Graham Family Fights for Religious Freedom and Expression

The Graham family is increasing its efforts to defend religious freedom and freedom of speech, recognizing the growing legal and cultural challenges faced by Christians globally. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has established a new legal defense fund, allocating $1.3 million to support Christians and churches in Europe who are facing legal action due to their biblical beliefs.

Cissie Graham Lynch, daughter of Franklin Graham, is encouraging believers to speak out against the increasing hostility they face, including within the United States. Franklin Graham shared that his organization had previously faced legal challenges in the U.K. related to their expression of faith, ultimately prevailing in court after a seven-year legal battle. Following these victories, the BGEA created the Billy Graham Defense Fund, using funds from court settlements and contributions from Samaritan’s Purse.

The focus of the fund extends beyond Europe, as the silencing of Christians is also occurring in the United States. Between 2017 and 2024, BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse filed numerous amicus briefs in religious liberty cases, including those heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The goal is to support those who are standing up for their beliefs in court and to preserve the right to share the Gospel.

Cissie Graham Lynch hopes the Defense Fund will provide practical and symbolic support for believers facing public pressure and legal challenges. She emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth, even when facing opposition, and the need to preserve the freedom of speech and religion. She also shared interviews recorded during the European Congress on Evangelism, a gathering of Christian leaders from around the world.

Lynch noted that Christians globally, including in the United States, are increasingly pressured to suppress their beliefs. She highlighted the personal experience of her family and the potential consequences of taking a stand for the Gospel. She also discussed concerning cases in the United States where Christians are facing legal action for expressing their beliefs in various settings.

Among those interviewed was Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish member of Parliament, who is facing legal challenges for a tweet quoting the Bible. She emphasized the importance of not censoring oneself and the potential for self-censorship to be a significant threat to religious freedom. Kristen Waggoner, president and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), also spoke with Lynch, highlighting the rising tide of censorship globally and the need to defend religious freedom.