Watchdog Group Says Franklin Graham Shouldn’t Speak At Pentagon Because Of Muslim-Bashing

Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation says evangelist Franklin Graham, son of Billy, should not be part of the National Day of Prayer at the Pentagon May 6.

After the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Graham said Islam “is a very evil and wicked religion.” In a later op-ed piece in The Wall Street Journal, Graham wrote that he did not believe Muslims were evil because of their faith, but “as a minister …. I believe it is my responsibility to speak out against the terrible deeds that are committed as a result of Islamic teaching.”

Graham hasn’t changed his views on Islam, said his spokesman, Mark DeMoss.

Weinstein says this would be the same thing as bringing in someone on the Day of Prayer to denigrate Christianity.  And the National Day of Prayer Task Force, of which Graham is honorary chair, is given preferential treatment by the Pentagon, says Weinstein, which violates Defense Department rules by giving preferential treatment to Christianity.

Weinstein said the task force is entitled to organize Christian-oriented events. But he said the Pentagon chaplain shouldn’t be closely affiliated with the task force because it requires that all its events be conducted by Christians, although those with other beliefs are welcome to attend.

A federal judge in Wisconsin ruled last week that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional because it amounts to a call for religious action. The judge did not bar any observances until all appeals are exhausted.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.