Billy Graham
US evangelist Billy Graham – one of the most influential preachers of the 20th Century – has died aged 99.
Graham became one of the best-known promoters of Christianity, preaching to audiences worldwide in large arenas, beginning in London [ads1]in 1954.
He died at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, a spokesman for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said.
In a 60-year career, he is estimated to have personally preached to 210 million people.
Graham reached millions more through TV.
Graham became a committed Christian at the age of 16 after hearing a travelling evangelist and was ordained a minister in 1939.
At first skeptical of the civil rights movement in the US, he went on to become a supporter in the 1950s.
Graham avoided the scandals which dogged some contemporary televangelists. His fiery delivery became more measured with advancing years and controversy surrounding the techniques of mass evangelism.
Source: BBC