PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 23, 2026 – In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially signed in the city of Philadelphia. In 2026—250 years later, and mere steps from where that landmark document was adopted—Evangelist Will Graham brought the Declaration of Dependence Tour to the same city, proclaiming the eternal truth of Jesus Christ at the Liberty Bell Center.
“It is significant that the birth certificate of the United States is called the Declaration of Independence. When our forefathers signed that historic document, they were declaring their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain,” said Graham. “But, at the same time, these same forefathers were declaring their dependence upon Almighty God… We must return to Him in dependence and prayer in these dark days.”
After sharing a Gospel message about the love of God, Graham invited those in the park—including the many waiting in line to see the Liberty Bell in person—to make a decision for Jesus Christ.
Along with the message, the hourlong program featured acoustic worship by musician Josh Havens—lead singer of the Christian band The Afters—and a dedicated time of prayer.
Visit the Declaration of Dependence Tour online press kit to download high-resolution photos from Wednesday’s event in Philadelphia.
The Declaration of Dependence Tour with Will Graham will now continue on to Trenton, New Jersey, where tomorrow’s event will begin at noon.
To learn more about the Declaration of Dependence Tour, please visit DeclarationOfDependence.com.
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Media Contact:
Erik Ogren
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About Will Graham:
Will Graham is the third generation of his family to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). The grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham, he has spoken to more than 1.2 million people across six continents. Graham also serves as executive vice president of the BGEA, giving leadership to all areas of the organization his grandfather founded in 1950. Follow Will on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association:
Founded by Billy Graham in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) shares the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world. From its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; the Billy Graham Library; the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, North Carolina; SearchforJesus.net, an internet evangelism