Please don't throw flames..

[olbear]

I just had to post this info.

I go to First Baptist Church Daytona Beach, Florida. OK put down the torches...LOL!

Well, our pastor told us last week, that this next sunday we were going to be picketed. It's the stupid crazy group that pickets military funerals. Know the one I'm talking about?

Well, I was wondering why they would want to picket us?? Well, you know how some gays dislike what we say about hating the sin but loving the sinner? Well, that is why they are picketing us. Because we chose to preach love instead of the negative and hateful responses that I know so many of you get day to day.

When I was told about this happening, I immediatly thought of this board and the nice people on it that I have come to respect and yes, love! So Vicki and all you prayer warriors out there, please keep us in your prayers this sunday morning. The Ciity Police and State Troopers are supposed to be in place to keep our members from being harrassed and baited. My husband was told that their main aim was to bait people and get them so mad, that they lash out and say or do something stupid so they have a reason for a lawsuit. This is something I hope and pray our membership is above and will stay away from.

Anyway, Thanks for taking the time to read, and I hope you'll be thinking of us. In a good way of course. I know you can get aggravated by some Christians acting so stupid and ill-mannered. But I feel that is truely a loud minority.

Blessings to all,
Winnie

[ConcKahuna]

That particular group is full of nutjobs.

Give them what-for for us!:dance3:

[olbear]

That particular group is full of nutjobs.

Give them what-for for us!:dance3:

Oh my gosh!!! You are so not kidding!! I just checked out their website!! www.godhatesfags.com

It made my blood run cold and I actually felt sick to my stomach. It is morons like these that make the christian community look like idiots!! I am just so upset...unbelieveable!! It is just plastered with outright, no doubt...HATE!!
You guys, I am so so sorry. Please know this is not the heart of most christians.

Bless you all,
Winnie

[olbear]

Forgot to add...

When my hubby told me about this, I realized they were the pathetic group that has been picketing the funerals of our fallen hero's. I told my husband, "I wish you still fit in your uniform so you could march proudly right through the thick of them idiots!" He said he would love it. But sadly he has become a growing boy since he retired. LOL!

{{{HUGS}}}
Winnie

[DVC~OKW~96]

He could put his cover on and pin any medals he earned to the lapel of his suit jacket.

[Viki]

Ugh ... this is really hateful beyond words .... I so get people of faith disagreeing on this issue, but this isn't that .... this is hateful............and evil .......

[olbear]

He could put his cover on and pin any medals he earned to the lapel of his suit jacket.

Fantastic idea! I'll tell hubby. And I'll get his medals shined up, he has 3 rows full!!

Yeah, I'm proud!!:thumbsup2
Winnie

[olbear]

Ugh ... this is really hateful beyond words .... I so get people of faith disagreeing on this issue, but this isn't that .... this is hateful............and evil .......

It sounds like you went to their site...it is the most hateful thing I have seen in my entire life. Honestly.

Keep us prayed up girlfriend!!
Winnie

[olbear]

Just found this on their sick site. Calvary is a terrific loving church. And St Paul's Basillica, has some wonderful people as well. I have sang at several weddings there.

I noticed too on their site they call churches for example, Bible Baptist DOG KENNEL...it's like they hate their own brothers and sisters in Christ. Now how sick is that??

Here's what I found. I'm gonna show hubby so we get to church early with him wearing his medal hopefully.

Westboro Baptist Church
(WBC Chronicles -Since 1955)
3701 SW 12tb St. Topeka, Kansas 66604 785-273-0325 www.eodhatesfaes.com
Relieious O~iniona nd Bible Commentan on Current Events
Monday, August 6,2007
NEWS RELEASE
WBC will picket three more Florida Mega-churches
next Sunday, August 12,2004 - in religious protest
and warning: "God is not mocked!" Gal. 6:7. God
Hates Fags! & ***-Enablers! Ergo, God hates these
sodomite *****houses masquerading as churches.
(See, &'eminent place," Ezek. l6:24.) These godless
cash-cows - milked by charlatans called iLpastors" -
are primarily to blame for creating a Satanic
Zeitgeist wherein fags and dykes have prospered to 3
the extent that sodomites now run America.
America's Greedy, Dumb Dogs
God calls these religious snake-oil salesmen dressed
in clerical garb - Blind, Ignorant, Dumb, Lazy, Greedy
Dogs; To wit:
&'His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant, they
are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying
down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs
which can never have enough, and they are
shepherds that cannot understand; they all look to
their own way, every one for his gain, from his
quarter." Isa. 56:l 0,l 1 .
Florida churches to be picketed Sunday, Aug.12:
8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. First Baptist Church, 118 N. Palmetto Ave.,
Daytona Beach.
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a. Calvary Christian Center, 1687 W. Granada
Blvd., Ormond Beach.
12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Basilica of St. Paul, 317 Mullally Street,
Datona Beach.

