Franklin Graham likens removal of Ten Commandments monument to act of ISIS

The Oklahoma Ten Commandments Monument at its new location at the privately-owned Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) campus after it was removed from the state capitol on Oct. 5, 2015.(OCPA)

Reverend Franklin Graham feels devastated that the granite Ten Commandments monument was removed from the Oklahoma State Capitol grounds last week.

"What a shame!" he wrote on his Facebook page. "It was taken down at night, under the cover of darkness, to avoid protests. What are these people thinking? We need God's laws—these are the laws that have helped society flourish."

Graham said people from all over the world continue to be shocked by the violent and senseless acts committed by the Islamic State, but Americans are actually doing the very same thing themselves on their own soil.

"We have been appalled at news reports of ISIS and the Islamic State tearing down all symbols of Christianity in the Middle East; but think about it — we're doing it to ourselves here in the US," he said. "Atheists, activists, and anti-God groups like the ACLU, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and the Military Freedom of Religion Foundation are on a quest to erase or tear down anything associated with the name of Jesus Christ."

This is why Graham said his prayer rally called the Decision America Tour, which will be held in all 50 states of America next year is very important. "I'm going to challenge the people of God to stand for His truth and righteousness and make a difference in this nation," he said.

Graham said "God hears the prayers of his people, so people of faith need to gather together in every state and pray fervently for America and our leaders."

It is difficult to be a Christian in today's growing anti-Christian society, but Graham wants Christians to boldly live out and promote biblical principles at home, in public and even at the ballot box.

"The only hope for this country is if the people of God are willing to take a stand for truth and righteousness," he said.