Washington, April 23: The US Army has withdrawn an invitation to an evangelist to take part in a Pentagon prayer service, amid concern over his remarks attacking the Islamic faith.
The Reverend Franklin Graham, son of the famous US preacher Billy Graham, had described Islam as “evil.”
Graham had been asked to speak at Pentagon prayer day on May 6, an event attended by top officials, sometimes including the US defense secretary.
“Through the office of the Pentagon chaplain, the invitation to Rev. Graham was withdrawn today at the Army’s request,” the Defense Department said in a statement issued late Thursday.
“While Rev. Graham will not be taking part in the National Day of Prayer event at the Pentagon, the event will continue as scheduled under the administration of the office of the Pentagon Chaplain,” it said.
Graham spoke at a previous prayer service in 2003 but US military leaders took a second look this time after religious freedom and Muslim-American groups raised objections.
In 2001, Graham said: “I believe (Islam) is a very evil and wicked religion.”
US commanders have struggled to improve the military’s image abroad following two wars in Muslim countries and scandals over American abuse of prisoners and civilian casualties.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) praised the Pentagon’s move to cancel Graham’s invitation.
“We applaud this decision as a victory for common sense and good judgment,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Promoting one’s own religious beliefs is something to be defended and encouraged, but other faiths should not be attacked or misrepresented in the process.”
—Agencies