When the calendar rolled over into 2020, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) could not have anticipated what the New Year would usher in.
By the end of January—following unfounded claims of hate speech from Franklin Graham—the organization found itself embroiled in a stream of venue disputes that threatened to derail his evangelistic tour scheduled for eight cities across the United Kingdom.
Unsilenced, a new Billy Graham TV Special released this week, recounts the challenge that the BGEA and churches have faced in recent years to defend the right to exercise religious freedom in the United Kingdom and preach the Gospel in the public square.
“God hasn’t called us to be silent. He’s called us to preach,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the BGEA.
In the special, Franklin Graham explained the ministry’s purpose for the God Loves You Tour.
“Our goal is just to preach the Gospel and give an invitation [to receive Jesus Christ in prayer and repentance],” said Franklin Graham. “Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, He came to save the world. I’m not coming to condemn anybody.”
To date, several cases have been resolved favorably and Franklin Graham held the first stop of the rescheduled God Loves You Tour last May in Liverpool, England, followed by stops in South Wales, Sheffield, and London. More than 18,000 people across all four cities attended the outreaches and over 1,000 of those made decisions for Christ.
The program also features local pastors who share their thoughts on the controversial journey.
Pastor Martijn Mugge of Conisbrough, England, is encouraged that he and others can continue sharing a message of hope.
“The fact that Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham [Evangelistic] Association has been able to get to a point where [Franklin Graham] is able to speak openly about God’s love is brilliant,” he said. “Because that means that we can keep doing the same.”
The evangelist is returning to London this month—on August 26—for a second outreach at ExCeL London. This year’s event will draw people from all across southern England, as church members invite friends who don’t know Jesus Christ to accompany them on one of more than 120 reserved buses.
Franklin Graham recently announced a rescheduled stop in Glasgow, Scotland, next June.
All events are free and family-friendly and will feature musical artists such as CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, and Newsboys.
“I’m thankful for the churches, pastors that have stood with us, that haven’t backed down, that have prayed for us, that are working with us now,” Franklin Graham said.
Watch BGEA TV Special “Unsilenced”
