Christian evangelist Franklin Graham recently announced the establishment of the Billy Graham Defense Fund during a sermon on his “God Loves You” tour in Glasgow, Scotland. Speaking to a crowd of over 7,500 individuals at the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow, Graham shared that the fund aims to advocate for religious freedom in the United Kingdom. The fund is partially funded by legal settlements awarded to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following legal battles. As the president and CEO of both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, organizations founded by his late father, Billy Graham, Franklin Graham pledged to use the funds from these legal victories to support other Christians who may face threats of censorship.
In 2020, Franklin Graham faced cancellations from every venue for his planned tour in the United Kingdom. Subsequently, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association filed lawsuits against the original tour venues, alleging religious discrimination. Fortunately, all legal disputes with the tour venues have now been resolved favorably, providing a sense of victory not only for the organization but also for Christians and churches across the UK. Graham expressed his desire for Christians in the UK to preach their faith fearlessly and without hesitation. The organization received approximately $650,000 from its legal battles in the UK, in addition to a separate lawsuit filed in 2018 after Franklin Graham’s ads were removed from buses in Blackpool, England.
Despite facing setbacks, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has persevered in its mission to promote religious freedom and spread the message of hope found in Jesus Christ. Through the establishment of the Billy Graham Defense Fund, Graham aims to empower Christians in the UK to share their faith boldly without fear of repercussions. The fund serves as a beacon of support for individuals seeking to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those in need of hope and salvation.
Graham’s recent tour stops in the UK, including Glasgow and Birmingham, attracted thousands of attendees eager to hear his message. The events, featuring musical performances and powerful preaching, provided a platform for Graham to share the message of salvation and hope in Christ. Working in collaboration with over 320 local churches, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association facilitated transportation for attendees, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life could access the events free of charge.
Themes of redemption, faith, and salvation resonated with event attendees, including pastors Alex and Charlotte Gillies of Victory Christian Centre in Glasgow. The couple emphasized the urgent need for spiritual renewal and restoration in Scotland, citing prevalent challenges such as depression, mental health issues, and financial struggles. They recognized the transformative power of the Gospel in addressing these societal issues and expressed gratitude for events like Graham’s tour, which provide hope and encouragement to pastors and churches striving to minister in challenging circumstances.
Looking ahead, Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association plan to return to the UK in 2025, with Graham set to preach in London. This future engagement underscores their enduring commitment to advancing religious liberty and sharing the transformative message of Jesus Christ with individuals across the UK. As Graham continues to advocate for freedom of religion and stand against cancel culture, the legacy of his father, Billy Graham, lives on through the impactful work of these organizations in spreading the love and hope of the Gospel.
