Franklin Graham calls for campaign truce, tells presidential candidates to stop their 'childish bickering'

Franklin Graham addresses the crowd during his Decision America Tour. (billygraham.org)

Reverend Franklin Graham is sick and tired of hearing American presidential hopefuls tear each other to shreds just so they can get ahead in the election race, and this is why he is calling for a campaign truce.

Graham writes on his Facebook page that he is calling for a time out, or "a halt to the insults, the back-stabbing, the dirty tricks, and the name-calling that has been spewing from most of the presidential candidates."

The evangelist adds that "the campaign for the highest office in our land has stooped to a new low — and it's not something to be proud of. Seriously."

"I call on the candidates to drop the childish bickering and get back to the issues that can change America for the good, for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Otherwise America is ultimately the loser. It's obvious that this country is in trouble — spiritually, morally, and politically," he says.

Earlier, Graham quit the GOP after Republican lawmakers allowed Congress to pass the budget bill that includes budget items for controversial abortion service provider Planned Parenthood. At the same time, he did not want politics to get in the way of his Decision America Tour, his self-imposed mission to travel from state to state to try and encourage Christians to get involved in politics and go out and vote.

Graham also said that he is not going to endorse any presidential candidate since the only thing that he plans to endorse is prayer.

"I have heard from people all over America who believe that our nation is in trouble — morally, spiritually, and politically. But as attention turns to an election year, I do not believe that Republicans or Democrats (or any other party) can turn this nation around – only God can," he earlier wrote.

"God hears the prayers of his people, so I'm calling on people of faith in every state to pray fervently for America and our leaders. I want to challenge Christians across our land to boldly live out and promote biblical principles at home, in public and at the ballot box. The only hope for this country is if the people of God are willing to take a stand for truth and righteousness," he added.

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