BBC documentary on ‘superstar’ pastor
A DOCUMENTARY retelling the life and times of Billy Graham is to be shown on the BBC later this month.
The film, named after the “superstar” pastor, will shine a light on the American evangelist, who gathered thousands of followers.
Graham, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 99, was one of the most wellknown figures in the world, with his death sparking headlines across the globe.
For almost a century, he was at the heart of the American Protestant elite, advising and shaping behind-the-scenes of power in the White House.
Inducted into the role of spiritual adviser to the presidency by Roosevelt, his influence was often controversial and his conservative position on abortion and homosexuality alienated many in society.
He remained a popular figure, however, with millions of Scots turning out to hear his sermons during a tour of the country in 1955.
This included several stops in Glasgow where he held open-air rallies at Ibrox Stadium and Hampden Park, the latter in front of a congregation of 100,000, perhaps the largest in Scottish church history.
Graham’s visit prompted a debate at Glasgow University Union, at which a motion “that this house considers Billy Graham to be an undesirable immigrant” was rejected by 190 votes to 187.
The Rev Dr Nevile Davidson told Glasgow Cathedral that one of the most remarkable things that Graham had achieved was to make religion, at least for a few weeks, the main talking-point in Scotland.