The Perry campaign sought to put some distance between Mr. Perry and Mr. Jeffress, stating that the governor “does not believe Mormonism is a cult” and that Mr. Jeffress was chosen to speak by the organizers of the event, the Values Voter Summit, which was put on by the Family Research Council, the American Family Association and other evangelical Christian groups.

But in a statement, the Family Research Council president, Tony Perkins, said the Perry campaign had approved using Mr. Jeffress to introduce the governor. “Pastor Jeffress was suggested to us as a possible introductory speaker because he serves as pastor of one of the largest churches in Texas,” Mr. Perkins said. “We sent the request to the Perry campaign which then signed off on the request.”

Image From top, Herman Cain, former Senator Rick Santorum and the House majority leader, Eric Cantor, at the Values Voter Summit on Friday. Credit... Top and center, Stephen Crowley/The New York Times; bottom, Alex Wong/Getty Images

Aides to Mr. Perry did not respond to a number of questions, including whether he was aware of Mr. Jeffress’s record of calling the Mormon Church a “cult” and denying Mr. Romney’s Christianity; whether he has ever talked with Mr. Jeffress about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and the nature of their relationship.

Mr. Perry did not bring up religion on Friday night as he addressed a Republican dinner in Iowa. Asked by a reporter whether he believed the Mormon faith was a cult, Mr. Perry said, “No.” Asked whether he repudiated the remarks of the pastor, he said, “I’ve already answered your question.”