Billy Graham Comes Up in the Barack Obama/Rick Warren Flap

Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks on December 26, 2008

Billy Graham is being frequently mentioned in the current flap over president elect Barack Obama tapping evangelical pastor Rick Warren to offer a prayer at his inauguration. Nearly every article mentions Billy Graham’s role as a pastor to presidents over the years.

Billy Graham has had personal encounters with every president going back to Harry Truman. Billy Graham has participated in nine presidential inaugurations, tying Chief Justice John Marshall’s record from the early 1800s. While he didn’t participate, Billy Graham did attend a tenth inauguration, that of Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.

The speculation continues that Warren will take the mantle from Billy and assume the role as “America’s pastor.” Billy’s son Franklin Graham comments in an interview with Christianity Today that “time will tell” if Warren takes on that role, noting that it’s a role God gives you, not one you seek. He also notes Billy Graham’s history with U.S. presidents and that “There’s no other American that has had more influence on the White House.” The 2008 book Preacher and the Presidents details Billy Graham’s interactions with U.S. presidents.