The U.S. Army has disinvited evangelist Franklin Graham from participating in its special service for the National Day of Prayer. Graham was scheduled to give a speech but the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a watchdog group against religious favoritism in the military, objected to Graham’s speech due to some remarks he made about Islam.

After 9/11, Graham called Islam “evil.” Later on, he wrote a Wall Street Journal op-ed that elaborated on his views, saying he wanted to “decry the evil that has been done in the name of Islam,” including mistreatment of women and persecution of non-Christians. Mikey Weinstein, the president of MRFF, said inviting Graham ‘would be like bringing someone in on national prayer day madly denigrating Christianity.’

This week on Fox and Friends, Graham said, “I love Muslim people…. I want Muslims everywhere to know… that Christ can come into their heart and change them…. They don’t have to die in a car bomb… to be accepted by God…. They can be free through faith in Jesus Christ and Christ alone.”

He issued a statement saying he regretted the Army’s decision: “I want to express my strong support for the United States military and all our troops. I will continue to pray that God will give them guidance, wisdom and protection as they serve this great country.”

Sarah Palin followed up with a note defending Graham: “Are we really so hyper-politically correct that we can’t abide a Christian minister who expresses his views on matters of faith? What a shame. Yes, thing have changed.”