The US figure has faced criticism for previous comments made towards the LGBTQ+ community
Franklin Graham in London in 2025(Image: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
Co-op Live has been met with criticism from some members of Manchester’s church network after it was announced the venue will host an American evangelical figure who made controversial comments about the LGBTQ+ community.
Franklin Graham is considered to be one of the most influential evangelicals in America, and is the son of 20th century Christian leader Billy Graham. Since 2001, he has served as the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
In October, Rev Graham will bring his God Loves You tour to Manchester with a free-to-attend worship event which will also include live music from three-time Grammy-winning artist Michael W. Smith, as well as worship leader Charity Gayle and Christian rapper Faith Child.
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But some faith leaders in the city-region have expressed concern over the event, citing previous comments Graham has made towards the LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, he said he felt that celebrating Pride was on par with celebrating ‘lying, adultery, or murder’, and also previously said that he believed the ‘LGBT agenda’ was akin to a ‘sin’ in a post on social media back in 2016.
One local figure, who asked to remain anonymous, said they had heard concerns from members within the Inclusive Church Network in the North West about the decision to host the event. They described the move as ‘profoundly troubling’.
In a statement issued to the Manchester Evening News, they explained: “Mr Graham has a long public record of making intensely inflammatory and harmful statements about LGBT people. His rhetoric has contributed to the rejection and marginalisation experienced by many LGBT Christians and their families.
“Whilst we fully respect freedom of religion and the right of Christians to proclaim their faith, this is not simply a question of religious belief. It concerns whether one of Manchester’s most prominent venues should provide an enormous platform to someone whose public statements have caused genuine hurt and division.
“Manchester has a proud history as an inclusive city, while the co-operative movement was founded upon values including equality, solidarity and social responsibility. Hosting Mr Graham appears seriously at odds with those values.”
Representatives for Co-op Live declined to comment when approached by the M.E.N for more information but confirmed it was still going ahead as planned. Representatives for Graham have also been contacted for further details of the event.
Earlier this month, the evangelical figure said he expected the Manchester event to be attended by ‘thousands of Christians across the North West’ with members representing up to 600 churches from across the country.
“I couldn’t be more excited to preach in Manchester,” he previously said. “This is an incredible city, and it is a privilege to return to the place where my father preached 65 years ago. Manchester has changed a lot since my father was here in 1961, but God’s Word doesn’t change. In this day and age of AI and global misinformation, many are wondering what truth is and what is real.
“I want people to know that there is truth and it is found in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who is ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6). I’m looking forward to sharing this message of Good News with the people of Manchester.”
Back in 2020, eight of Graham’s tour dates in the UK were cancelled after concerns were raised from LGBTQ+ groups and advocates. In response at the time, Graham called it a ‘freedom of religion and free speech issue’.
