Franklin Graham says he's not 'leading an exodus out of the Republican Party'

When evangelist Franklin Graham decided to quit the GOP party and become an independent, Republicans became fearful that he might start a trend that would have Christian leaders and their congregation leaving the political party.

Graham explained that his decision to leave was spurred by a lot of things, and not just because of the decision of some members of the party to join the Democrats in continuing to provide funds for abortion service provider Planned Parenthood.

He said in no way does he hope to inspire other evangelical leaders to follow suit.

"Some fear I might be leading an exodus out of the Republican Party. That's not my goal at all," he shared on his Facebook page. "I'm not here to hurt the Republican Party or the Democratic Party – I want to help our nation. I want to stand on capitol steps and lead this nation state by state in praying for America. We'll be praying for our leaders and praying that God would give us politicians who will stand for Biblical values."

Graham hopes that more and more church leaders will get involved in running the country. He strongly believes that America needs a God-fearing leader who can help uplift moral values and put a stop to Christian persecution.

"I want to challenge Christians to get involved in the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, and all others to make a difference; to get engaged at every level and to vote. The Bible calls us to be salt and light in this world – it's time we got off the sidelines and got involved in actively working and praying to stop the moral decline of this great nation. I sure hope you will be there to stand with me in your state!" he said.

Graham is spearheading the Decision America Tour, which starts in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, Jan. 5. There, he will be encouraging people to pray for America and make a wise vote.

related articles
Franklin Graham: \'I\'m sick of hearing about Islam\'
Franklin Graham: 'I'm sick of hearing about Islam'

Franklin Graham: 'I'm sick of hearing about Islam'

Franklin Graham quits GOP, slams passage of $1.1-trillion budget that includes funding for \'Nazi-like\' Planned Parenthood
Franklin Graham quits GOP, slams passage of $1.1-trillion budget that includes funding for 'Nazi-like' Planned Parenthood

Franklin Graham quits GOP, slams passage of $1.1-trillion budget that includes funding for 'Nazi-like' Planned Parenthood

Franklin Graham on why he left the GOP: \'I don\'t want political affiliation to mar my prayer campaign\'
Franklin Graham on why he left the GOP: 'I don't want political affiliation to mar my prayer campaign'

Franklin Graham on why he left the GOP: 'I don't want political affiliation to mar my prayer campaign'

Republicans worry that other evangelicals may follow Franklin Graham in pulling out support for GOP
Republicans worry that other evangelicals may follow Franklin Graham in pulling out support for GOP

Republicans worry that other evangelicals may follow Franklin Graham in pulling out support for GOP

Franklin Graham sees Obama \'beginning to acknowledge the plight of Christians being persecuted and killed by Islam\'
Franklin Graham sees Obama 'beginning to acknowledge the plight of Christians being persecuted and killed by Islam'

Franklin Graham sees Obama 'beginning to acknowledge the plight of Christians being persecuted and killed by Islam'

News
Blackburn Cathedral puts the Bible where it belongs
Blackburn Cathedral puts the Bible where it belongs

Blackburn Cathedral’s celebration of William Tyndale highlights the Bible’s central place in Anglican worship.

Anglican bishop reminds world that Ebola is still gripping DRC
Anglican bishop reminds world that Ebola is still gripping DRC

Ignorance and poverty have compounded the effects of Ebola.

Rights groups call for review of laws impacting free speech
Rights groups call for review of laws impacting free speech

The government supports your right to agree with it.

Scottish Greens' call for total decriminalisation of abortion denounced
Scottish Greens' call for total decriminalisation of abortion denounced

The Greens have called upon the SNP government to move forward with the recommendations of the Scottish Abortion Law Reform Expert Group.