Politicians, faith leaders react to passing of Billy Graham

Politicians and faith leaders across the country reacted Wednesday to the death of 99-year-old evangelical icon Billy Graham on Wednesday. 

President Trump and Vice President Pence, who is an evangelical, both put out tweets praising Graham’s work as a televangelist and reverend. 

The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018 

Karen and I were saddened to learn of the passing of one of the greatest Americans of the century, Reverend Billy Graham. We send our deepest condolences to the Graham family. (1/2)

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 21, 2018

Billy Graham’s ministry for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his matchless voice changed the lives of millions. We mourn his passing but I know with absolute certainty that today he heard those words, “well done good and faithful servant.” Thank you Billy Graham. God bless you(2/2)

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 21, 2018

First lady Melania Trump praised Graham’s “impactful life.”

Saddened by the loss of Evangelist Billy Graham. He led an impactful life, touching so many people with his spiritual teachings. He will be deeply missed.

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) February 21, 2018

Graham was known for being one of the first televangelists.

Prominent evangelical Christians, including members of Trump’s evangelical advisory board, also expressed their condolences following Graham’s death. 

“Today, the most influential evangelist in modern history, Rev. Billy Graham, stepped into the corridors of eternity. He preached the Gospel, lived with integrity and changed the world. I will never stop being grateful for the impact he has had on my life. May his death, as in life, point all people to the cross of Jesus Christ and His glorious Gospel,” Hispanic Evangelical leader Dr. Samuel Rodriguez said in a statement.  

Billy Graham has always been and will always be a hero in our home. Next to my own father, Reverend Graham was the most humble and gracious man I ever knew. I am honored to call him a friend and a mentor. Victoria and I will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/8kkj3kYRJo

— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) February 21, 2018

Billy Graham was, in my view, the most important evangelist since the Apostle Paul. He preached Christ, not himself, not politics, not prosperity. When many saw evangelicals as just so many Emer Gantrys, he carried unimpeachable personal integrity.

— Russell Moore (@drmoore) February 21, 2018 

We celebrate the home-going of Billy Graham—the most impactful evangelist since the Apostle Paul.

Dr. Graham was a member of our @firstdallas church for more than 54 yrs. I’m sure the first words he heard upon his arrival in heaven were, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

— Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) February 21, 2018

Thank you Jesus for the Life of Rev. Billy Graham. Through his simple message of Salvation through Jesus, millions have given their hearts to Jesus. Good and Faithful Servant. pic.twitter.com/S4VIQlEcKD

— Pastor Mark Burns (@pastormarkburns) February 21, 2018

Graham’s son Franklin Graham, an outspoken conservative and an ardent supporter of the president, honored his father’s work as a pastor on Tuesday.  

My father @BillyGraham was once asked, “Where is Heaven?” He said, “Heaven is where Jesus is and I am going to Him soon!” This morning, he departed this world into eternal life in Heaven, prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world—whom he proclaimed for 80 years.

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) February 21, 2018

Graham served as an adviser to numerous presidents, including former Presidents Truman, Nixon and Obama. 

“Broadminded, forgiving, and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve. He had an enormous influence on my own spiritual life, and I was pleased to count Reverend Graham as one of my advisors and friends,” former President Carter said in a statement. 

Former President George H. W. Bush praised Graham’s legacy in a statement, calling him “America’s pastor.”

“I think Billy touched the hearts of not only Christians but people of all faiths because he was such a good man,” Bush said. 

Lawmakers, governors, candidates and other members of the U.S. political community also remembered and honored Graham’s legacy. 

“In 1979, my first year as governor, he invited me to play the piano at the Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville. He took a considerable risk in doing that, but it is an experience I will always remember,” Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said in a statement. 

“One of the finest moments of my career was having the opportunity to represent Reverend Graham when his Montreat home was placed in the 10th district. The personal kindness and hospitality Reverend Graham showed when inviting me into his home is something I will never forget,” Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) said.  

Saddened by the passing of Rev. Billy Graham, a great American & faithful Christian who inspired millions of people with the gospel message. RIP.

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) February 21, 2018

Reverend Billy Graham’s steadfast faith in God inspired me and many others across our nation to lead better lives. He will be missed. God bless. pic.twitter.com/OoXCDOneTt

— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) February 21, 2018

#BillyGraham was a pastor to presidents and a guiding light for millions of Americans for more than half a century. He will be missed on Earth, and embraced in Heaven. #GoodAndFaithfulServant

— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 21, 2018 

My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world. – #BillyGraham

— Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) February 21, 2018

Saddened to learn of Reverend Billy Graham’s passing. He inspired and changed millions of lives with his message of hope and grace. Praying for the Graham family and I join with our nation in mourning the loss of a great man and faith leader.

— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) February 21, 2018

Praise God for the life and influence of Billy Graham who passed away last night. He was a man who boldly proclaimed the love of God and what it meant to be a Christian. If we all had his courage, the world would be a different place. 1/2

— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) February 21, 2018

Billy Graham lifted eyes toward heaven and instilled heaven’s values in hearts. The world mourns this man of character, this man of God.

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) February 21, 2018 

Today we remember the life and legacy of Billy Graham. His ministry was very special and for decades touched many millions around the world. He will be celebrated for generations to come. Sending prayers to the Graham family as they mourn his passing. RIP #BillyGraham pic.twitter.com/Z6BXFJpETW

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) February 21, 2018