The top issue on the agenda at the historic summit between President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un was clear: the de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula. But there were other topics of concern that many hoped would be covered. One of these was the treatment of Christians in the communist nation. As Faithwire has noted in the past, persecution watchdog and charity Open Doors has listed the DPRK as the most hostile nation on earth when it comes to the oppression of Christians.
In the Wake of the North Korean Summit Hype, Don’t Forget the Persecuted Christians
When asked about this subject during a press conference following the meeting with Kim Jong-un, President Trump replied, “Christians, yes. We brought it up. Franklin Graham spent and spends a tremendous amount of time in North Korea. He has it close to his heart. It did come up and things will be happening. Great question.” It was a short but hopeful answer.
But what does Franklin Graham himself think about the whole situation? In an interview with CBN News, the reverend revealed that he had pressed Trump on the issue for some time, urging decisive action from the White House to address the plight of believers in this repressive nation.
“I’ve talked to him on several occasions about North Korea,” Graham explained. “I believe this is one of the most dangerous places in the world. I told him to pay attention to it. I’m glad that he and the administration is focusing on this area of the world.”
He continued, praising Trump for extending a hand to the tyrannical regime.
“President Trump is the first president who has actually tried and is trying to resolve this issue,” he said. “I commend him, and I thank God he has taken this direction.”
“I’m very optimistic,” Graham said of the meeting between the two world leaders. “I think the North Koreans have been wanting to talk to the Americans for a long time. The North Koreans just want to be shown respect — other administrations would brush them off like they are nothing. These are prideful people.”
“They need help,” Graham added. “If there can be a peace treaty between the two, I think this would be huge for the DPRK and huge for us. We could save billions of dollars by not having to send troops and weapons to this part of the world.”
Graham is heavily involved in aid work within the borders of the DPRK, both through his humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
“We have been working in North Korea. My father (Billy Graham) made two visits. I’ve made four trips. We’ve put in medical equipment, helped with agricultural projects, distributed food. There are Christians in the country. By maintaining our foot in the door, we were able to help the Christians. I want the communist government to know that Christians are not their enemies, but they can be the very best citizens in the country.”
“Because God commands all of us to pray for those in authority. Christians play a very important role in society,” Graham said. And to the North Korean government, he had a clear message: “We are your friends.”
When Graham was asked whether he thought that the North Korean summit would ease the persecution of Christians in North Korea, the evangelist was clear: “No question. This meeting between Kim Jong-un and President Trump is huge. The Christians are going to benefit in North Korea because of president Donald J. Trump.”
(H/T: CBN News)