Matthew 10:33
"But he that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven."
That said, in the arms of safety, I'm more repulsed that Centanni said he has "the highest respect for Islam". I can accept that none of us are really quite sure how we would react in the same circumstance. We could say, "oh yes, I would gladly have my head sawed off slowly for Christ," but really, at least I don't know if I could do it. Like you said, even Peter failed in the clutch, but his response was not to praise the Pharisees and Scribes. He repented and re-doubled his dedication to Christ. Time will tell, but I hope these guys come to their senses and realize the gravity of what they did...
I'd rather be dead than have to live the rest of my life with the knowledge of my betrayal.