On January 29, 2025, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush appeared on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal,” where he voiced his concerns about evangelist Franklin Graham.
According to Raushenbush, Graham’s treatment of the LGBT community lacks true love and support.
He drew a stark contrast between Franklin and his late father, the esteemed Rev. Billy Graham, suggesting that Franklin does not carry forward his father’s compassionate principles.
Criticism of Franklin Graham
During the conversation, Raushenbush took issue with Franklin Graham’s criticism toward Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who had publicly confronted President Donald Trump.
He contended that Graham was using his significant platform for self-serving purposes.
Raushenbush defended Bishop Budde’s right to express her views from her pulpit, emphasizing that her message was a vital part of the gospel.
He went on to argue that Franklin Graham’s attitude towards the LGBTQ community is devoid of love, which strays from the legacy established by his father.
Concerns for Marginalized Communities
While Raushenbush’s remarks brought his concerns to light, it’s crucial to recognize that Franklin Graham’s views on homosexuality largely align with those of his late father, who consistently deemed homosexuality sinful.
Raushenbush also raised alarms about the safety of transgender individuals, particularly during Trump’s presidency.
He criticized the administration for its policies that seem to dictate parental expressions of love toward their children, which he regarded as an alarming encroachment on personal freedoms.
Additionally, Raushenbush emphasized the broader implications of such policies, arguing that they contribute to an environment of intolerance and harm toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
He urged faith leaders to foster more inclusive dialogues rather than endorsing divisive rhetoric.
Meanwhile, in a separate controversy, TD Jakes denies misconduct claims, asserting that the allegations against him are unfounded and contrary to his values.
A Call for Inclusive Religious Freedom
Furthermore, Raushenbush challenged the conservative interpretation of “religious freedom,” calling for a more inclusive understanding that honors the rights of everyone, irrespective of their beliefs.
By sharing his own experience as a gay man, he positioned himself as a member of a marginalized community affected by the Trump administration.
His insights highlighted a troubling reality: religion is often manipulated as a means of oppression and discrimination in today’s political climate.
He emphasized the need for a broader, more compassionate application of religious liberty that protects rather than excludes marginalized groups.
In this context, Cardinal McElroy’s appointment was seen as a step toward a more progressive and inclusive Church, signaling a shift away from exclusionary practices.
By advocating for an interpretation of faith that prioritizes justice and equality, Raushenbush underscored the urgent necessity of reexamining how religious principles are wielded in the public sphere.
This broader conversation about religious liberty becomes even more pressing as legislative bodies, such as when the Idaho House challenges same-sex marriage, seek to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals under the guise of faith-based values.
Raushenbush’s advocacy underscores the importance of resisting such restrictive interpretations and instead fostering a religious framework that upholds dignity and equality for all.
By confronting how faith is utilized in political debates, he urges a reexamination of its role in shaping policies that should protect rather than marginalize diverse communities.
Source: Christianpost
