Gov. Rick Perry is an evangelical Christian, and Mitt Romney is Mormon. That's a problem for one Dallas pastor and Perry supporter.
The issue bubbled up in Washington, D.C., at the Values Voter Summit, where Perry was speaking to a packed house of evangelical Christians.
The Rev. Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas, endorsed Perry at the event for being a "genuine follower of Jesus Christ" and then promptly trashed Romney's religion.
In an interview with reporters (see the video here), Jeffress said he believes Mormonism is a cult and that Romney won't energize evangelical voters.
Perry campaign spokesman Mark Miner told reporters that the governor doesn't believe Mormonism is a cult.
Mormon leaders commented on the controversy, telling ABC News: "We really don't want to comment on a statement made at a political event but those who want to understand the centrality of Christ to our faith can learn more about us and what we believe by going to mormon.org."
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