Billy Graham, Renowned American Preacher, Passes Away at 99

Billy Graham, the most famous preacher and evangelist who transformed the religious life of America with his sermons and activities, and was an advisor to several U.S. presidents, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, at the age of 99. His spokesperson told the Associated Press that Mr. Graham, who had long suffered from pneumonia and other illnesses, died at his home in North Carolina. Billy Graham played a pivotal role in turning evangelical Christianity into a political and social force against liberal Protestantism and Catholicism in America. His activities and those of his followers managed to unite conservative Christians across the globe in over 185 countries and territories. Known as the 'spiritual father of America,' he was a trusted advisor to many U.S. presidents. Ronald Reagan awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983, the highest civilian honor. Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton attended the opening ceremony of the Billy Graham Museum and Library in 2007. Graham's unprecedented and innovative use of various media allowed him to reach millions with his sermons and promotions. His message was neither complex nor new, but he preached with such faith that he could impact millions of audiences worldwide. His last sermon, held in New York in 2005, was broadcast live to 210 million people around the world. It is unlikely that any other evangelical preacher could achieve such a level of fame and popularity. Billy Graham was born on November 7, 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina, into a fundamentalist Christian family that believed true Christians should clearly delineate their boundaries with other Christians over any minor disagreement in biblical interpretation. Gradually, he rejected this fundamentalist interpretation and believed that in religious struggles, he should garner support from followers of all Christian denominations. He joined a movement known as 'New Evangelical Christianity,' advocating for setting aside fundamentalism and engaging with all layers of society. Fundamentalist Christians considered him outside the faith and ceased cooperation with him due to his collaboration with liberal Christians. William Martin, author of Graham's biography, states, 'Without a doubt, he was the most successful person in what he believed in. He stood firmly on his position and did not reject those who had different views but sincerely accepted parts of his thoughts.' In the early 1950s, Graham stated, 'The ecumenical movement has broadened my views, and I now accept that God's servants belong to different churches.' In 1957, he also said, 'I will go anywhere to preach the teachings of Jesus Christ and will accept help from anyone.' His approach and views significantly influenced the expansion of evangelical Christians' influence and weight. As Graham's influence grew in the following decades, his stances on social issues gained great importance. Although he did not defend the civil rights movement for African Americans, he played an active role in ending racial segregation in the Southern states of America and refused to visit South Africa while the apartheid regime was in power. In an interview with the Associated Press before his last major sermon in 2005, Graham expressed regret for not participating in the civil rights movement. As the most famous religious leader, he mingled with political leaders, entertainment stars, and royal families. His close relationships with U.S. presidents strengthened the weight of conservative Christians, who had previously been seen as a regressive population. At the same time, the experience of Richard Nixon's resignation, who was a close friend of Graham, led him to distance himself somewhat from politics and oppose the mixing of religion and politics in later years.