Evangelist Billy Graham on Wednesday
joined the thousands of Americans showing their support for
Chick-Fil-A with a purchase at the fast-food chain.
Wednesday's Chick-Fil-A Appreciation
Day called on conservatives to patronize the eateries to support CEO
Dan Cathy. Cathy created a firestorm of protest when he said that
gay marriage is “inviting God's judgment on our nation.”
Last week, Graham, 93, issued a
statement praising founder Truett Cathy and his son Dan Cathy for
“their strong stand for the Christian faith.”
“I've known their family for many
years and have watched them grow Chick-Fil-A into one of the best
businesses in America while never compromising their values,”
Graham said.
“Each generation faces different
issues and challenges, but our standard must always be measured by
God's word. I appreciate the Cathy family's public support for God's
definition of marriage.”
According to The
New York Times, the statement was more likely written by
Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son who now runs his ministry.
“Considering Mr. Graham's age and
limited mobility, his statement was more an expression of sentiment
and solidarity with the Cathy family and their cause than actually a
commitment to go to a Chick-Fil-A himself,” A. Larry Ross, a
spokesman for Billy Graham, said.
In an separate e-mail, Ross confirmed
that Graham “enjoyed a Chick-Fil-A sandwich, waffle fries, sweet
tea and a chocolate shake for lunch at home” on Wednesday.