Perth ministers back American 'gay sin' preacher Franklin Graham

The group have asked for the decision to cancel the preacher's appearance to be reversed

A group of ministers and pastors from Perth have written to local politicians asking for a decision to axe a controversial Evangelist’s appearance in Scotland to be reversed.

Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in the USA, was due to carry out a UK tour later this year, including preaching at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.

However, the event has been cancelled after pressure from pro-LGBT groups because of his controversial views on homosexuality and transgender people.

Now, the Independent and Evangelical Churches in Perth group has written to MPs and MSPs to get this reversed, saying the decision is an “ominous move towards a less free society”.

The letter, signed by Gordon Campbell of Perth Congregational Church, James Crooks of Tayside Christian Fellowship, Robert Duncan of Oasis Church, Gordy Mackay of Perth Baptist Church, Mervyn Milne of Perth Christian Fellowship and Eric Scott of Elim Church, says the cancellation is “deeply disturbing” and goes against freedom of speech, freedom of religion and democracy.

In the letter, seen by the PA and printed in full on our letters page (page 24),they say: “Christians disagree about many things, but Christians all agree that respect for religious freedom and freedom of speech is fundamental to a free society.

“Therefore, we ask that the SSE Hydro management, and those political leaders who have influence in such matters, reverse this decision.

“We also ask you to commit to specifically uphold the fundamental rights of religious freedom and freedom of speech.”

The letter adds: “A failure to do so would be an ominous move towards a less free society and one that will in time have serious repercussions for the civic liberties of all.”

According to CNN, Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, has branded homosexuality a sin, expressed support for conversion therapy, attacked laws increasing rights for transgender people, and told his followers the legalisation of same-sex marriage was orchestrated by Satan.

He has also spoken out against Islam, calling it wicked and evil.

The letter from the Perth churches says Mr Graham is being discriminated against for holding “mainstream Judaeo-Christian views on sexuality” and said his views reflect the “historic and orthodox” teachings of a number of Christian churches.

The faith leaders also say Mr Graham’s message is “wholly inclusive” and his mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with every person, regardless of their sexuality.

Writing on his Facebook, Franklin Graham said: “It is said by some that I am coming to the UK to bring hateful speech to your community.

“This is just not true.

“I am coming to share the gospel, which is the good news that God loves the people of the UK, and that Jesus Christ came to this Earth to save us from our sins.

“The rub, I think, comes in whether God defines homosexuality as sin.

“The answer is yes.

“But God goes even further than that, to say that we are all sinners - myself included.

“The Bible says that every human being is guilty of sin and in need of forgiveness and cleansing.”