Reader comments
Anti-gay church cheers disaster
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Travis Brinton | 12:41 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
This sort of thing is not even worthy of the public attention. Let's focus
our attention on the resolution of the crisis and ignore such immature attention
ploys.
Patrick Campbell | 12:50 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
"God hates Utah and America for surrendering to the fag agenda..."
Sure, I can see the logic here. I mean, Utah IS a pretty gay-friendly state now isn't it?
How sad, distasteful and pathetic.
Sure, I can see the logic here. I mean, Utah IS a pretty gay-friendly state now isn't it?
How sad, distasteful and pathetic.
Christine Johnson | 1:28 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
The members of the Westboro Baptist Church have somehow lost compassion and
proper judgment. Their comments and intent exhibit an utter lack of empathy and
loving kindness toward the family members who suffer so greatly at this time. I
will keep not only the friends and family of the miners, but also the hardened
hearts of the Westboro Church members in my prayers for peace and end to
suffering. Hatred is suffering and tolerance is peace.
Comments continue below
Mark | 1:33 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
It seems like the problem here is they refuse to give God credit for anything
good that happens and interpret any bad event as God's curse upon their
fellow human beings. I pity those who hold to such a spiritually improverished
mindset!
Bob | 2:47 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
So, if we DID have dead miners it would be okay?
David Schantz | 2:48 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Westboro protestors have visited us here in Saint Joseph, Missouri too. They
have protested Military Funerals and legislation banning funeral protests. Their
church (if thats what you want to call it)is not that far from here. I've
thought about trying to get some people together to hold a protest at the church
some Sunday morning. I wonder how they'd feel about a few "God Hates
Promoting Hatred" signs.
The missing miners, their friends and families will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
The missing miners, their friends and families will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
Eric | 6:15 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
What positive thing could anyone learn about Christianity from a group that
promotes such hatred and bigotry?
Thank heavens there are more people out there who really are showing what Christianity is all about by showing love and compassion to the families of the miners through prayer services, masses, candlelight vigils, and supporting the families with their love and service.
The last thing we need in Utah or anywhere else in the world is for people with an agenda of this nature to spread their hatred around and cause even more pain and grief. The last time I checked the God I worship is one of love and hate isn't in his vocabulary.
My thoughts and prayers are with the miners and their families.
Thank heavens there are more people out there who really are showing what Christianity is all about by showing love and compassion to the families of the miners through prayer services, masses, candlelight vigils, and supporting the families with their love and service.
The last thing we need in Utah or anywhere else in the world is for people with an agenda of this nature to spread their hatred around and cause even more pain and grief. The last time I checked the God I worship is one of love and hate isn't in his vocabulary.
My thoughts and prayers are with the miners and their families.
J. Allred | 6:23 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
This group makes its infamous statements based on the media coverage they
obtain. Is this really a story that needs to be told? Does it add to the
general sensibilities of society? I don't think so it is just the
babblings of a group that seeks attention. Lacking attention will limit the
babbling. They certainly have their right to free speech, but at what point
will the media determine that their rantings are no longer newsworthy. I hope
that this is the time for the media to make that decision.
Margaret Edwards | 6:37 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
I am sorry that people claiming to worship the Savior cannot follow the
admonition, "Love one another as I have loved you." Christ taught us
to love the sinner but not the sin. I chose to not embrace the lifestyle.
You, too, are free to make the choice.
You, too, are free to make the choice.
Anonymous | 6:53 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
If only these indidividuals promoting hate, and fear and all else they promote knew the Savior and his sacred message of forgiveness, love and not judging during his earthly ministry they would not be promoting such hate and discontent and realize they have fallen into satan's game plan promoting what satan believes in!!
Robert Just | 7:03 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Toronto, Canada. How sick is this! I'm aghast to think these people who
would go around bashing people in time of tragedy would have the brass to call
themselves a Christian church. If they are a church, they might do well to
remember Christ's admonition: "Let him who hath no sin cast the first
stone".
L.G.R. | 7:22 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Baptists? Church? Christians?
Maybe now I understand why these Baptists come every year to the Manti Pageant to harass.
