WASHINGTON—His Excellency, Bishop Joseph Bambera of
Scranton, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Office
for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, has
issued the following statement on receiving the news of the Rev. Billy Graham’s
death:

“Headlines today will describe Billy Graham as the
preacher to millions and the advisor of presidents but first and foremost, he
was a man of deep Christian faith. Committed to the Gospel, his personal witness
and preaching of Jesus Christ touched the hearts of Americans spanning many
generations.

In a particular way, Catholics feel the loss of one of
the greatest pastors of our time. His ecumenical approach in ministry helped to
forge bonds of friendship and understanding between Catholics and Protestants. He
reminded us that what we had in common in Christ was greater than what divided
us.

We pray for God to comfort his family and we join
Christians throughout the nation and the world who pray today with blessed
assurance, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your
master!'” (Matt 25:23)

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Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Bishop Joseph Bambera,
Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Rev. Billy Graham, prayers,
condolences

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops