Kirk Cameron and The 'Billy Graham Rule'

I have always had a great deal of respect for Kirk Cameron, especially for his loyalty to his wife and his commitment to his marriage. Even when he is in a movie (like Fireproof, for example), if there's a kissing scene in the movie, the producer knows the actual woman he kisses will be Chelsea, his wife.

And like Billy Graham, Kirk will never be alone with another woman. This is called "The Billy Graham Rule" and serves to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

Actor Kirk Cameron, speaking recently at a conference about his new documentary, "Monumental: in Search of America's Treasure," was caught off guard when a newspaper editor tried to take a photo of him speaking with Nikki Schwab, the political gossip columnist for the Washington Examiner.

According to a report in the Christian Post, one of Cameron's handlers prevented the photo from being taken, telling Miller, "He can't be photographed alone with a woman."

Although, to date, Cameron's rep hasn't responded to the incident, reporter Chris Strong notes that several high-profile men in the ministry—including Rick Warren—follow what has become known as the "Billy Graham Rule"—named after the legendary evangelist who wouldn't allow himself to be alone in a room with a woman other than his wife, or family member.

Those who might mock Cameron's insistence on not being photographed alone with a woman, ironically, also seem to be the first to cast stones at Christian leaders who suffer a moral failing.

So, kudos to Cameron for striving to maintain his integrity for the Gospel's sake. He is avoiding temptation and I believe that's wisdom at work.

2012 April Lorier Perspective