Instead of espousing the good, uplifting, and building beauty on their own, they come to tear down.
The irony is that they supposedly do these things in the name of God, to save souls! WOW!
Maybe now I understand why these Baptists come every year to the Manti Pageant to harass.
Instead of espousing the good, uplifting, and building beauty on their own, they come to tear down.
The irony is that they supposedly do these things in the name of God, to save souls! WOW!
Anonymous | 7:44 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
That is real low. I am sure most of those miners are God Fearing religious and
family men. Who abhor the behavior. And according to Spencer W Kimball Tragedy
or Destiny in order to further the work of the lord sometimes accidents
happen.
Hopefully they are ok the miners but in order for agency to work he does allow accidents not because they sin but because it is part of this mortal probation.
Hopefully they are ok the miners but in order for agency to work he does allow accidents not because they sin but because it is part of this mortal probation.
Voyager | 7:48 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
These are very sick people who are trying to call attention to themselves.
Don't give them the time of day.
M Noker | 7:48 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
This group from Kansas is really something else. Most of their very small
membership is one extended family.
Mr. Phelps who started it was 'kicked-out' of a regular Baptist church and started his own church, which has no ties to other Baptist churches. It was just the Phelps and Hockenbarger families with two or three other individuals. They were later joined by the Drain framily.
Shirley Phelps-Roper (mother of 11) is the one who leads most of the protests. She is the main lawyer in the Phelps' law firm. This law firm (church) gets alot of its money from court ordered attorney fees it collects everytime it is sued by victim families, cities, states, etc.
In Bellevue, Nebraska, 5 June 2007, at a funeral for a National Guard soldier, Shirley threw a flag on the ground and allowed her 10 yr-old son to stomp on it.[see www.ketv.com/news/13447168/detail.html]
While attending a funeral for a young Navy Seaman from my Scout Troop, I was very grateful for the Patriot Guard riders who sheielded the mourners from the Phelps' family. [see www.patriotguard.org]
Having seen this family in action, I am left wondering.... when does 'church' status end and hate crimes begin?
Mr. Phelps who started it was 'kicked-out' of a regular Baptist church and started his own church, which has no ties to other Baptist churches. It was just the Phelps and Hockenbarger families with two or three other individuals. They were later joined by the Drain framily.
Shirley Phelps-Roper (mother of 11) is the one who leads most of the protests. She is the main lawyer in the Phelps' law firm. This law firm (church) gets alot of its money from court ordered attorney fees it collects everytime it is sued by victim families, cities, states, etc.
In Bellevue, Nebraska, 5 June 2007, at a funeral for a National Guard soldier, Shirley threw a flag on the ground and allowed her 10 yr-old son to stomp on it.[see www.ketv.com/news/13447168/detail.html]
While attending a funeral for a young Navy Seaman from my Scout Troop, I was very grateful for the Patriot Guard riders who sheielded the mourners from the Phelps' family. [see www.patriotguard.org]
Having seen this family in action, I am left wondering.... when does 'church' status end and hate crimes begin?
Bob B | 7:55 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
And the world thinks Mormons aren't Christian? Mormons believe that Christ
taught we should "mourn with those that mourn and comfort those in need of
comfort."
Enter nameGrandma B | 8:55 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
By any standard, this is not a church of any kind. They are no better--and no
brighter--than the KKK. "As I have loved you, love one another."
That would be a correct theme within a church. Not terrorizing people who are
trying to quietly bury their loved ones. Shame on them.
D. Arruda | 9:05 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
God is about love, not hate. "by thier works ye shall know them if ye have
love one to another". This church really needs to get a grip.
samhill | 9:34 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."; Shakespeare
I am beginning to wonder if the "pastor" of this congregation may be afflicted with the same kind of over compensating hatred of homosexuals that marked certain Mayors in Washington state and even the other pastor in Colorado Springs as deeply closeted homosexuals.
It's hard to come to any other explanation for such a virulent hatred that seem so completely antithetical to the basic teachings of Christ.
I would think he might at least be able to apply the often abused saying, "Hate the sin, not the sinner"?
