Liberal Protestants associated with the National Council of Churches had long complained that Graham’s brand of evangelism was not concerned with social justice and the impact of Christianity on society, only with individual conversions. Reinhold Neibur, in an article in Life magazine, summarized this view.

More serious were the complaints from some Fundamentalists that Graham, by accepting an invitation that included a wide spectrum of churches, was confusing converts and diluting his message by reaching a compromise with theological liberalism. They were particularly concerned that the information cards of some new converts would be turned over to liberal or Catholic churches to be followed up on. Bob Jones Sr. had long severely criticized Graham on this theme. The New York crusade marked the final break between Graham and some Fundamentalist supporters, such as John R. Rice. Other leaders, such as Jack Wyrtzen, remained friends but privately chided the crusade because of what they saw as undue liberal influence. Graham consistently maintained that he would accept support from anyone, provided there were no restrictions on the Gospel message he preached. The dispute during the crusade led Graham’s research associate, Dr. Robert Ferm, to publish a book explaining the basis for the BGEA’s methods, called Cooperative Evangelism.

Although Graham rarely responded personally to critics, he had answered some of the more common complaints in an article in Look magazine that appeared February 7, 1956. A reprint of this article was widely distributed by the crusade staff during the New York City meetings.