Franklin Graham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franklin Graham
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
William Franklin Graham III
July 14, 1952 |
| Education | LeTourneau University Montreat College (AS) Appalachian State University (BA) |
| Occupation | Christian evangelist |
| Political party | Republican (before 2015) Independent (2015–present) |
| Spouse(s) |
Jane Cunningham
(m. 1974) |
| Children | 4, including Will |
| Parent(s) | Billy Graham Ruth Graham |
| Relatives | L. Nelson Bell (grandfather), Gigi Graham (sister), Anne Graham Lotz (sister) |
William Franklin Graham III (born July 14, 1952) is an American evangelist and missionary. He is a leader in the evangelical Christian movement. Franklin Graham often travels for Christian revival events. He also shares his thoughts on political topics.
He is the son of the famous evangelist Billy Graham. Franklin Graham is the president and CEO of two important organizations: the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan's Purse. Samaritan's Purse is a group that provides help to people around the world. Graham became a Christian in 1974 and was ordained as a minister in 1982. Since then, he has become a well-known public speaker and author.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Franklin Graham III was born in Asheville, North Carolina, on July 14, 1952. His parents were evangelist Billy Graham and Ruth Graham. He was the fourth of their five children.
As a teenager, Graham went to The Stony Brook School. This was a Christian private school in Long Island, New York. He later finished high school in North Carolina. In 1970, Graham attended LeTourneau College in Longview, Texas.
In 1973, Graham joined Bob Pierce, who started Samaritan's Purse. They went on a six-week mission trip to Asia. During this trip, Graham decided he wanted to help people around the world. In 1974, he graduated from Montreat-Anderson College, now called Montreat College. That same year, he had a spiritual experience while on a trip to Jerusalem. In 1978, he earned his bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University. He became an ordained minister in 1982.
Ministerial Career
.jpg)
In 1979, after Bob Pierce passed away, Franklin Graham became the president of Samaritan's Purse. This organization helps people in need worldwide.
In 1995, Franklin Graham became the vice-president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). This organization was founded by his father. In 2000, Franklin Graham became the CEO of the BGEA. His father, Billy Graham, retired from his main ministry roles. In 2001, Franklin Graham took over as President of the BGEA.
His Views on Politics
Franklin Graham often shares his opinions on political leaders and events.
Support for Donald Trump
In 2011, Graham said he preferred Donald Trump as a candidate for president. In 2012, he said that Rick Santorum was the candidate whose actions best matched Christian values. He also said that most Protestants do not see Mormonism as a Christian faith.
After Donald Trump won the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Graham said that he believed God had played a role in Trump's victory. He wrote on Facebook that many people in the media were surprised by the election results. He felt they did not understand the "God-factor." At Trump's inauguration in 2017, Graham read a passage from the Bible. It called for prayers for all people, including leaders.
Graham became a strong supporter of Donald Trump during his presidency. In 2020, Graham wrote on Facebook that President Trump would be remembered as one of the nation's great presidents. He said Trump brought peace and prosperity to many people.
North Carolina Amendment 1
Graham supported North Carolina Amendment 1. This was a vote in 2012 that made it illegal for same-sex couples to marry in North Carolina. Graham said that President Obama's support for same-sex marriage saddened him.
Views on Foreign Policy
Graham supported the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. He also spoke out against charging Sudan's president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, with crimes. Graham believed that charging him would harm a peace agreement.
Support for Ukraine
Franklin Graham visited Ukraine in March 2022. This was right after the full-scale Russian invasion. He held an Easter Sunday sermon from Ukraine. He asked both Russian and Ukrainian leaders for a ceasefire during the Easter holiday.
In March 2022, Samaritan's Purse set up an Emergency Field Hospital in Lviv, Ukraine. This hospital provided medical care during the war. Franklin Graham visited the teams working at the hospital. Samaritan's Purse has been helping in Ukraine since 2014. After the 2022 invasion, they delivered food, water, warm clothes, and medical aid. Over 9.6 million Ukrainians have received help from this organization.
Awards and Recognition
In 2005, TIME magazine named Franklin Graham one of the most influential evangelicals in the United States. He has also received several honorary doctorates from universities.
Honorary Doctorates
- 1988: Toccoa Falls College
- 2000: LeTourneau University
- 2002: Whitworth College
- 2023: Liberty University
Other Honors
- 1996: The Salvation Army’s William Booth Award
- 1999: The News & Observer’s Tar Heel of the Year
- 2002: WORLD magazine named him Daniel of the Year
- 2014: Watchman Award from the Family Research Council
Family Life
Graham married Jane Austin Cunningham in 1974. They have four children: William Franklin Graham IV (Will), Roy Austin Graham, Edward Bell Graham, and Jane Austin Graham Lynch (Cissie). Franklin and Jane Graham also have twelve grandchildren. He lives with his wife in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina.
In November 2021, Graham had heart surgery.
Books He Has Written
- Bob Pierce: This One Thing I Do (1983)
- Rebel With A Cause: Finally Comfortable Being Graham (1995), his autobiography
- Miracle in a Shoe Box (1995)
- Living Beyond the Limits: A Life in Sync with God (1998)
- The Name (2002)
- Kids Praying for Kids (2003)
- All for Jesus (2003), with Ross Rhoads
- A Wing and a Prayer (2005)
See also
In Spanish: Franklin Graham para niños
