FINAL WARNING: Setting the Stage for Destruction
ecumenism,” and “his sincere and authentic evangelism...” He told
the U.S. News & World Report: “World travel and getting to know
clergy of all denominations has helped mold me into an ecumenical
being. We’re separated by theology and, in some instances, culture
and race, but all of that means nothing to me any more.” Even though
he is a Baptist, President Bush invited him to lead various prayers at
the 1989 inauguration. Graham wrote: “I protested at first, pointing out
that it was customary to have clergy from other traditions participate
also (often a Jewish rabbi, a Catholic priest, and perhaps an Orthodox
leader). He remained adamant, however, saying he felt more
comfortable with me; besides, he added, he didn’t want people to think
he was just trying to play politics by having representatives of different
faiths.” In 1992 The Oregonian quoted Graham in a Portland, Oregon
press conference as calling for “one merged church.” As you can see,
the Rev. Billy Graham is recognized as an ecumenical leader in the
Christian community.
Graham has long been a supporter of the United Nations. In his
biography Just As I Am he talks about his relationship with Dag
Hammarskjold, the second UN Secretary-General:
“In the 1950’s, when I was in New York City, I would occasionally
slip by to visit Dag Hammarskjold, secretary-general of the United
Nations, and have prayer with him. He was a very thoughtful, if
lonely, man who was trying to make a difference for world peace,
in large part because of his Christian convictions.”
If you remember, it was Dag, the Swedish Socialist (who openly
advocated communist policies), who designed the Satanic Meditation
Room in the UN building. Dag was also a speaker at the 1954 World
Council of Churches meeting.
In 1990, Graham received the World Citizen Award from the World
Affairs Council (which is associated with the Council on Foreign
Relations) for “promoting and fostering international understanding
and world peace.” When President George H. W. Bush made the
decision to engage our country in the Persian Gulf War, he requested
that Graham come to Washington. In the ensuing sermon, he said:
“Perhaps, out of this war will come a new peace and– as been stated
by the President– a New World Order.”