Rev. Franklin Graham Apologizes For Refusing to Say Obama Is a Christian

It's been a week since the Rev. Franklin Graham set off media mayhem over his refusal to admit that President Barack Obama is a Christian. As you may recall, he declined to say that Obama is, in his view, a believer during an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

But now, only one week later, the prominent faith leader has issued an apology over the incident saying that he regrets "any comments I have ever made which may have cast any doubt on the personal faith of our president, Mr. Obama."

Graham went on to clarify his reasons for not supporting the nation's top leader as a presidential candidate, while also offering him a direct "I'm sorry." Additionally, he made it clear that his main opposition to Obama centers upon his support for abortion and same-sex marriage.

(Related: Franklin Graham Explains Obama Comments As CNN Host Wonders if He‘s ’a Republican in Preacher‘s Clothing’)

"I apologize to him and to any I have offended for not better articulating my reason for not supporting him in this election -- for his faith has nothing to do with my consideration of him as a candidate," Graham said in the statement.

See Graham's original MSNBC comments, below:

In addition to making these comments, Graham also recognized Obama's self-declaration that he is, indeed, a Christian (read the apology in its entirety).

"The president has said he is a Christian and I accept that (and have said so publicly on many occasions)," he continued.

The statement was issued following a letter that was composed by various faith leaders associated with the NAACP.

(Related: See the Results of The Blaze Faith Poll)

"We were disturbed and disappointed by statements…that questioned whether President Obama is a Christian," the leaders wrote. "Rev. Graham also seemed to imply that the president may be a Muslim, despite the fact that the president has repeatedly expressed his faith and belief in Jesus Christ."

(H/T: NPR)