Graham at 90: Work as pastor to presidents ending
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009
By MIKE BAKER
Associated Press Writer
CHARLOTTE (AP) ó The son of Billy Graham says the famed evangelistís work as pastor to presidents is ending.
Franklin Graham said Friday as his family gathers to celebrate the preacherís 90th birthday that his father is praying for president-elect Barack Obama. The two had tried to meet in the midst of the White House campaign, but were unable to connect because of Billy Grahamís fragile health.
Billy Graham has provided advice to every president since Eisenhower. He hopes to meet someday with Obama, but Franklin Graham said his father feels that his time as an active counselor to the nationís leader is over.
Billy Graham is a registered Democrat, but was never overtly partisan in his preaching. Franklin Graham said the he and his father have concerns about Obamaís views on abortion and gay marriage.