United Kingdom Awards Honorary Knighthood to Billy Graham

Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn
Thursday, 6 December 2001

Billy Graham Recognized for Services to Civic and Religious Life

British Ambassador Christopher Meyer presented evangelist Billy Graham with an honorary knighthood in recognition of his services to civic and religious life in a ceremony at the British Embassy this evening.

In remarks during the ceremony, Meyer said Mr. Graham "has made an incalculable contribution to civic and religious life over 60 years. He has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history. His ministry has been truly international. Millions of people throughout the world have found his message inspirational. Many lives have been deeply changed. [He] has blazed a trail of Christian commitment marked by tolerance and respect for others."

Meyer said that Mr. Graham's commitment to the United Kingdom had been no less significant. He has conducted more missions in Britain than in any other country outside the United States. Mr. Graham first visited the United Kingdom in 1946, while with Youth for Christ, and has made regular visits since then. Meyer noted that in the Church of England alone there were hundreds of clergy whose call to the Christian life of discipleship was first sparked by Mr. Graham.

Among many in the United Kingdom who have known Mr. Graham over the years are such distinguished figures as Winston Churchill, C.S. Lewis, and members of government, parliament and the royal family.

For more information, or to contact Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn, see their website at: www.billygraham.org