Throughout Billy Graham’s ministry, he had the opportunity to build relationships with many U.S. presidents. Among these include former President Jimmy Carter and former President Ronald Reagan, political opponents in the election of 1980.

Billy Graham first met former President Carter in 1971 while he was still serving as the governor of Georgia. The two were also seen at Mr. Graham’s Crusade in Atlanta in 1973, just a few years before Carter would be elected president.

While their relationship remained relatively private, their friendship became especially evident after the passing of Billy Graham. Carter said in a statement, “He had an enormous influence on my own spiritual life, and I was pleased to count Reverend Graham among my advisers and friends.”

Mr. Graham’s relationship with former President Reagan began in 1953 while Reagan was still working as an actor. They quickly found enjoyment in each other’s company and valued each other’s insightful perspectives.

When asked by Reagan for political help in the election of 1980, Mr. Graham turned him down, saying, “I think it would hurt us both, and certainly hurt my ministry, if I publicly endorsed any candidate.”

Billy Graham’s dedication to political neutrality and genuine friendship with presidents reflects the biblical concept of unity for the Gospel.

He put into practice the command of Romans 14:19 (ESV), which says, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”

With both Carter and Reagan being professing Christians, Billy Graham chose to keep the unity between himself and fellow believers by remaining neutral in political matters.

In Billy Graham’s autobiography, Just As I Am, he recounts his resolve to remain politically neutral:

In May 1980, while campaigning for the presidency, Ron [Reagan] was traveling through Indiana. I was holding a Crusade in Indianapolis at the time, and he asked me to come out to his hotel to have breakfast. I went and was met by Ed Meese. During the course of our conversation, Ron did something that he had never done before: he asked me if, when he went to North Carolina, I would say a positive word about him. The polls did not look too good for him there; at that moment he was at the 50 percent level.

“Ron, I can’t do that,” I had to reply. “You and I have been friends for a long time, and I have great confidence in you. I believe you’re going to win the nomination and be elected President. But I think it would hurt us both, and certainly hurt my ministry, if I publicly endorsed any candidate.“

Billy Graham once said, “Christians need to be involved in who governs our nation and how its laws impact the future,” but reminded Christians that, “We have to stand in the middle in order to preach to all people, right and left.”

Billy Graham encourages Christians to be involved with modern politics, but to prioritize preaching the Gospel over promoting political opinions.

You can find out more about Billy Graham’s friendship with U.S. Presidents in The Journey of Faith tour at the Billy Graham Library. Plan your visit today.