[Chuck S]

So, if I understand olbear, there is nothing "special" happening at her church on Sunday...no funeral, no special services...and these Kansas wingnuts just randomly pick a FL church to go picket? They're picketing just a regular Sunday service?

Sounds like they wanted a FL vacation and needed an excuse to pay for it with tax-free church funds. These kinds of groups need to lose their tax-free status.

[olbear]

Hi Chuck,
No nothing special going on sunday at our church. We were told by our pastor that we were picked because we are considered a "mega-church, and one that expounds that even if we don't agree with the homosexual life style, we are commanded to love no matter what.

These nut cases think we're wrong and "dogs" for thinking and believing this way. I guess they expect us to hate no matter what God's word says. Now they are what I would consider hate-mongers and definate "biggots".

:goodvibes
Winnie

[ConcKahuna]

http://www.godhatesfags.com/writings/20060331_god-loves-everyone-lie.pdf

That's just sad. I guess people can get just about anything out of the Bible if they choose to.

[odd1]

http://www.godhatesfags.com/writings/20060331_god-loves-everyone-lie.pdf

That's just sad. I guess people can get just about anything out of the Bible if they choose to.

Which is one reason I have a problem with scripture.

:scared1:

[watersbland]

I had to wait till I got home to take a look at their page b/c the firewall at work blocks it out. And for good reason. It's absolute trash in the worst way. I think the sickest thing is the pictures of their small children holding up hate signs at churches and soldiers funerals praying for more soldiers deaths. It honestly made me sick. I showed it to mandie for a brief minute and then we clicked off the page not wanting to give them the satisfaction of even looking at that worthless crap.

I'm sorry that they felt the need to single out your church and I hope that each and every one of your members is able to take the high road and refuses to even acknowledge their presence although I'm not sure if I'd be capable of the same. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

[mickeysaver]

Oh Winnie....you and Fred have got to be careful. Part of the way these idiots make money is by picking fights and then filing lawsuits.

I ran into these idiots back in college at UGA at the free speech platform. Fred Phelps & Brother Jed and Sister Cindy.....no matter what the name of the groups that spout this hateful garbage, it's meant to warp minds of the impressionable, instigate hatred and they hope a fight, so that they can get some "free" money.

:hug: Go worship on Sunday, but be prepared to keep your emotions in line. I suggest earplugs. Maggie

[Boston5602]

I'll have you all in my prayers Sunday morning. even with that group outside I hope you have a great Service!

[Chuck S]

Oh Winnie....you and Fred have got to be careful. Part of the way these idiots make money is by picking fights and then filing lawsuits.

I ran into these idiots back in college at UGA at the free speech platform. Fred Phelps & Brother Jed and Sister Cindy.....no matter what the name of the groups that spout this hateful garbage, it's meant to warp minds of the impressionable, instigate hatred and they hope a fight, so that they can get some "free" money.

:hug: Go worship on Sunday, but be prepared to keep your emotions in line. I suggest earplugs. Maggie

True, the Phelps clan has several lawyers amongst them...and they use/abuse the legal system.


Please be careful.

[Notatourist]

Scare the hell out of them. Invite them in and have the pastor give a sermon on loving everyone. I mean everyone. You be the bigger person and show them Christ's love.

I just recently read "God is not great: How religion spoils everything" by Christopher Hitchens. I recommend it for it's views on religion, but a quote from the book says it all..."When asked if the churches should teach the bible in Spanish-a Texas senator stated 'As long as it's taught in the English that Jesus learned it in, I'm okay with that'".

