NEWS

Franklin Graham moving BGEA money to BB&T

Dale Neal
dneal@citizen-times.com

Franklin Graham told a conservative Christian radio show that Christians should boycott businesses that promote a gay lifestyle.

The son of the Rev. Billy Graham has decided to move the assets of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to BB&T. Graham decided to boycott Wells Fargo for the bank's commercials featuring a lesbian couple.

On Tuesday's edition of "Washington Watch with Tony Perkins," Graham said, "I'm not going to do business with a business promoting sin. As Christians, we don't have to do business with Starbucks, with Nike, with Wells Fargo, with Tiffany's that are promoting a gay lifestyle."

Graham said he was disturbed that Wells Fargo was using shareholder money to run ads during a Charlotte golf tournament, which focused on a lesbian couple.

Graham said BB&T was a "good solid bank," which Samaritan's Purse has been doing business with for years.

The move could save the BGEA some $100,000 a year in service fees. The ministry took in $107.7 million in contributions and income in 2014, according to its financial report.

But BB&T has been involved in support of the gay community, most recently this year in salute of "Legacy Couples" from Miami's first Gay Pride Parade in 2009. These are committed couples who have been together at least 10 years.

"For more than 140 years, BB&T has supported the goals of our clients, friends and neighbors by sharing financial knowledge and guidance," Arthur Costa, BB&T's regional multicultural markets officer, said in a news release announcing the fundraiser.

"We also support the individuals and organizations that broaden our perspectives and strengthen the diverse fabric of our communities. That's why BB&T is proud to be a part of this day of pride and celebration of the 2015 Legacy Couples," Costa said in the release.