PRINTER'S NO. 1568
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
287
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY AUMENT, BROOKS, MARTIN, RAFFERTY, EICHELBERGER,
BROWNE, HUTCHINSON, GREENLEAF, ARGALL, COSTA, GORDNER, YAW,
WHITE, VOGEL AND FOLMER, MARCH 20, 2018
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MARCH 20, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and legacy of the late Reverend Billy Graham.
WHEREAS, William Franklin Graham, Jr., passed away in his
North Carolina home on February 21, 2018, at 99 years of age;
and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham was widely regarded as "America's
Pastor" due to his innumerable contributions to American life
and culture; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham specifically had an instrumental
influence on American morality during a crucial time in our
country's history when, to many, morals seemed less than
absolute; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham completed more than half a century
of ministry where he preached to more people in live audiences
than anyone else in history; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham was among the first in the
evangelical community to capitalize on the booming technological
advances of the time, utilizing television, radio and the press
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to spread his message of hope to millions of people across the
globe; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham's sermons were translated into 48
languages to be shared with nearly 215 million people in 185
countries since he began his ministry in October 1947; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham provided personal guidance and
religious counsel to nearly all of our nation's presidents in
the last century, as well as to many other political and
influential leaders; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham guided our nation through many
critical moments in history, including reading from Scripture at
the funeral services for President Richard Nixon, leading a
prayer service for the victims of 9/11 at the National Cathedral
and traveling to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to offer
prayer and support for those affected by the disaster; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham adamantly opposed segregation and as
such is lauded for breaking with tradition by refusing to preach
to racially segregated crowds, proclaiming that Christianity is
not for one race, gender or ethnicity, but for all; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham's upstanding morals and strict
ethical standards allowed him to oversee a ministry nearly
untouched by infidelity, financial fraud or other scandals; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham appeared on Gallup's annual list of
most admired men and women 61 times since 1955; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham received the Presidential Medal of
Freedom from President Ronald Reagan in 1983 for his
inspirational leadership in spreading the Gospel to every corner
of the globe; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham authored more than 30 books, hosted
his own radio program (Hour of Decision) and various television
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shows, published Decision magazine and founded the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association, an organization dedicated to
evangelistic ministry, as well as equipping others to spread the
Word of God; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
recognize the profound impact that Reverend Billy Graham has had
not only on American values and culture but also on individual
lives around the world through his ministry and his foundation;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
honor the significant accomplishments and preserve the lasting
legacy of an extraordinary leader; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
extend its deepest condolences to the family members surviving
Reverend Graham, including his 5 children, 19 grandchildren and
numerous great-grandchildren, many of whom are also involved in
ministry; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham
Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.
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