The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed Senator John McCain’s rejection of bigoted Texas pastor John Hagee’s endorsement, and called on the US presidential candidate to unequivocally distance himself from Ohio pastor Rod Parsley. Parsley, pastor of the World Harvest Church, has similarly supported McCain’s campaign, as he praised the pastor saying he is one of the truly great leaders in America, a moral compass, and a spiritual guide. Parsley has referred to Islam as an anti-Christ religion and expressed his support for seeing this false religion destroyed. McCain has not denounced Parsley’s comments or stance, nor rejected his endorsement. CAIR issued a statement saying: “In the interest of best positioning any future administration to defeat the narrative of anti-American extremists, we call on Senator McCain to unequivocally distance himself from Pastor Rod Parsley.”