Need I say more?

[ILuvDVC2]

Several years ago when we lived in Chicago, Fred Phelps et. al. protested at the Broadway United Methodist church, which is located in the heart of the gay community. They protested at this church because it was the church where the pastor performed a same-sex commitment ceremony, and not long afterwards the pastor was suspended by the Methodist church leadership because their pastors were forbidden from performing same-sex unions.

We were members of another Methodist congregation, and when we found out Phelps was coming, we formed a "ring of love" around the church by marching around the perimeter of the church so that the membership could attend services. Phelps was contained to a spot across the street from the church by the Chicago Police, but he and his clan spewed such disgusting bile about gays and lesbians that the neighbors who weren't involved in the issue formed a counter-protest to shout down Phelps. It worked! He and the others left within an hour of starting their protest!

He and his family are horrible examples of showing Christian love, and their extreme beliefs are, I'm sure, going to ensure they wind up in the exact opposite place in the afterlife than they think they'll be. JMHO!

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Old saying about these kinda people...

Never wrestle with a pig in the mud. You will both get dirty and the pig likes it that way.

So sorry your church is going to be going through one of these side-shows. :sad1: Maybe, if you are lucky, nobody will show up.

[olbear]

Thank you Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts and just everything. I love the idea of circling the church. Wouldn't it be cool if our church could get other area churches to come and put a ring of love around our church to keep them at bay!! I think I'm gonna call my church tomorow and see what our pastor thinks. Fantastic idea.

And yes, we've been warned about confrontations by these nut cases. So we will be careful, and I just pray all our members will be like wise and not allow themselves to be engaged by their hate.

Blessings and friendship to you all,
Winnie

[jpeka65844]

These "nutjobs" as a PP so appropriately put it are from my town. When I lived there, I was a very active member of the local arts community and their presence was a given at many of the town's events.

They picketed the fall music concert at the high school where one of the girls was a student. They had a sign that specifically targeted the choral director there. When it came time for the concert, they put their signs away, came inside and watched the girl perform IN THE CHOIR. When this same girl
enrolled as a music major at the local college (where I was a senior at the time) she resisted being in choir on the grounds that she couldn't sing religious music. This would revoke her scholarship. Then, all of a sudden, it was ok for her to sing religious music.

They were also active picketers at the church that I attended. We began a picket pledge drive. We collected pledges in the church for every minute that they spent outside and turned it into a fundraiser! Bring 'em on!!!! We'll turn their ugly presence into something useful!

When I moved to a different town, at my interview for a church job, they kindly explained that the church's positions about many controversial topics drew some negative attention. I knew right away who they were talking about. They way I put it was "If these people picket your event, then you know you've done something RIGHT!"

Those of us who basically grew up with them our midst have learned to ignore and discount what they do. They're hardly a blip on the local radar anymore. I'm sure that's why they feel the need to spread their hate to other parts of the country.

They're vile, ignorant, and, in my opinion, very "lost" people. How sad it must be to be them with so much hate and ugliness in their heart!



Denice T.
Olathe, KS

[DVC~OKW~96]

Olbear, you'll keep us posted on your activities? I'll be thinking of you and your DH as well as your congregation on Sunday. I hope all is well and please, please be careful.

I don't pretend to know the mind of Jesus Christ, but I have to say that from what I've learned in my life, He would be saddened, or enraged (as he was in the Temple) to know that His name and his teachings have come so far from their purpose.

I can hear Sister telling me that satan is clever and has no conscience. he will work in any way that will accomplish what he wants and that is the spread of hatred and evil. Those people who come to picket your church, they are examples of satan's work. Mama would say, pray for them.

I am NOwhere near as charitable as my Mother.

[olbear]

Hello everyone,
Some more info came my way this morning concerning these nut cases.

Turns out "pastor" (I use the term loosely) Phelps and his daughter and both attourneys and very savy and manipulative as well when it comes to the law.
They will take a slightest, littlest thing, and make it a reason for a lawsuit. This is how they make their money as was said earlier by Maggie I believe.

So this has nothing to do with God's word, right or wrong, etc etc... it's all about the money they hope to make because of baiting someone and making them do something the least bit stupid.

So I had originally planned to call some local area sister churches about a "ring of love", but decided against it. Because of this info. The best thing our members can do, is simply walk by them like they're invisible. I'm praying this is exactly what they'll do.

Again thanks for everything gang!!
Blessings,
Winnie

[olbear]

Olbear, you'll keep us posted on your activities? Those people who come to picket your church, they are examples of satan's work. Mama would say, pray for them.


You bet I'll let you know what happens sunday. And you are very right in the next sentance. And I agree with your mama. Sounds like a pretty smart woman.

And I'll bet you are a sweet heart:love:
Winnie

[TinkerValkyrie]

The best thing our members can do, is simply walk by them like they're invisible.

That really is the best thing you can do. Groups like this one stage protests to try and get a response. They want and thrive on conflict. Don't give them what they are wanting, and they might just go away.

A group like Phelp's group showed up at a local fairy festival this year. They were protesting there because a large amount of people who attend the event are non Christian and many are Pagan. If you're not familiar with fairy festivals, they are lovely family oriented events celebrating nature and fairies with lots of music and people in costumes.

They were along the fence on the way in spouting all sorts of horrible things at people on their way in. For instance, I was walking with my husband and two young sons(age 4 and 1) and they're there yelling that we're all something that begins with a w and ends with an s and were preaching about not suffering a witch to live. My 4 year old asked me why they were so angry. I wasn't sure how to respond to that, but then I just explained that different people believe different things, and that they didn't believe in fairies. Well, as a little boy who's been raised with Peter Pan, he wouldn't imagine not believing in fairies, and that was enough for him.

The group was seeking conflict, and since most people just walked on by, they gave up by the early afternoon.

[olbear]

They were along the fence on the way in spouting all sorts of horrible things at people on their way in. For instance, I was walking with my husband and two young sons(age 4 and 1) and they're there yelling that we're all something that begins with a w and ends with an s and were preaching about not suffering a witch to live.


Unbelievable!! Do these people ever just go to church to worship and praise God??? Seems like the only thing they're interested in is being hateful and twisting God's word and teachings.

{{HUGS}}
Winnie

[I<3EvilQueen]

One thing you can do is what a radio station in Ann Arbor, MI did. Get people and companies to donate for every hour that the protesters are out there. The kicker is the charity that the donations go for is to a group that the protesters would NEVER donate to.

And if you hype it up that X group is gaining money, the protestor leave pretty quickly. And if they don't at least you are converting their negativity to a positive by helping a charity that needs the money.

[Chuck S]

Oh how funny, it would make a great pledge drive for a local AIDS charity...why not suggest that to your minister, olbear? The minister could contact the radio or TV stations. In fact the targeted congregations could work together on this and make Phelps whole Florida trip a pledge drive for charities to which the Phelps clan would never think of donating.

[olbear]

Oh my goodness!! That is just too cool!! What a beyond great idea. I will be seeing my pastor tomorow and pass this idea on.

We do have something special going on sunday, I totally forgot. We are voting on our new pastor sunday morning. He is our interim senior pastor right now. And just wonderful. Our prior pastor left before being voted out. He was a "stinker"... nuff said.

So seems satan loves to attack when something important is going on. Typical garbage from the stinker of all stinkers!! LOL!

Love to y'all (southern thing ya know)
Winnie

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Wish I was going to be in the area. This nice Jewish girl would love to go to church that day just so there would be 1 more person walking past these nasty fools and into the church!

I hope there's no trouble for you

[LuluLovesDisney]

Honestly, if I were in charge of a church like yours, I would arrange for members to meet somewhere before the service so all could walk in "as one" (so no one would feel scared walking in alonw) and walk in together singing some song of praise and love "God Is Love" or something like that - for the dual purpose of tuning them out AND showing them you're tuning them out. They can't block your entrance, and if you're all singing you won't hear their hateful words. It would probabaly surprise them.
Lots of luck!:hippie:

[olbear]

Hi there Lulu,

I am a spunky spirit just like you sound you are. And many others who have posted here as well. I would love to do something as you have described. Two things though, It would be hard at this time to organize something like that. If we were going to, last night would have been the best time to get people organized as we have service onwednesday night. But believe me, I was thinking the exact thing. And the song I was thinking, "They Will Know We are Christians By Our Love". That one would be perfect.

Second thing, I have alot of respect for our interim pastor. And he has asked that we simply walk by them as if they were invisible. Because of their ignorance, that shouldn't be too hard. He is asking those who may think they could be tempted or baited to engage, to use the back entrance to our church. We are fairly certain they will be out front. One good thing I found out today, although they have a permit to do their unGodly actions, they have to be on the opposite side of the street from our church. That is better than being on the side walk right in front.

And another thing that was brought to my attention, although they show a certain schedule for the three churches, they have been known to shuffle it around. So you never can be sure of when they will be there or if at all.

I'll keep you all posted,
Winnie

[Aaronbox]

I went to school in Kansas. I've seen disbarred attorney Fred Phelps and his family (which is 90% of his church) leave their compound to protest various events, churches and funerals. They have made a significant impact on the religious community in Topeka and the surrounding area: Christians who were on the fence about tolerating gays have found themselves coming down so hard against his group, they turn out more tolerant of gays than if that clan had never caused a fuss. Everything they do to promote their hateful beliefs, backfires. Whether folks actually raise money from their protests or not, it benefits society. When people come into contact with them they don't stay on the fence. They find themselves siding with gays.
:grouphug:

[Notatourist]

Hi there Lulu,

I am a spunky spirit just like you sound you are. And many others who have posted here as well. I would love to do something as you have described. Two things though, It would be hard at this time to organize something like that. If we were going to, last night would have been the best time to get people organized as we have service onwednesday night. But believe me, I was thinking the exact thing. And the song I was thinking, "They Will Know We are Christians By Our Love". That one would be perfect.

Second thing, I have alot of respect for our interim pastor. And he has asked that we simply walk by them as if they were invisible. Because of their ignorance, that shouldn't be too hard. He is asking those who may think they could be tempted or baited to engage, to use the back entrance to our church. We are fairly certain they will be out front. One good thing I found out today, although they have a permit to do their unGodly actions, they have to be on the opposite side of the street from our church. That is better than being on the side walk right in front.

And another thing that was brought to my attention, although they show a certain schedule for the three churches, they have been known to shuffle it around. So you never can be sure of when they will be there or if at all.

I'll keep you all posted,
Winnie

"All you need is love" by the Beatles comes to mind. That would really freak them out.

[GurGie]

I ran into these idiots back in college at UGA at the free speech platform. Fred Phelps & Brother Jed and Sister Cindy.....

Wow, I haven't thought of them in years - they used to frequent the Union at my college also. *shudder*

Winnie, I'll be thinking of you on Sunday. All of ya'll keep your heads held high and your eyes front!

[padalyn]

To the original poster...use your iPod or other MP3 player to drown out the noises from across the street! You can listen to what ever you prefer and this way won't be tempted to yell back at stupidity.

I am not religious - nor do I know of this group, but the nastiness that I saw relayed by the others on this thread show me that this is a group that I personally would try to avoid.

You have much support and thoughts with you this weekend, please be careful and enjoy your Sunday sermon. My thoughts are with you...and hoping for the best for you and your family!

(I liked the fundraising idea, and the metals - you have every right to be proud of him!)

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I have a lot of family in the Topeka area and Idiot Fred was often out and about when I would go visit during the summers. I was always SOOO tempted to roll down the window and shout at him!:mad:

My cousin said I better not, because they will photograph your license plate, track you down, and sue you!:headache:

These vermin infuriate me! Every year at the Pride parade we have protesters, and the police are always very clear that we should NOT attempt to engage them in any sort of exchange. Just ignore them.

Winnie, my thoughts will be with you and your congregation on Sunday!:hug:

[DVC~OKW~96]

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, and together we'll spread the news that G-d is in our land. And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

Gosh. I'd forgotten all about that one. Sister was very progressive and taught us that song years, and years ago. It's beautiful and surely fits the circumstances.

The Beatles song would be a very good choice too.

At any rate, silence is one of the oldest forms of public censure. Hence, "cutting someone dead" is still very powerful. When we refuse to acknowledge someone's presence, we have effectively rendered them less important than any other being or thing on the face of the earth.

Silence is truly a perfect solution to these people.

[dkostel]

My brother in law worked in small town Tennessee (forgot the town) for a semester. When I asked him about the climate of tolerance he told me a great story. The kkk was set to have a demonstration in the town they were formed (again, forgot the name and don't feel like googling the kkk). They residents did something genius, they closed businesses and just left for the day.

How disappointing it must have been for those brave men hiding behind their linens to have no one to spew their hate speech at:sad2:

[fey_spirit]

I have a couple of quick questions about the lawsuits this group files.

1.) Is there any way I can substantiate this information? (I know some people who would be interested in this information.)

2.) How is it that they can file lawsuits against folks who behave in the exact same manner as they themselves are acting? I would think that counter suits would be fairly easy to file...

[Tat2ddisneymom]

How can a group of so called "Christians" judge anyone's morality? I've always hated that. Maybe they should worry more about the hate they're preaching and how that will affect their own lives. Everyone deserves to live how they want without being judged by hypocrites. Good luck on Sunday!

[mom2rb]

I have a couple of quick questions about the lawsuits this group files.

1.) Is there any way I can substantiate this information? (I know some people who would be interested in this information.)

2.) How is it that they can file lawsuits against folks who behave in the exact same manner as they themselves are acting? I would think that counter suits would be fairly easy to file...

I was wondering this also. It seems like they would lose in court. If you were on a jury or a judge, who would you vote for?

[pamandt]

I live in Leavenworth Kansas and grew up in Florida. I was planning a vacation back home when I saw your post.
I am a member of the Kansas Patriot Guard that was formed to protect the fallen and their familes. I have unfortunately encountered the Phelp's group numerous times. As many of you have said, they are a attorneys masked as a Church. Be prepared to see very young children in their groups. It is so sad to have seen a four year old holding a sign that says "God hates your son because he is a ***" while the mother of a 19 year old soldier sits at a red light waiting to turn into the funeral home parking lot. This group preys on our emotions and our lack to control them when angered. Our as member of the Kansas Patriot Guard, we practice planned ignoring. Backs turned and eyes to the sky; talk to the Lord, he will get your through it.
My thoughts and prays are with you. Stay strong!:hug:

[terri01p]

I don't normally get on threads such as these, there are certain topics that I just don't like to comment on, just to upsetting and not worth it. But I have to tell you these folks are not the only ones that they hate, their hate is wide spread, just over the top, none like I've ever seen since. Back in 2005 I encountered these people, we were in the wrong place at the wrong time, you see my sig. of my dd in the wheelchair these people followed me to my handicapped van and was screaming how I should have been fixed, my dd was of satan...etc, I can not post what all they said to me I would get points, it was the most wrenching experience of my life to this day, my poor dd didn't know what was going on, we just came out of a building and there they were surrounding us, just incredible, frightening to say the least. I was so shaken by the time I was driving away, I about hit one of them, the only thing that saved me though the whole thing was a group of three guys pulled up in their little car got out and belted them all with eggs and blow my dd a kiss that made us laugh off these freaks ! Later these same guys passed us on the road and was honking and waving and my dd, she at least went home happy like she was popular. :grouphug:

[Spoonful of Sugar]

This group makes me sick.:mad: If anyone wants to learn more about them without visiting their website (I can't stand that they might assume they have one more supporter if I log on) you can search youtube for the Louis Theroux documentary "God Hates Fags". I haven't watched it yet, but I saw an excellent documentary he did on nazis -- called "Louis and the Nazis" -- so I'm sure it's good.

Also, I love the idea of using the protests as a fund raiser. If people did this at every protest, maybe they would give up for good.

[Quinn222]

This may be of interest to those who'd like to get a little bit back against this group:

From an email sent out by http://www.lagaycenter.org/:

An Urgent Message from Peter Paige

I'm writing you because I just learned that the "reverend" from hell, Fred
Phelps, is coming to town on Saturday to "conduct an outdoor religious
service in ***-ridden Los Angeles."

This is the same guy with the "God Hates Fags" website who protested the
funeral of Matthew Shepard and shows up with "Thank God for AIDS" signs at the
funerals of others. And now he's coming to West Hollywood to spew his venom.

Let's (literally) send Phelps a message, not by confronting him and giving
him more publicity, but by turning his hate speech into something positive for
our community.

He's planning to be at the intersection of Santa Monica and San Vicente for
3 hours, starting at 1:30 on Saturday. I'd love for everyone who is as
disgusted by him as I am to pledge at least $10 to the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center -
more if you can - for every hour he is going to be here spouting hate.

The Center will earmark the money for its homeless youth services and after
he leaves, I'm going to personally send Fred a message thanking him for
helping us raise money to support LGBT youth. I'd love to tell him he helped us
raise thousands!

Thanks for clicking here [ http://*******.com/3a9tsn ] to make a donation and
help me send him that message.

Best,

Peter

The asterisks should read tiny url (with no space between the two words)

[Spoonful of Sugar]

Okay, I started watching the documentary after posting that last one, and I'm about half way through it now. It really is good. These people are completely laughable. It's nice to be able to move past my anger for them a bit and realize that they are just ignorant and pathetic.

[SueM in MN]

I have not read this whole thread, but wanted to add some :grouphug:

I live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and Phelps and his kind of protesters were planning to attend/picket the funerals of some of the victims of the 35W bridge collapse. As far as I have heard, none of the victims were gay/lesbian/transgender, but that didn't stop the protestors. They were planning to protest 'in general' that the bridge collapse was God's judgement again G/L/T people.
Story #1 (http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid47924.asp)
Story #2 (http://www.biblenews1.com/history7/20070802bridge.htm)
There was a little discussion on Twin Cities talk radio, but what I heard was brough up by people calling in, not by the hosts. All the hosts I heard (I only listened to 107.1fm) said the thought this was reprehensible and they did not want to give any attention to it, so would not allow it to be discussed on their show. I did not see anything about it in either the print or TV media here. I think that means the media avoided covering it, since I do think the protestors probably were here.

[SueM in MN]

Also, I love the idea of using the protests as a fund raiser. If people did this at every protest, maybe they would give up for good.
Cool! The longer they protest, the more money. I love it:thumbsup2

[Saxton]

Winnie - I'm so sorry you and your church have to deal with this group. They have absolutely nothing to do with God & religion and everything to do with hatred and pure evil. I agree with so many others that ignoring them is probably best and doing a fundraiser for a cause that they would hate is a great idea. I'll be saying some prayers for you when I'm at church tomorrow!

[Saxton]

I always knew these nutjobs hated gays & lesbians but after reading previous posts about them protesting the bridge collapse and children in wheelchairs I decided to do a little research. The Southern Poverty Law Center has some good information. Here are sections from one article:

http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?sid=185

"It was an unusual family by any account. From a young age, Fred Phelps' children earned a major part of the family's income, perhaps even all of it, when they were required to sell candy door-to-door for hours after school each day. "

"Mark and Nathan Phelps and sister Dortha "Dotti" Bird offer plenty of brutal details — details that their father has long dismissed as "a sea of *** lies." Nathan told the Intelligence Report that he was beaten with a leather strap regularly. Then, he says, Fred Phelps switched to a mattock handle — like an axe handle — and beat Nathan until he "couldn't lie down or sit down for a week." The three charge that Phelps also beat their mother, forced the children to fast and more. "

And this link is a timeline that lists some of their lawsuits:

http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?sid=184

"Before the end of his legal career in 1989, Phelps will file some 400 suits, mostly in federal court. Estranged son Nathan Phelps will claim later that part of his father's strategy is to file frivolous lawsuits in the hope that his targets will settle to avoid the costs of defense. "

This one is classic:

"Phelps files a $50-million class action suit against Sears after a local outlet is several days late delivering a television set. Litigation continues for six years and is eventually settled with Sears paying Phelps $126 — about $60 less than Phelps' son originally paid for the TV, which he never receives. "

Hard to believe but in 1978 Fred filed some civil rights law suits on behalf of blacks who were descriminated against ... of course in one case he received $10,000 and the poor woman who suffered only received $9,000. :rolleyes1 Somehow I don't think good old Fred was it in for the right reasons but rather for the almighty dollar.

