Franklin Graham | |
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![]() Graham in 2021 | |
Born | William Franklin Graham III July 14, 1952 |
Education | LeTourneau University Montreat College (AS) Appalachian State University (BA) |
Occupation | Christian evangelist |
Political party | Republican (before 2015) Independent (2015–present)[1] |
Spouse |
Jane Cunningham (m. 1974) |
Children | 4, including Will[2] |
Parent(s) | Billy Graham Ruth Graham |
Relatives | L. Nelson Bell (grandfather), Gigi Graham (sister), Anne Graham Lotz (sister) |
William Franklin Graham III (born July 14, 1952) is an American evangelist and missionary in the evangelical movement. He frequently engages in Christian revival tours and political commentary. The son of Billy Graham, he is president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and of Samaritan's Purse, an international evangelical Christian humanitarian aid organization. Under his leadership, Samaritan’s Purse has become a leading global Christian relief organization, providing emergency assistance in crisis zones worldwide, including large-scale responses in Ukraine, Pakistan, and other regions affected by conflict or natural disasters. Graham has been considered as one of the most influential and best-known evangelicals in America, leading one of the largest charitable organizations in the United States, with $1.111 billion in private donations.[3][4][5]
Graham became a "committed Christian" in 1974 and was ordained in 1982, and has since become a public speaker and author.[6]