Rev. Franklin Graham was pretty excited to announce that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) would be holding the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians in Moscow, since it would be the first event of its kind in the most populous city of the Russian Federation.
"We were looking forward to this significant event being held in Russia because no one knows modern Christian persecution better than the church that suffered under communist rule. However, just a few weeks ago, Russia passed a law that severely limits Christians' freedoms," Graham writes on his Facebook page.
Because of this new law, the BGEA was forced to move the summit, which would be held from May 10 to 13, 2017, to Washington, D.C. Graham says every week, they learn of another example from a different part of the globe why the summit is more relevant than ever.
"Hundreds of Christian leaders, advocates, and persecution victims from all around the world will come together to address the atrocities being done to those who profess the Name of Jesus Christ," he says. "As our team continues to prepare for this historic event, please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in the Lord who are being persecuted for their faith."
Meanwhile, Graham earlier agreed with Pope Francis that "the world is at war." But while Pope Francis believes it isn't one of religion, Graham insists it is "most certainly a war of religion."
"Religion is behind the violence and jihad we're seeing in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and here in this country. It's a religion that calls for the extermination of 'infidels' outside their faith, specifically Jews and Christians," he stresses.
Graham adds that it is because of religion that soldiers shout "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Great" in Arabic) as they behead, rape, and murder in the name of Islam. "Radical Islamists are following the teachings of the Quran. We should call it what it is," he says.
