GRAHAM, DR. BILLY

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CHRISTIAN COMMENT We have no personal axe to grind with Billy Graham. We are thankful for all who have come to know Christ through his ministry. However, because we are involved in reaching Roman Catholics with the Gospel, it is important that we are aware of some of the steps Billy Graham has taken over the years to promote oneness with the Catholic Church. In obedience to Galatians 6:1, I wrote a letter to Billy Graham pointing out some of the problems. I did not receive a personal reply, but an associate of his defended his involvement with Roman Catholicism and specifically with Pope John Paul II. Following is a summary of Billy Graham's early endorsement, progressive affinity and current acceptance of Roman Catholicism. It is taken from a pamphlet, EVANGELISM OUR BIRTHRIGHT AND ITS BETRAYAL by Wilson Ewin.

"Pittsburgh, 1952. Speaking of Graham's crusade in that city, the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph said of Graham on September 6, `He said he hoped to hear Bishop Fulton J. Sheen at one of the masses at St. Paul's Cathedral tomorrow. He added, "many of the people who reached a decision on Christ at our meetings have joined the Catholic Church and we have received commendations from Catholic publications for the revived interest in their Church following our campaigns. This happened both in Boston and Washington. After all, one of our prime purposes is to help the churches in a community. If after we move on, the local churches do not feel the effects of these meetings in increased membership and attendance, then our crusade would have to be considered a failure.'

"New York, 1955. On December 29, Billy Graham met in his hotel suite with Dr. James Bennett and Rev. Jack Wyrtzen. He confirmed his intention of sending converts back to the Roman Catholic Church.'

"New York, 1956. 'The New York Evening Journal reported on September 18 that Graham said, `Then we'll send them (the converts) to their own Churches - Roman Catholic, Protestant or Jewish.'

"Bonn, 1963. The Chicago Times reported on June 8, `Graham praises the late Pope John XXIII in Bonn, Germany, and added, "I admire Pope John tremendously. I felt he brought a new era to the world. It is my hope that the Cardinals elect a new pope who will follow the same line as John. It would be a great tragedy if they chose a man who reacted against John, who re-erected the walls.' "New York, 1963. The New York Times of October 25 reported that Billy Graham told how the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil, stood beside him in that city during his 1962 crusade and blessed Graham's converts as they came forward.'

"Belmont, 1967. An honorary degree was conferred on Graham by the Roman Catholics at Belmont Abbey College. The Nov. 22 Gastonia Gazette reported, `Graham noted the significance of the occasion - "a time when Protestants and Catholics could greet each other as brothers. The gospel that built this school and the gospel that brings me here tonight is still the way of salvation.'

"Rome, 1969. Newsweek, 6/23/69. `Rev. Charles Dullea, S.J.,Superior of Rome's Pontifical Bible Institute, recommended Catholics to attend Graham's crusade in these words, "A Catholic will hear no slighting of his Church's teaching authority, nor of papal or episcopal prerogatives, no word against Mass or Sacraments or Catholic practice.'

"Minneapolis, 1969. The Baptist Bulletin (November 1969) reports that the United States Congress on Evangelism was held in Minneapolis September 8-13. Billy Graham was the sponsor and a priest, John O'Keefe, a Paulist Father, led the Thursday devotions.'

"Dallas, 1972. Logos, May-June 1972, reports that Catholic literature was distributed at Explo 72, which was co-sponsored by Billy Graham. It read in part, `true Catholics believe that under the appearance of bread and wine, achieved at the consecration of the mass, the very real body of Christ is present in the tabernacle of their churches.'

"North America, 1973. Billy Graham recommended Catholic books and literature at Key 73. One, a biography of Pope John XXIII, contained hundreds of pages of that Pope's devotion to Mary and the saints, worship of the host and trust in the sacraments for salvation. Graham advertised it as `a classic in devotion.'

"Milwaukee, 1973. On October 21, Graham said, `This past week I preached in a great Catholic Cathedral, a funeral sermon for a close friend of mine who was a Catholic and they had several bishops and archbishops to participate, and as I sat there going through the funeral mass that was a very beautiful thing and certainly straight and clear in the gospel I believe. There was as wonderful little priest that would tell me when to stand and when to kneel and what to do.'

Following are complimentary statements by Msgr. John Byre of St. Louis, and instances of compromise in South Bend, Manila, Milwaukee, Poland, and Australia. Christians ought to exercise extreme caution and biblical discernment in the support of a ministry that calls Roman Catholicism a true biblical religion and compromises constantly with its leaders.

RELIGIOUS JOURNALS From RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE, 12/11/79. "Evangelist Billy Graham said the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen `broke down many walls of prejudice between Catholics and Protestants' during a long colorful career...`I count it a privilege to have known him as a friend for over 35 years,' said Mr. Graham. `I mourn his death and look forward to our reunion in Heaven.'"

From an interview with Billy Graham by Rev. William Bockelman, who was then associate editor of the LUTHERAN STANDARD. He quoted Billy Graham as follows: "I do believe that something happens at the baptism of an infant, particularly if the parents are Christians and teach their children Christian truths from childhood. We cannot fully understand the mysteries of God, but I believe a miracle can happen in these children so that they are regenerated, that is, made Christian through infant baptism. If you want to call that baptismal regeneration, that's all right with me" (page 13-15, THE LUTHERAN STANDARD, October 10. 1961). Quotation verified by Rev. Wendell Anderson, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn, 9/19/91.