Conservatives rank ACLJ and Billy Graham's organization as top groups that are making a difference

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) have been named as the top non-profit organizations that are most effective in making a difference in the culture, according to a new survey.

The American Culture & Faith Institute (ACFI) recently conducted a national survey asking people to identify organizations of any type that they believe have made the most positive impact on American society in 2016.

On top of the list was ACLJ, which was chosen by 35 percent of the respondents, followed by BGEA, with 33 percent. Twenty-nine percent selected Samaritan's Purse, while 27 percent named the American Family Association. Focus on the Family came in at fifth place with 23 percent, followed by Family Research Council at 22 percent.

BGEA and Samaritan's Purse are both headed by Franklin Graham, the son of famed evangelist Billy Graham.

The survey was conducted in January 2017 with a sample size of 700 adults who are identified as Spiritually Active, Governance Engaged Conservatives (SAGE Cons).

ACFI defines SAGE Cons as adults who are "registered voters; conservative on political matters; have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior; are active in pursuing their Christian faith; and are actively engaged in politics and government."

ACLJ acknowledged its ranking on the list, saying: "This goes to the core of the ACLJ's mission to make an impact. That's what we are doing in courts all across America, at the Supreme Court, on Capitol Hill, at the U.N., and beyond. This is what you are making possible. We will not let up. We will keep fighting and making a real impact for faith and freedom."

The law group has been advocating for persecuted Christians before the U.N., and it has been campaigning for the release of Christians who were unjustly imprisoned overseas. It is currently pressing for the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who is currently jailed in Turkey due to his alleged ties to a terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, the BGEA has recently hosted the first World Summit in Defense of Persecuted in Washington, D.C. During the event, Vice President Mike Pence spoke in front of hundreds of Christian leaders and persecution victims, assuring the victims that he and President Donald Trump stand with them.