Billy Graham

Billy Graham was an American Christian evangelist and Southern Baptist minister who became one of the most influential religious figures of the 20th century.

Billy Graham was an American Christian evangelist and Southern Baptist minister who became one of the most influential religious figures of the 20th century. He was known for large-scale crusades, radio and television preaching, and a long association with U.S. presidents.

What it is

Billy Graham (born William Franklin Graham Jr.) was a prominent evangelist whose ministry spanned from the 1940s to 2005. He preached to live audiences in more than 185 countries and territories, reaching an estimated 215 million people. He founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950 and launched the radio programme The Hour of Decision that same year.

Why it matters

Graham is widely regarded as a defining figure in 20th-century evangelical Christianity. His use of radio, television, and film expanded the reach of his message far beyond traditional church settings. He also wrote over 30 books and founded publications like Christianity Today, shaping modern Christian media and discourse.

Key details

Graham was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 7, 1918, and died on February 21, 2018, at age 99. His ministry had international influence, including in Canada, where his crusades and broadcasts reached North American audiences. He maintained close ties with U.S. presidents and was a prominent voice in American religious and political life.