Backing Romney, Graham alters stance on Mormons

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association removed language labeling Mormonism a cult from its website after the famed preacher met with Republican nominee Mitt Romney and pledged to help his presidential campaign.

The removal came after a gay rights group reported that the “cult” reference remained online even after Graham all but endorsed Romney, a Mormon, on October 11.

Ken Barun, the BGEA’s chief of staff, confirmed the removal on October 16. “Our primary focus at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has always been promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Barun said in a statement. “We removed the information from the website because we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign.”