Billy Graham Library Raising Concerns

Orginally published on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 at 12:19 PM
by Todd Rhoades

At 88, the Rev Billy Graham plans to evangelise generations of people through a library dedicated to the gospel and soon to be erected in his name. But not all are happy with the project.

Interior rendering of the Billy Graham Library (BGEA)Graham’s children are at odds over the function and design of the nearly completed Billy Graham Library, which is slated to open in spring 2007. The Washington Post reported that Ned Graham, the youngest of five, and a family friend are concerned the library could be a mockery.

The 40,000 square foot library takes the shape of Billy Graham’s early childhood home – a dairy farm near Charlotte, North Carolina. Visitors, which are estimated to reach 200,000 annually, have to pass through a 40-foot-high glass entry cut in the shape of a cross.

In response to the negative opinions, Franklin Graham expressed disappointment and wrote in a statement, “While I respect the right of anyone to disagree with this project or to personally dislike the architectural style, the Board of Directors of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, along with my father, approved the decision to build this library as a means of continuing Billy Graham’s 60-year ministry of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Billy Graham, who has Parkinson’s disease, had initially rejected the idea of constructing the library. He did not want a memorial or museum to honour him or his works. But after Franklin, who heads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, assured his father that the new building would function as an ongoing evangelistic ministry and not a shrine, the elder Graham gave his support.

Both Grahams broke grounds on 26 August 2005 in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the new “ministry”.

“I would hope every person who comes through hears the message and by the time they come out of the library be confronted with a decision to accept or reject Christ,” said Franklin Graham, according to the Washington Post.

Ruth, 86, wife of Billy Graham, however, is concerned the library would turn out to be “a tourist attraction”.

Source:  http://www.christiantoday.com/article/billy.graham.library.raising.concerns/8735.htm

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