By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Thursday, April 14, popular evangelist Franklin Graham was in Montgomery to urge the people of Alabama to pray for a spiritual renewal in this nation. A number of Alabama’s leaders attended the event at the state capital.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) said, “It is great to have Franklin Graham in Montgomery today. I enjoyed seeing so many Alabamians in Montgomery for the Franklin Graham Decision America prayer rally!”
State Senator Greg Reed (R-Jasper) said in a statement, “It was a privilege to hear Franklin Graham speak on the steps of the Alabama Capitol today. Rev. Graham spoke on America’s godly heritage and principles and led the crowd in prayer for our state and nation. I was glad to see many other legislators there, including Phil Williams, Senator Gerald Allen, Clyde Chambliss, Bill Hightower, and Rusty Glover.”
State Representative Allen Farley (R-McCalla) said, “Today Muriel and I were privileged to stand with several thousand Alabamians in front of Alabama’s State Capital and pray with Franklin Graham.” Farley said, “Months ago Rev Franklin Graham stepped out and stepped away from the GOP to begin the ‘Decision America 2016 Tour.’ He has been very clear about the mission behind his 50-state capital tour: “America Needs a Spiritual Revolution.””
State Senator Phil Williams (R-Rainbow City) said, “It was a blessing and an honor to join with Franklin Graham and a host of others to pray today on the grounds of the Alabama Capitol. God is alive and well, He loves us unconditionally, He has a plan for our lives and our State, and Christians must be engaged!”
State Senator Rusty Glover (R-Semmes) said that there were several thousand in attendance to hear Rev. Graham.
Rev. Franklin Graham said in a statement that he supports effort to pass the personhood Amendment making its way through the Alabama legislature. Graham wrote, “The Associated Press reports that Alabama is considering recognizing the human fetus as a person. I’m in Alabama’s capital, Montgomery, today to lead a prayer rally for our nation on the Capitol steps at noon. I pray that this state will recognize a fetus as a person—because, legally defined as such or not, a fetus is a person, created by God. The Bible says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).” “This country needs prayer, our leaders wrestling with these monumental issues need prayer. We need to stand together in support of God’s truth and His laws and let the Christian voice be heard.”
HB300 would constitutionally define the unborn child as a person with all the rights and protection under the law that every other person has. The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Ed. Henry (R-Hartselle) received a favorable report from the House Health Committee on Wednesday.
Gov. Bentley had a private meeting with Rev. Graham before the rally. Many Alabamians, including several legislators, have called on Gov. Bentley to resign for his alleged, and some acknowledged, moral and ethical shortcomings.
