Share
From former Observer religion editor Ken Garfield, now director of communications at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte:
I don't mean to begrudge Billy Graham a Sunday afternoon visit from an admirer. I just wish he hadn't been used as a political prop.
Picking up the paper Monday morning, I cringed at news of Sarah Palin spending the day with the evangelist at his home in Montreat. Especially cringe-inducing was the picture of Palin holding her special needs child, Trig, on her lap as mother and son shared what looked to be a less-than-spontaneous moment with Graham. It definitely wasn't a private moment, since a photographer had to have been close by.
My issue isn't with Palin. She's just the latest in a long line of politicians who saw an opportunity when it smacked her in the face. The same story on the front page of Monday's Observer noted that President Obama called Graham to wish him a happy 91st birthday. I do believe, however, that taking a detour from a book tour to make an appearance at the Graham house seems tawdrier than sending birthday greetings.
My issue isn't with Billy Graham, who spent a lifetime reveling in the presence of politicians and celebrities. His legacy will have to leave room for cozying up to the likes of Richard Nixon. How many hurting people refused to take Graham's hand because of his partisanship? But in the decade-plus that I covered him, I came to believe that the narrowing of his ministry sprang from a noble reason: He believed he could make a spiritual difference in their lives, and in all of our lives as a result. I also think the farm boy from Charlotte never got over being star-struck in the presence of famous people. If someone invites you over for Sunday lunch with Billy, ask him about the time Muhammad Ali stopped by to eat.
My issue is with those who would allow Billy Graham to be sullied in this way.
Franklin Graham, who runs the Graham ministry, has a place in Alaska and has done some religious work there. Billy Graham had suggested to his son that he ought to invite the ex-governor over next time she's near North Carolina. If they want to have her over, that's fine. But allowing it to become a public event obviously changes the nature, and motive, of the meeting.
It's left me a little angry, but mostly sad.
The Palin visit is part of the pattern of Franklin Graham moving his father's ministry to the political and spiritual right. I'll let the scholars debate whether this will one day tear down what Billy Graham spent a lifetime building up.
All I know from a decade writing about Billy Graham is that he always sought to reach out to everyone regardless of politics. He devoted his glorious lifetime to helping the lost find their way. He deserves our affection, respect and prayers. He doesn't deserve to be a model in a photo op with Sarah Palin or any other glad-hander coming to steal his glory.
