From Staff Reports

Asheville native Franklin Graham, widely considered to be one of the world’s most controversial evangelists, discussed recent attacks on his Samaritan’s Purse charitable efforts, in particular, and on Christianity, in general, during an appearance Nov. 20 on FNC TV’s “The Ingraham Angle.”

Specifically, Graham spoke out during a segment about the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s legal complaint demanding that a Kansas middle school cease participation in Operation Christmas Child, a program supported by Boone-based Samaritan’s Purse that provides Christmas gifts for underprivileged children, Breitbart.com reported.

“Graham told host Laura Ingraham he saw the country as being in ‘moral freefall’ but vowed not to back down,” Breitbart stated.

“I think we are in a moral freefall in this country,” he told Ingraham. “And the only hope for our country, I believe, is God. And for that to happen is we’ve got to come to Him in repentance, turning from our sins, and putting our faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ. And I think if we do that, then God will hear our prayers, and He will heal this country...

“People have asked me, what’s it going to take to bring this country together?” Franklin Graham continued. “I don’t think our country will ever come together. I think we’re so divided now, and it’s only going to get worse. 

“And the hatred that we see from many in the public square toward Christians is incredible. 

“But I’m not going to back down, Laura. I’m just going to keep telling people that God loves them, and He cares for them, and Christ died for their sins. I’m not going to back down,” Breitbart quoted Graham as saying.