A watchdog group objected Tuesday to an evangelist’s invitation to speak at the Pentagon next month, saying his past description of Islam as “evil” offended Muslims who work for the Department of Defense and the appearance should be canceled.

After the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Graham said Islam “is a very evil and wicked religion.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Evangelist Franklin Graham plans to travel to Sudan at the invitation of its Muslim government, which he has criticized for military actions against predominantly southern, Christian rebels.

The State (South Carolina), June 26, 2002 (Opinion)

Clergyman Has Called Islam 'Evil'