World Council of Churches (WCC) reflected on death of the world renowned preacher and evangelist, Rev. Dr Billy Graham.
Graham, who died on Feb. 21 at age 99, was a highly respected church leader and preacher of the gospel in the USA and around the world. He has been listed on Gallup's most admired list 61 times since 1955 — more than any other person.
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary, WCC, said "He has played an important role for many people in their encounters with the gospel and with Christian faith."
"He was an evangelist at heart," he added.
Despite having a different view about some important questions, Graham encouraged the works of a wide range of Christian organizations, including the ecumenical body.
"The World Council of Churches and Billy Graham were not always in agreement on questions of how Christianity should contribute to work for peace and justice in the world, but he respected a clear position and worked sincerely on a wide range of issues," said Tveit.
"He gave Biblical depth and weight to the evangelical context – something that is dearly needed, not least in our time today – in the US and elsewhere," he added.
