CNN iReport

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/23/2008) – The Council on

American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed Sen. John McCain’s decision to

reject Ohio pastor Rod Parsley’s endorsement of his presidential bid.

CAIR yesterday applauded Senator McCain’s repudiation of

Texas pastor John Hagee--who has made prejudiced comments about Muslims, Jews

and other Christians--and called on the presumptive Republican nominee to take

similar steps with Parsley.

SEE: CAIR Calls on McCain to Renounce Second Bigoted Pastor

http://crm.cair.com/site/R?i=k3DWMNOEfoAMhtG5kPWZeg..

SEE Also: Critics tie McCain, too, to extremist pastors

http://crm.cair.com/site/R?i=O6OOBijYnsk9uS5_FqwGdg..

Referring to Parsley’s anti-Muslim diatribes McCain

yesterday said, "I believe there is no place for that kind of dialogue in America,

and I believe that even though he endorsed me, and I didn't endorse him, the

fact is that I repudiate such talk, and I reject his endorsement."

SEE: McCain rejects pastor's endorsement (Associated Press)

http://crm.cair.com/site/R?i=Wu448Pc4AQH3UK_BJ79jQw..

Parsley, pastor of the World Harvest Church of Columbus,

Ohio has referred to Islam as an “anti-Christ religion” and has expressed

support for “seeing this false religion Islam destroyed.” He also described

Islam’s prophet Mohammed as "the mouthpiece of a conspiracy of spiritual

evil." McCain has previously praised Parsley, saying he is "one of

the truly great leaders in America,

a moral compass, a spiritual guide."

SEE: McCain’s ‘Spiritual Guide’ Wants America to

Destroy Islam

http://crm.cair.com/site/R?i=6oPHQH-JMm2AKuOw_bgY-A..

“Senator McCain’s decision to reject Parsley’s vile speech

put the pastor’s bigotry back on the political sideline where it belongs,” said

CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor. “This was the right thing to do. We

hope that McCain's principled stance against bigoted political speech sets an

example for others in this country to emulate."

CAIR, America's

largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide

and in Canada.

Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue,

protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that

promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor,

Tel: 202-384-8857, E-Mail: csaylor@cair.com; CAIR Strategic Communications

Director Ahmed Rehab, Tel: 202-870-0166, E-Mail: arehab@cair.com; CAIR

Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com