I am beginning to wonder if the "pastor" of this congregation may be afflicted with the same kind of over compensating hatred of homosexuals that marked certain Mayors in Washington state and even the other pastor in Colorado Springs as deeply closeted homosexuals.
It's hard to come to any other explanation for such a virulent hatred that seem so completely antithetical to the basic teachings of Christ.
I would think he might at least be able to apply the often abused saying, "Hate the sin, not the sinner"?
Paulina F. | 9:36 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Why does the D News take the bait on such a pathetic, sensational and tasteless
press release. It looks like a Mormon owned paper is using the stupidity of
these Baptists to its advantage.
Deanna Louis | 9:40 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
I guess my question is... how can a church, if they are of Jesus Christ, say
that these actions are of God? These actions are not punishments for any sin.
How can a church member of any church think its christian to inflict such hatred
on a fellow Child of God?
Its hard enough for families to be going through this time of unknowing what is happening with their loved one, they need our love, support and prayers.
So lets pray for the members of the Westboro church as well, they sincerely need it!
Its hard enough for families to be going through this time of unknowing what is happening with their loved one, they need our love, support and prayers.
So lets pray for the members of the Westboro church as well, they sincerely need it!
H Hamilton | 9:51 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Can you say Anathema!
Spencer | 10:01 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Holy Cow...how do these people even get news coverage? There is no requirement
that the press has to publish every story that comes down the pike. News people
and editors, listen up...if you pay no attention to these morons, maybe they
will go away.
Me | 10:09 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
They took my earlier comment down, I think. I suggested the use of our voices
and bodies as a protest. I did not mean violence, though I am not necessarily
opposed to it. I meant shield the families at services from these protesters
using our voices and bodies. Show THEM what protest means.
Utahski | 10:21 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Here is a site of what the westboro batpist church is
http://www.godhatesfags.com/main/index.html
Read that then tell me.. Baptist doesnt act or teach bout hating.... Fred phelps is NOT a real preacher never has been... He is a lawyer and his family runs this. He has stated in the past if any of the grandkids turn gay he would kill them... Now you tell me
http://www.godhatesfags.com/main/index.html
Read that then tell me.. Baptist doesnt act or teach bout hating.... Fred phelps is NOT a real preacher never has been... He is a lawyer and his family runs this. He has stated in the past if any of the grandkids turn gay he would kill them... Now you tell me
Bob Hester | 10:44 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
If these people really believe in God they should be praying for these miners to
be brought out alive. These poeple are sick.
Tom | 10:55 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Disgusting!!!
B Osborn | 11:07 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
And do these members of the Westboro Baptist church really consider themselves
"Christians?" And is this how their "pastor" teaches
"God's Love?"
Sunday Morning | 11:39 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
God doesn't "Hate" anyone.
Sunday Morning | 11:48 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007
We are all thankful for the prayers of hope and empathy which come from our gay
and lesbian Utahn's. It is the group unity of collective goodness, which
brings that intense power felt during times of crisis.I will forever be
greatful for the deep intense heartfelt prayers which I have heard expressed
from my own gay son in times of greatest turmoil in the world, as they have
brought me much needed strength..
Me | 12:14 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Think about it, if God was perfect, how could he hate? Isn't that a human
imperfection? Wouldn't that also apply towards God being vengeful, needing
to be worshipped (egotisitc or insecure), or judgmental? Think about it
Sherry Ragan | 1:06 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
I don't understand the selection of random bits of events and attributing
their cause to the gay community. Isn't it just as logical then to
attribute good events to the gay community? The logic of this group is
non-existent. I could just as easily say that the mine diaster happened because
the members of the Westboro Church came to Utah and because we allowed them to
be here we are now being punished. The leader of this group obviously suffers
from a serious personality disorder that makes him view the world from his
extraordinarily narrow and warped view of the world. I wonder if he was sexually
abused by a man and is now acting out on that anger and shame.
Aragon | 1:54 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Worldly and National attention is what they thrive on so keep concentrating on
Faith and Praying for the Welfare of the Miners and their Families...
Robert Shunn | 2:09 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
I do not understand why you feel the need to give notice to these degenerates.
This is not news worthy, it is a pathetic effort on their part to garner
attention to a purely hate filled agenda... denounce them by ignoring them!
