wrapped in a tea towel.
Believing the incident was a hoax caused by someone with a mental health issue, Fr Andy Trenier, said: "We're a growing urban parish church and we're trying to get the churchyard open and the building open as much as possible.
"In my view, that's the absolute best way to tackle this kind of thing; keep open, busy and get on with our business of proclaiming the Gospel."
The parcel was accompanied by a threatening handwritten note, which read: "Please do not read unless you are an expert on the Qu'ran. Very seriously dangerous."
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to the church on The Green at 9.10pm to a package which was subsequently found "not to be suspicious."
Police called last night to investigate suspect package at church- a harmless hoax. Police- very professional. We pray for the perpetrator.
— Chingford Parish (@chingfordparish) September 27, 2016
Fr Andy added: "Any urban vicar or church leader will tell you, you get, reasonably often, people leaving notes, writing letter or putting strange things through your doors.
"It's often people with mental health problems projecting things on the most visible institution in a particular place where you are. It's not completely unusual."
Click here to listen to Fr Andy speaking with Premier's Alex Williams: