PLANO, Texas — Dr. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, releases a statement responding to the McKinney School District’s decision to pull its graduations from the church’s campus, a decision made because Prestonwood would not remove or cover its cross:
“Since its founding, our church has been a place where all people in our community are welcome. We have gathered together for many reasons and on countless occasions. We’ve celebrated together, and we’ve mourned together upon the passing of loved ones and influential members of our community, including police officers killed in the line of duty.
“This is the heart of our church: to serve our neighbors, no strings attached. But we do it all in the name of Jesus, and we will never hide that fact.
“While we are certainly disappointed the McKinney School District decided to not hold its graduations on our campus — as they have done for 14 years — we are not ashamed this happened because we would not consent to remove or cover our cross. We know this decision is not a reflection on the good people of our community because it was substantially influenced by a small outside group determined to change our values in Texas by silencing free speech and restricting religious freedom.
“We meet their bullying by reiterating our love and openness to our community and especially those in the McKinney School District community — many of whom attend our services by the hundreds, every weekend.”
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Dr. Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the largest and fastest growing churches in America. He is also a noted author, and hisPowerPoint Ministries broadcasts are available in 92 countries and are heard daily in more than 740 cities. He has served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention and the honorary chairman of the 2015 National Day of Prayer.
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