A Win For FG.

Preacher Franklin Graham who branded homosexuality a ‘sin’ and reportedly called Islam an ‘evil and very wicked religion’ to appear at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.

Controversial preacher Franklin Graham will host a concert in Sheffield after taking legal action and overturning a Sheffield Council ban.

By Lucy Ashton, Local Democracy Reporter

Friday, 5th November 2021, 5:45 pm

NEW ORLEANS - MARCH 11: Franklin Graham speaks during the Celebration of Hope at the New Orleans Arena on March 11, 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Celebration of Hope is Evangelistic festival led by Franklin and Billy Graham, whose Samaritan's Purse ministry has raised, reportedly, more than $36 million for victims of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Sheffield Council said: “The parties are content that the dispute has been resolved and are content with the confidential terms agreed.

“As part of that settlement, BGEA are entitled to hold their event in the Sheffield Arena and this event has been scheduled for May 25, 2022.”

When asked if a financial settlement was part of the action, Sheffield Council said: “The parties have, with no admission of liability, agreed confidential terms for the settlement of the dispute.”

Why did the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association take legal action?

The BGEA had previously issued a statement on its website saying: “BGEA has filed claims against parties in Sheffield that it believes were responsible for cancelling its legally binding contracts.

“The case in Sheffield involves FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield Council and Sheffield City Trust.

“BGEA’s position remains that in nearly 70 years of public evangelistic outreach ministry, there is no evidence whatsoever that any event involving Franklin Graham has ever caused a danger to public safety or incited public disorder.

“The actions taken by these venues and those responsible for them to publicly repudiate these contracts are clear efforts to distance the decision-makers from BGEA, Franklin Graham and other Christians who hold similar beliefs. There is no question that this was done under pressure from those with opposing views.

“This disregard for principles of good faith and fair dealing, based on the mere suggestion that a person’s sincerely held religious views or statements are “hateful” or would result in public disorder, should be very alarming to anyone who is genuinely concerned about diversity, inclusion and tolerance, let alone free speech and the free exercise of religious beliefs.” Sheffield Star.

Blogger: it is God and not FG who has 'branded homosexuality a sin'.