News by email Donate

Suggestions

UK News

All eight venues cancel on Christian evangelist Franklin Graham

by Press Association

Another British venue has said a concert for a controversial Christian preacher will not go ahead, following a protest by gay rights campaigners.

Newcastle’s Utilita Arena had been booked to host an event for Franklin Graham, son of the evangelist Billy Graham, in June, but it announced it was no longer going ahead.

Ste Dunn, chairman of Northern Pride, said: “Having led the call for this to be cancelled, and coordinated the support of numerous groups throughout the city, we are obviously delighted by this decision.

“We would like to thank everyone who got behind the campaign and signed our petition, to make a stand and show that anti-LGBT+ speech is not welcome in Newcastle.”

A spokesman for the venue said: “Following talks with our partners and relevant stakeholders we can confirm that the Franklin Graham event scheduled at the Utilita Arena Newcastle in June will not take place.”

The Rev Franklin Graham, a supporter of US President Donald Trump, has been called homophobic after saying gay marriage was a sin.

Venues in Glasgow, Sheffield, Newport, London, Birmingham and Liverpool have already pulled out of hosting his events this summer.

In a statement, Mr Graham said that the Bible says that God “designed marriage to be between a man and a woman”.

In a statement last week, before the concert was called off, the preacher said: “People who say I’m ‘preaching hate’ have never heard me speak.

“I’m inviting everyone to come to these meetings. I would love for the LGBTQ community to come.

“Regardless of their faith or belief system, everyone is absolutely welcome. We’re not going to speak against anybody.

“We are bringing a message of hope for everybody.”

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate