Pro-Israel evangelical preacher John Hagee has backed Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain, boosting his standing among religious conservatives who are worried about his stand on social issues. Hagee has been a consistent backer of Israel, where he foresees a bloody war prior to a Christian redemption. His Texas church has 19,000 members.

"I'm very honored by Pastor John Hagee's endorsement today," Sen. McCain said at a news conference. "He has been the staunchest leader of our Christian evangelical movement in many areas, but especially, most especially, his close ties and advocacy for the freedom and independence of the state of Israel."

McCain is the front-running candidate for the Republican nomination, leading Baptist preacher and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.