Franklin Graham Biography

After youthful years of carousing, school expulsions and rebellion in the shadow of his famous father, Franklin Graham repented in his 20’s and became a Christian relief worker and evangelist in his own right. Even after his “decision for Christ,” he resisted preaching, working instead with Samaritan’s Purse, an evangelical Christian relief organization of which he became chief executive officer. Eventually he also became a leader of his father’s Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and, as Billy became infirm, increasingly took to the pulpit. By 2000, he was also CEO of that association and was leading “Franklin Graham Festivals” in the United States and other countries, even as the famous “Billy Graham Crusades” continued as Billy’s health allowed. As an evangelist, in contrast to the conciliatory ecumenical stance taken by Billy in his later years, Franklin emphasized the repentance of sinners and the uniqueness of Christianity as a true religion. He generated controversy in the early years of the 21st century when he described Islam as evil and the Koran as teaching violence.