Franklin Graham has challenged churches to examine their own preaching after a journalist asked whether immigration and the growth of other religions were contributing to Christianity's decline in the United Kingdom. Ahead of his Manchester appearance, the evangelist said the greatest threat comes from churches failing to proclaim biblical truth.
In an Instagram post, Graham described speaking with media representatives from TBN UK, TWR Global, and The Observer. He said one journalist raised the question of immigration and religious change, prompting him to focus his response on the church's responsibility to remain faithful to Scripture.
"I responded that the greatest threat to Christianity comes from churches not preaching the truth of God's Word," Graham wrote. "Many have been distracted by social issues, and many have compromised and fallen."
His remarks placed the emphasis on what congregations teach and proclaim. Graham did not identify particular churches or explain which social issues he had in mind, but his message called Christian leaders to assess whether their public witness still centers on the Gospel.
"We can't water down the Word of God," he continued. "We have to be faithful to preach the Gospel!"
Graham also connected that responsibility with contemporary anxiety about artificial intelligence and misinformation. At a time when people are questioning what they can trust, he urged Christians to take opportunities to speak about Jesus Christ, citing His description of Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life" in John 14:6.
For Graham, that conviction explains the purpose of his Manchester visit. He said he wants residents to hear that God loves them and sent His Son to save them from their sins, keeping the focus of his appearance on an invitation to Christian faith.
The Manchester stop of the God Loves You Tour is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at 6 p.m. at Co-op Live. The free event will feature music from Michael W. Smith, Charity Gayle, and British Christian rapper Faith Child, along with Graham's message. British Sign Language interpretation will be provided.
According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, nearly 600 evangelical churches across northwest England have been preparing to bring friends, relatives, and neighbors to the gathering. That involvement gives Graham's challenge to churches a practical setting: local congregations are being asked to help introduce people to the message he has come to preach.
His comments leave church leaders with a searching question about their own priorities. As public debate considers immigration, religious diversity, and changing beliefs, Graham is asking whether churches are clearly communicating the biblical message entrusted to them.
"That's why I've come to Manchester," he wrote, saying he looks forward to telling the city's people about God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ.
