I’m not coming to preach hate

He’s been labelled a hate preacher ahead of his visit to Blackpool in September where he’ll speak at the Lancashire Festival of Hope.

Previous comments he’s made on homosexuality and Islam have led to some saying he shouldn’t be given a platform in this country.

Speaking exclusively to Premier in an in-depth interview ahead of the event, he said: “I don’t think I’ve been to any country where everybody was supportive – there’s always churches or groups who don’t like my theology or that we associate with this group or that group.

“I’m not coming to preach hate, I’m here to preach about a saviour – Jesus Christ who can make a difference in our lives if we put our faith and trust in him.”

Mr Graham also said his father Billy, who held rallies in stadiums across the UK throughout his preaching career, also faced similar criticism.

“They tried to stop him coming,” he said. “He was due off a boat into Southampton and there were petitions to stop him coming and members of parliament speaking against him.”

Thousands are expected to hear Franklin Graham when he preaches at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens between 21st and 23rd September 2018.

Offering an invite to his critics, he said: “I’m coming to preach what the Bible says, what God says – I’m not coming with my own message.

“I’m not coming to speak against anyone; I’m not there…