Posted: Aug. 28, 2020
The final night of the 2020 Republican convention began with a partisan appearance from notoriously homophobic preacher Franklin Graham, who prayed, "I thank you tonight for our president, Donald J. Trump... in the mighty name of your Son."
Standing behind a Trump-Pence campaign sign, Graham also used Jesus's name to give thanks for "the many blessings we have received these past four years." We would hardly consider family separation, the deadly federal COVID-19 response, rampant corruption and authoritarianism, or ongoing systemic racism to be "blessings."
Graham justifies his partisanship and hatred by hiding behind the credibility of Samaritan's Purse, the 50-year-old humanitarian-aid organization he runs. Samaritan's Purse certainly does important work for the sick and poor -- which just makes it that much sadder that the non-profit's board would sacrifice its reputation by propping up Graham's hateful politics.
If the directors of Samaritan's Purse care about their credibility -- and if they truly believe in their "purpose of sharing God's love" -- then Graham's hateful support for Trump should show them that it's time to find a new chairman and CEO.
(If a majority of the Board will not remove Graham, individual members can still stand up for Jesus' teachings of love and justice by personally resigning.)
Sign the petition:
Love thy neighbor.