Life is full of challenges, and Franklin Graham faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
William Franklin Graham III, known as Franklin Graham, is a prominent American evangelist and missionary. He leads Christian revival tours and is involved in political commentary. As the president and CEO of both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan's Purse, he has significantly expanded the latter into a leading international Christian humanitarian aid organization. Samaritan's Purse provides emergency assistance globally, notably in areas like Ukraine and Pakistan affected by conflict and disasters. Graham is considered an influential evangelical leader, overseeing a major charitable organization that receives over a billion dollars in private donations.
1970: Attended LeTourneau College
In 1970, Franklin Graham attended LeTourneau College in Longview, Texas, but was later expelled.
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2008: Compensation Totaling $1.2 Million
In 2008, Franklin Graham's compensation from Samaritan's Purse and BGEA totaled $1.2 million, raising questions about his dual full-time roles and leading to him giving up his BGEA salary in 2009.
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2009: Scrutiny for Full-Time Salaries
In 2009, Franklin Graham faced scrutiny for simultaneously drawing a full-time salary from Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
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April 22, 2010: Pentagon Rescinds Invitation
On April 22, 2010, the Pentagon rescinded Franklin Graham's invitation to speak at a National Day of Prayer event following objections from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and CAIR due to his controversial statements about Islam.
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February 28, 2012: Response to Open Letter from NAACP and Faith Leaders
On February 28, 2012, Franklin Graham responded to an "Open Letter from Leaders of Faith Regarding Statements by Franklin Graham" from the NAACP, which criticized him for questioning President Obama's Christianity and using faith as a political weapon.
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2013: Revenue for evangelistic association reported
In 2013, The evangelistic association reported revenues of $106.5 million.
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2014: Highest Paid Samaritan's Purse Employee
According to 2014 data, Franklin Graham was the highest-paid employee at Samaritan's Purse, earning $622,252 annually, and he also received increased retirement contributions.
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2015: Criticism for Resuming BGEA Salary
In 2015, Franklin Graham was criticized for resuming his salary from BGEA, with his annual compensation being significantly higher than CEOs of similar non-profit organizations.
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December 2017: British MPs Urge Ban on UK Entry
In December 2017, several British MPs called for Franklin Graham to be denied entry into the UK due to his views on LGBT rights.
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February 2018: Petition Against Granting a Visa
As of February 2018, a petition against granting Franklin Graham a visa to enter the UK had gathered more than 7,500 signatures due to concerns over his views on LGBT rights.
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September 2018: Potential Speaking Event in Blackpool
In September 2018, Franklin Graham was scheduled to speak at an event in Blackpool, UK, leading to controversy and a petition against his visa.
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2020: Cancellation of UK Tour
In 2020, all venues booked for Franklin Graham's planned eight-city UK tour cancelled his booking after protests by LGBTQ+ activists and local councils.
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