Major Controversies Surrounding Franklin Graham: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Franklin Graham.

William Franklin Graham III, commonly known as Franklin Graham, is a prominent American evangelist and missionary. As the son of Billy Graham, he leads both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan's Purse, a major international Christian humanitarian aid organization. Under Graham's leadership, Samaritan's Purse has become a leading global relief provider, offering assistance in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters, such as Ukraine and Pakistan. Considered a highly influential evangelical leader, Graham heads one of the largest charitable organizations in the U.S., funded by substantial private donations. He also frequently engages in Christian revival tours and political commentary.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 11, 2001: Comments on Islam After 9/11 Attacks

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Franklin Graham made comments referring to Islam as "a very evil and wicked religion."

April 18, 2003: Preaching at the Pentagon's Good Friday Service

On April 18, 2003, Franklin Graham preached at a Good Friday service held at the Pentagon, drawing further criticism.

2003: Graham Supported the Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Graham supported the Invasion of Iraq.

2005: 2005 Peace Agreement

In 2005, Graham argued that the indictment of Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir for alleged genocidal acts because the indictment would lead to the collapse of the 2005 peace agreement.

2008: Compensation Totaled $1.2 Million

In 2008, Franklin Graham's compensation from both organizations totaled $1.2 million, leading to questions about his dual roles.

March 2009: Graham Argues Against Indictment of al-Bashir

In March 2009, Graham argued against the indictment of Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir for alleged genocidal acts in an op-ed in The New York Times.

December 2009: Controversial Remarks Against Islam on CNN

In December 2009, Franklin Graham made controversial remarks against Islam, stating, "True Islam cannot be practiced in this country" during an interview on CNN.

2009: Scrutiny for Full-Time Salaries

In 2009, Franklin Graham faced scrutiny for receiving full-time salaries from both Samaritan's Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).

April 22, 2010: Pentagon Rescinds Invitation

On April 22, 2010, following objections from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and CAIR, the Pentagon rescinded Franklin Graham's invitation to speak at a Pentagon National Day of Prayer event.

August 19, 2010: Doubts About Obama's Christianity

On August 19, 2010, Franklin Graham questioned President Barack Obama's Christian faith on CNN, suggesting Obama was born a Muslim.

August 30, 2010: Comments on Islam in Time Magazine

In the August 30, 2010, issue of Time magazine, Franklin Graham reportedly stated that Islam "is a religion of hatred. It's a religion of war," and commented on the building of a cultural center near Ground Zero.

September 2010: Comments on Islamic Countries

In September 2010, Franklin Graham stated on ABC's This Week with Christiane Amanpour that building churches and synagogues is forbidden in most countries in the Islamic world.

2010: UK Equality Act

In 2010, the UK Equality Act was cited by Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in legal action against multiple venues, arguing that their cancellations violated the UK Equality Act (2010).

March 2011: Claims of Obama Administration's Connections to Muslim Brotherhood

In a March 2011 interview with Newsmax, Franklin Graham claimed officials in the Obama administration had connections to the Muslim Brotherhood.

February 28, 2012: Response to Open Letter from NAACP

On February 28, 2012, Franklin Graham responded to an open letter from the NAACP criticizing his statements questioning President Obama's Christian faith.

May 8, 2012: Graham Supports North Carolina Amendment 1

On May 8, 2012, Graham supported North Carolina Amendment 1, which prohibited same-sex marriage and all domestic partnerships.

May 9, 2012: Graham Responds to Obama's Support for Same-Sex Marriage

On May 9, 2012, Graham responded to Obama's statement of support for same-sex marriage, saying Obama had "shaken his fist at the same God who created and defined marriage."

February 28, 2014: Graham Defends Putin's Policy on 'Nontraditional Sexual Relations'

In a February 28, 2014, opinion piece, Franklin Graham defended aspects of Russian President Vladimir Putin's policy that banned "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations to minors."

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.

December 2015: Graham Leaves Republican Party

In December 2015, Franklin Graham left the Republican Party, citing a GOP-led budget that continued funding Planned Parenthood as the reason.

2015: Criticism for Salary from BGEA

In 2015, Franklin Graham was criticized for resuming his salary from BGEA, with his annual compensation exceeding that of CEOs at similar non-profit organizations.

December 2017: British MPs Urge Refusal of UK Entry to Graham

In December 2017, British MPs urged the Home Secretary to consider refusing UK entry to Graham from speaking at an event due to take place in Blackpool.

2017: Opposition to Conversion Therapy Ban

In 2017, Franklin Graham spoke against a bill proposing a ban on conversion therapy, referencing biblical texts and stating that homosexuality is a sin.

February 2018: Petition Against Graham's UK Visa

As of February 2018, a petition against Graham being granted a UK visa had gathered more than 7,500 signatures due to his views on LGBT rights.

September 2018: Potential UK Ban on Graham

In September 2018, Graham was scheduled to speak at an event in Blackpool.

2018: Removal of Advertisements in Blackpool

In 2018, Blackpool Borough Council removed advertisements for Franklin Graham's Lancashire Festival of Hope from local buses due to concerns about his past comments.

April 2019: Criticism of Pete Buttigieg's Homosexuality

In April 2019, Franklin Graham was accused of attacking Pete Buttigieg for his homosexuality and marriage to another man, tweeting that the Bible defines homosexuality as sin.

November 21, 2019: Graham Suggests Opposition to Trump is Demonic

In a November 21, 2019, interview with Eric Metaxas, Graham suggested opposition to Trump was the work of a "demonic power".

2020: Buttigieg presidential campaign

In 2020, Franklin Graham faced scrutiny for attacking Pete Buttigieg's homosexuality after Buttigieg announced to run for President against President Donald Trump.