A progressive political organization previously called Evangelicals for Harris has publicly apologized for using archival footage of the late evangelist Billy Graham in ads that criticized his son Franklin Graham’s support for Donald Trump and sought to highlight the Christian values of Kamala Harris. Following a cease-and-desist request from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), the group has pledged to refrain from using Graham’s sermons in any partisan political context.
The controversial ads contrasted Graham’s biblical teachings with statements from Trump, such as his admission of greed and his lack of desire for repentance. The ads aimed to illustrate that the values espoused by Billy Graham diverged significantly from those supported by Franklin Graham and Trump.
After discussions with the BGEA, which is committed to protecting Billy Graham’s legacy, the group issued an apology emphasizing their respect for Graham’s intellectual property rights and the importance of a respectful Christian dialogue about political engagement. The updated name for the organization is now Evangelicals for America, which positions itself as focused on upholding evangelical values without allegiance to political parties.
Franklin Graham responded to the original ads by defending his father’s legacy, asserting that Billy Graham would have supported Trump, contrasting their claims against his father’s tradition of nonpartisanship. The BGEA has pointed out that his father avoided public criticism of leaders and would not have allowed his sermons to be repurposed in such a manner.
As Evangelicals for America continues its mission, they describe themselves as committed to the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing neighborly care and civic responsibility. They aim to foster a sense of community among evangelicals while navigating the politically charged environment leading into the 2024 elections.
Upcoming large evangelistic events will be held in Brussels and Tallin, underscoring the continuing importance of evangelism in their mission.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions within the evangelical community as political affiliations increasingly intersect with religious values. It serves as a reminder of the diverse perspectives that exist within faith-based groups, especially during an election cycle.