Franklin Graham Says 'God Hates Cowards,' Urges Church Leaders to Combat Abortion, Homosexuality

By Leah Marianne Klett
Franklin Graham
Billy Graham's son has come under fire before for his outspoken stance against gay marriage and abortion. (AP)

At the Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall conference last week, Franklin Graham urged church leaders to speak out against abortion and homosexuality.

"God hates cowards. And the cowards that the Lord is referring to are the men and women who know the truth but refuse to speak it," Billy Graham's son stated in a sermon titled "Standing Strong on the Controversial Issues."

Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, referenced Revelation 21:8, wherein God lists eight groups of people who will be "in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

"The definition of a coward: a coward will not confront an issue that needs to be confronted due to fear. That is a coward," said Graham.

Graham stated that churches must be vigilant in fighting against abortion and homosexuality, declaring that "you're not going to shut me up."

"We have a responsibility to speak on the moral issues. Abortion, homosexuality, these are moral issues. This is a free country, you can do what you want to do but I want you to know it's a sin against God. This is a sin," said Graham.

Graham mentioned how he has "friends who are pastors" who say they want to preach the Gospel and not "become targets."

"Well don't you think the Lord Jesus Christ was a target?" asked Graham. "Could we get our heads chopped off? We could, maybe one day. So what? Chop it off!"

Graham's remarks were part of a multiday conference organized by the Family Research Council. Held from Wednesday to Friday, the Watchmen on the Wall National Briefing was geared toward pastors and encouraging churches to become more involved in politics, social issues, and public policy.

At the culmination of the conference, awards are given to assorted pastors for their actions on religious liberty.

The last honoree for the evening was Graham. FRC President Tony Perkins commended Graham for his actions in the public sphere.

"Franklin is not the pastor of a church, but in a real sense he is a pastor to America's pastors," said Perkins before presenting Graham with the 2014 Watchman Award.

"And in that role, he has sounded the alarm and raised the righteous standard as have few other leaders in our time."

Graham has come frequently come under fire for his outspoken stance against homosexuality and abortion as well as questioning many of the Obama Administration's policies.

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