Evangelist Franklin Graham has warned that God "cannot bless" a nation that embraces the murder of innocent children and expressed the importance of electing political leaders who will "stand up for the most vulnerable and voiceless among us."
Graham, the leader of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, spoke out against abortion last week to mark the 40th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, a measure that bans most taxpayer funding for abortions in Medicaid. It is estimated that the law has saved more than 2 million lives from abortion in the past 40 years.
"Abortion is murder-it is infanticide! It should not be paid for with our tax dollars," he wrote. "Some political officials-liberals who call themselves progressives-are seeking to overturn the Hyde Amendment. We need political leaders who will, along with citizens who value life, stand up for the most vulnerable and voiceless among us."
LifeNews notes that historically, the Hyde Amendment has received bipartisan support. However, in recent months, abortion activists, the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton have made it a top priority to repeal the amendment and force taxpayers to fund abortions.
The outlet notes that if they succeed, an estimated 33,000 more unborn babies would lose their lives to abortion every year in America, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion research group.
Graham encouraged Christians to research presidential candidates' views on abortion and compare them to biblical teachings before they vote.
"I am speaking out on issues that impact all of us as Americans," he wrote. "I'm encouraging Christians to look at the facts, line them up to what the Bible says and their faith, and vote on November 8. Research the candidates and the party platforms and see what they stand for. ... Christians can bring change for the good in this country if we will stand up and let our voice be heard."
While Graham has said he will not endorse any particular candidate, he praised India Gov. Mike Pence - Trump's running mate - following the Vice Presidential Debate for publicly proclaiming his faith.
"Many politicians and public figures today avoid mentioning their faith," Graham wrote. "It is because secularism has permeated our society... Last night during the Vice Presidential Debate, it was so encouraging to hear Governor Pence share about his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Some politicians may talk about their faith in generalities, but there aren't many who are bold enough to talk about Jesus Christ. As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I'm grateful for those unashamed to speak His Name and live out their faith in Him."
This fall, Graham is stopping in all 50 states to host prayer rallies and encourage Christians to vote and pray for the United States. His Decision America Tour has attracted tens of thousands of Christians to their state capitals to pray for issues currently facing the United States, including abortion and religious freedom.
