A 7-foot tall statue is set to be erected at the U.S. Capitol in honor of Rev. Billy Graham.
The statue, featuring Graham gesturing toward an open Bible in his hand, will be unveiled on May 16.
Rev. Franklin Graham told Fox News Digitial that the statue “isn’t just a statue of my father — it represents the One that he surrendered his life to and the message that he preached for more than 80 years, that God loves us and He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins.”
“What I appreciate most is that this is an opportunity for everyone in future generations who sees the statue to be reminded of God’s love, grace and forgiveness,” he said in an email.
“This is a great honor and my father would be humbled and grateful,” he added. “At the same time, he would not want the attention on himself but on God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The statue’s base will show Bible verses that “highlight Graham’s lifelong commitment to sharing the Gospel,” the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said. John 3:16 and John 14:6 will be featured.
A plaque reading, “Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” will also be seen on the statue.
Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), who was part of the bipartisan effort to place the statue in the U.S. Capitol, said Graham’s legacy is “based on his simple message of forgiveness based on John 3:16. His lifelong commitment to preaching the Gospel, his fight for civil rights, his opposition to communism, and his spiritual guidance provided hope to hundreds of millions.”
“He was the first private citizen from North Carolina to lie in honor in the United States Capitol and his likeness should stand in the U.S. Capitol forever,” Budd stated.
Bill Graham passed away in 2018.
