The group behind an upcoming religious revival in Charlotte is apologizing for how it used Governor Pat McCrory in a full-page advertisement. The group, called The Response, says it wrongly gave the impression that McCrory was leading the call for prayer.
The ad in the Charlotte Observer reads, "Our nation is in crisis." It lists violence, abortion, racism, and asks, "What can we do to take our nation back?"
The ad includes a smiling photo of Governor Pat McCrory and right next to his image, "Come join me."
Doug Stringer is a pastor from Houston with The Response, which is putting on the revival.
"I did not see that ad before it went out," he says. "I heard about it and we're immediately making changes on that and totally understand why the governor's office has said look, we didn't approve that, and we agree."
Stringer is apologizing for the ad. He also says organizers are planning to change wording on their website that says McCrory "is the person calling for the prayer meeting."
"He is not the one that's called for this," Stringer says. "What happened is some churches and some leaders in the state of North Carolina who have been to previous (revivals) approached the governor's office and asked if he would participate and maybe pray, or at least attend."
A McCrory spokesman says the governor still plans to attend the event September 26 at the Charlotte Convention Center. He'll talk about underage drinking and substance abuse.
Stringer says The Response plans to run another ad that's more accurate.