[markp3]

I just had to post this info.

I go to First Baptist Church Daytona Beach, Florida. OK put down the torches...LOL!

Well, our pastor told us last week, that this next sunday we were going to be picketed. It's the stupid crazy group that pickets military funerals. Know the one I'm talking about?

Well, I was wondering why they would want to picket us?? Well, you know how some gays dislike what we say about hating the sin but loving the sinner? Well, that is why they are picketing us. Because we chose to preach love instead of the negative and hateful responses that I know so many of you get day to day.

When I was told about this happening, I immediatly thought of this board and the nice people on it that I have come to respect and yes, love! So Vicki and all you prayer warriors out there, please keep us in your prayers this sunday morning. The Ciity Police and State Troopers are supposed to be in place to keep our members from being harrassed and baited. My husband was told that their main aim was to bait people and get them so mad, that they lash out and say or do something stupid so they have a reason for a lawsuit. This is something I hope and pray our membership is above and will stay away from.

Anyway, Thanks for taking the time to read, and I hope you'll be thinking of us. In a good way of course. I know you can get aggravated by some Christians acting so stupid and ill-mannered. But I feel that is truely a loud minority.

Blessings to all,
Winnie

Winnie--

Sorry to hear you'll have to put up with this nonsense. Your church has the same teaching as mine, but we've been spared the picketing by hate groups. Perhaps yours was chosen for a reason--God does work in mysterious ways. Remember that as you pray for these people.

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, and together we'll spread the news that G-d is in our land. And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

Gosh. I'd forgotten all about that one. Sister was very progressive and taught us that song years, and years ago. It's beautiful and surely fits the circumstances.

The Beatles song would be a very good choice too.

At any rate, silence is one of the oldest forms of public censure. Hence, "cutting someone dead" is still very powerful. When we refuse to acknowledge someone's presence, we have effectively rendered them less important than any other being or thing on the face of the earth.

Silence is truly a perfect solution to these people.


DVC--

Since in the past we've disagreed over such matters, I wanted to take this opportunity to say I agree with you, at least I 99% agree. To me, however, the goal of silence here is not to cut someone dead or render them less important. The goal of silent, respectful witness is to change hearts and minds. While it's true that people who believe that Godhatesfags are not disposed to hear the truth, or have their hearts changed, one never knows the impact we have on others. Perhaps one of their children who may be picketing will be moved, and will be better able to escape the hate when they grow up. One never knows.

BTW, I haven't heard that folk hymn since the St.Joseph nuns taught it to us in first grade. But what's with G-d, and not God?

[EpcotLove]

That group makes me sick. And all those poor children they are raising to be idiots like themselves.

I saw that lady, Shirley (the leader?) on the Tyra Banks show, and Tyra totally ripped her a new one (if you know what I mean)- and told her like it was. Of course, shirley didnt listen. I feel so sorry for her daughters. I can tell that they cannot think for themselves.

They will be condemned one day for all this hatred.

[pookienoodle]

I am not a particulaly religious person,more spiritual if you know what i mean.
I really belive that this group are actually working on behalf of the devil.
they spout such lies and are so vile to people it is hard not to hate them.
it is so hard to turn the other cheek but that is exactly what they want.
if you hate them that is what they want,another black mark on a good soul.
As hard as it is we should feel sorry for their ignorance especially the poor children.

[Quinn222]

BTW, I haven't heard that folk hymn since the St.Joseph nuns taught it to us in first grade. But what's with G-d, and not God?

Many people believe that it is blasphemous to say or write the name of God. I don't know if you ever saw the wonderful and heart wrenching documentary "Trembling Before G-d" but that was spelled that way for the same reason.

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yes, Quinn. That is why I don't spell it out. The Sisters of my childhood made it very clear that once the entire name had been written out, it could never be thrown away (a similar belief exists in some Jewish sects).