Rev. Graham Hails Sessions for Religious Liberty Task Force

The Rev. Franklin Graham is urging for the success of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' new task force to bolster federal efforts to protect religious liberty.

"Let's pray for this important task force as they work toward protecting religious liberty," Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, said on his Facebook page.

In announcing The Religious Liberty Task Force on Monday, Sessions said: "We are perhaps the most religiously developed nation in the world and can take pride in respecting all people as they fully exercise their faiths. It is clear that these policies have furthered peace, prosperity, freedom, lawfulness, and clarity. As our nation grows older, we must not let it depart from this magnificent tradition."

He added: "We have gotten to the point where courts have held that morality cannot be a basis for law. Where ministers are fearful to affirm, as they understand it, holy writ from the pulpit, and where one group can actively target religious groups by labeling them a 'hate group' on the basis of their sincerely held religious beliefs. This president and this Department of Justice are determined to protect and even advance this magnificent heritage."

Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, said Sessions is on the money.

"He cited 'a dangerous movement' aimed toward stripping away the First Amendment right to freedom of religion as the reason for forming the task force," Graham said.

"This dangerous movement has attacked Christian bakers, florists, and others in our nation. The attacks can be devastating to families. Many are persecuted simply for standing up for the truths taught in the Bible. Let's pray for this important task force . . . Thank you Attorney General Sessions."

The new initiative will seek to engage in expanding outreach to various groups and develop strategies — involving litigation, policy, and legislation — in seeking to protect religious freedom. It will be chaired by two leaders of the department's Office of Legal Policy.

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