Americans United Warns Military Officials Not to Endorse Graham Rally

August 8, 2005

Source: Americans United for Separation of Church and State

http://www.au.org/site/News2?JServSessionIdr006=z40wb5e792.app5b&abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=7503&security=1002&news_iv_ctrl=1241

On August 8, 2005 the Americans United for Separation of Church and State reported, "Americans United for Separation of Church and State today warned U.S. military officials not to promote a Christian evangelistic rally for military personnel sponsored by Billy Graham's ministry.

Americans United took action after learning that Bob Dees, executive director of the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International, had sent e-mails to installation commanders nationwide informing them of a Sept. 9-11 'Serving God and Country' seminar in Asheville, N.C.

The event is sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, now run by Franklin Graham. According to promotional literature sent to the commanders, the event 'will spiritually refresh you and equip you to share your faith in Jesus Christ with your brothers and sisters in arms.' Invitees include chaplains, non-chaplain officers and enlisted personnel... [Rev. Barry Lynn, Americans United Executive Director] noted that the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs has been accused of favoring evangelical Christianity. In light of this, he said, it is especially important that the military take steps to ensure religious neutrality and avoid promoting events such as the Graham seminar."