OPINION:
The Pentagon rescinded its invitation to the Rev. Franklin Graham because Muslims complained about the evangelist’s comments in a 2001 article in the Wall Street Journal (“Say amen, somebody,” Inside the Beltway, Page 2, Thursday). In the Journal piece, titled “My View of Islam,” Mr. Graham spoke candidly about Islam. As he put it, “I do not believe that Muslims are evil people because of their faith. I personally have many Muslim friends. But I decry the evil that has been done in the name of Islam, or any other faith - including Christianity.”
That Mr. Graham’s National Day of Prayer invitation was revoked is hardly becoming to the Pentagon. Why is it that the evangelist’s article nine years ago is, in the judgment of the Pentagon, sufficient evidence to rescind his invitation? Is Mr. Graham not entitled to his own opinions, even if the U.S. military is not in agreement with them?
Mr. Graham deserves credit for defending the Christian faith - in spite of opposing forces in the Pentagon. As he told reporters, “I don’t believe that Muhammad can lead anyone to God, but salvation is through Christ alone. … I don’t accept this notion that all roads lead to God.” He may have lost the respect of the Washington bureaucrats, but he certainly has not lost the faith.
BRIAN STUCKEY
Denver
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