On Thursday, the U.S. Capitol witnessed the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Billy Graham. Recognized as America’s pastor, this North Carolina evangelist will forever be commemorated with a magnificent seven-foot tall statue in National Statuary Hall. The pedestal itself is adorned with engraved Bible verses, including the renowned John 3:16. Senator Tedd Budd of North Carolina lauded Graham’s unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel, advocating for civil rights, and standing against the ideology of Communism.
“The legacy of Rev. Billy Graham is based on his simple message of forgiveness based on John 3:16. His lifelong commitment to preaching the Gospel, his fight for civil rights, his opposition to communism, and his spiritual guidance provided hope to hundreds of millions,” the Republican senator said.
Graham guided a multitude of individuals towards Christianity, offered spiritual guidance to a dozen U.S. presidents, and delivered sermons for over eight decades. In the nation’s capital, each state is allowed two statues, with Graham taking the place of former North Carolina Governor Charles Aycock, a well-known segregationist. The Freedom From Religion Foundation expressed anger over the statue, alleging that Billy Graham was a white Christian nationalist.
“As our nation faces unparalleled threats to our secular democracy,” said FFRF’s Dan Barker. “It’s unfortunate to see the personification of white Christian nationalism given such an honored perch inside the seat of our democracy.”