David | 2:18 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Every time I read of the actions of this group of people mI too wonder why the
nes outlets even run the story. Let them die the slow death of indifference.
Ex Marine | 2:28 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
So if the miners are rescued, will this so called church call it a miracle?
Douglas Cotant | 2:34 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
This Baptist group IS NOT exercising freedom of religion; they are disrespecful
and their leaders need to be locked up in a pennitentary. This sounds a lot like
the problems the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had with
"Street Preachers" disrupting General Conference.
Alicia | 3:37 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Its sad to see how a group that refers to being Christians can promote such
intolerance. This is not a church but a religious sect much like the ones in
Waco and in suddern utah. Just ignore them. They don't know what love is.
karlee | 3:38 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
I think if we were all honest with ourselves, we would find groups of people we
find distateful, such as drunk drivers. That does not give us the right to
disrupt the peace and tranquility of their family and friends, especially at a
time of unimagineable turmoil. I personally don't endorse the gay
lifestyle. I also don't endorse the red-necked, rabble rousing lifestyle
of my coal miner in-laws. That however doesn't give me the right to
interfere in their choices. It made me sick when I heard of the cave in and
even sicker when these people gleefully decreed God was responsible for this
terrible tragedy and rejoiced over the anguish and suffering of many people.
Northern Utah Ron | 3:49 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
These people are misguided. We should pray for them. My grandmother always
said: "Two wrongs don't make a right."
Hansal | 4:25 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
I hope that if they do show up that the community will ralley around the
churches in the manner that they did for Matthew Shepard. Let them have their
protest but block the families from them by hosting large cloth barriers
inbetween. They may have the right to free speech but the families and friends
have the right to privacy. These so called "christians" will have much
to answer for in the next life.
Disciple of GOD | 4:27 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
God said there has to be an opposition in all things
Thats why we have the following organazion
the US press in cluding the white house press core
the Democrat Party
and Westboro Baptist Church
surfcity007 @ earthlink.net
Thats why we have the following organazion
the US press in cluding the white house press core
the Democrat Party
and Westboro Baptist Church
surfcity007 @ earthlink.net
Connie | 4:41 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
"For God sent NOT His son into the world to CONDEMN the world, but that the
world through him might be saved." (emphasis added) John 3:17
John 3:17 is for everybody too, just as John 3:16 is. It's past time for all 'Christians' to UNITE, not fight. The Savior's message is one of hope, not hatred. One of joy & compassion, not delighting in the misery of others.
John 3:17 is for everybody too, just as John 3:16 is. It's past time for all 'Christians' to UNITE, not fight. The Savior's message is one of hope, not hatred. One of joy & compassion, not delighting in the misery of others.
John | 4:57 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
All Christain groups should denounce this "church." It is embrassment
to christanity.
Aubrey | 5:05 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Isn't God the one doing the judging not the so called church member. So
they had better start loving one another. Not spreading hatred!! Pray for the
miners safe return!
Barry Inscore | 5:57 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
What in the world does a mine collapse have to do with homosexuality? Maybe
this bunch of crackpots is a curse on all of us for tolerating people like them.
I may disagree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your
right to say it. But... with these guys, even that may be stretching things a
little too far.
Skeptic | 6:01 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
It blows my mind that people come here and are mad that the Dnews ran this story
and then comment about it. You care enough to read and then care enough to
comment about it but you don't want others to have the same chance? It
obviously is getting read and cared about.
Susie Hodson | 6:21 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Living in Kansas City, Missouri, I am very familiar with this
"minister." He's a crackpot and a loon. I join all the Utah
residents...as well as many around the US in praying for the miners.
SuzyQ | 6:31 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
This is going to come back and bite these "God fearing" extremists in
the backside. Ever hear the phrase "what goes around comes around"?
They'll either encounter some tough times in THIS life, or the next, all
because of their hatred.
Scott | 6:53 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
I've been working in Topeka this summer and learn of this nut (his
"ministry" is here). I drove by one of his protests here. There were
multiple children as young is 8 years old holding the foulest, most disgusting
signs I have ever seen. This guy is so filled with hate, it is absolutely
unbelievable.
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