Displeased with Rev. Franklin Graham, local religious leaders plan alternative to prayer rally

DOUG ERICKSON
4 hrs ago

Rejecting recent statements by the Rev. Franklin Graham, a group of Madison religious leaders say they will hold an interfaith gathering at the same time the prominent Christian evangelist is scheduled to rally people at the state Capitol on Wednesday.

The alternative service, called "Neighbors in Faith," will celebrate religious diversity and the common good, according to organizers, who criticized Graham for comments he's made about Islam, Muslim immigrants, atheists, gay people and others.

"We're really trying to bear witness to a different vision for America," said the Rev. Jonathan Grieser of Grace Episcopal Church, who called some of Graham's views "deeply problematic."

Graham, 63, the son of the Rev. Billy Graham, is on a 50-state tour of capitols called "Decision America." Madison will be the 28th stop.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/displeased-with-rev-franklin-graham-local-religious-leaders-plan-alternative/article_0cd6d8a3-5b08-52f6-9eea-c45f26aac90f.html