Rev. Graham sends letter to Iran requesting release of American pastor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Rev. Billy Graham has sent a letter to the president of Iran.

A copy of that letter was published in the New York Times Thursday.

In it, Graham asked Hassan Rouhani to release Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen who was in Iran to build an orphanage when he was arrested.

Graham said the belief is the primary reason for Abedini's imprisonment was because of his Christian faith.

He said releasing the pastor would have a positive impact on both nations.

WSOC