Graham at 90: Work as pastor to presidents ending

CHARLOTTE — The son of Billy Graham says the famed evangelist’s work as pastor to presidents is ending.

Franklin Graham said Friday as his family gathers to celebrate the preacher’s 90th birthday that his father is praying for president-elect Barack Obama. The two had tried to meet in the
midst of the White House campaign, but were unable to connect because of Billy Graham’s fragile health.

Billy Graham has provided advice to every president since Eisenhower. He hopes to meet someday with Obama, but Franklin Graham said his father feels that his time as an active counselor to the nation’s leader is over.

Billy Graham is a registered Democrat, but was never overtly partisan in his preaching. Franklin Graham said the he and his father have concerns about Obama’s views on abortion and gay marriage.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)