McCain, who called for the United States to win the "hearts and minds of the Islamic world," sought the backing earlier in his campaign of Pastor Rod Parsley of the World Harvest Church of Columbus, Ohio, the report says.

McCain introduced Parsley at one rally as "one of the truly great leaders in America, a moral compass, a spiritual guide."

However, Parsley was quoted as describing Islam as "anti-Christ" and Mohammed as "the mouthpiece of a conspiracy of spiritual evil."

He was noted for similar statements in a book and in recorded sermons. His views and his connection to the McCain campaign are now reported showing up on Arab Web sites and in newspapers, ABC said.

McCain's campaign said in a statement that the senator "obviously strongly rejects such statements."