ATLANTA (AP) — Religious groups have rallied to support former Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran, however Mayor Kasim Reed says his termination was based on his judgment and not anti-gay statements in his self-published religious book.

Mayor Kasim Reed suspended then fired Cochran after learning of his self-published book in which he described homosexuality as a perversion.

Reed said in a statement Tuesday that an investigative report shows Cochran didn't have clearance to publish the book he gave to several subordinates at work.

Cochran has said he did get approval from city officials to publish the book. His termination has led to outcry from several local and national groups, including the Washington-based Family Research Council and the Georgia-based Faith and Freedom Coalition.

Reed says he and Cochran are both men of faith.