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Anti-gay church cheers disaster

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joe / nc | 7:03 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
i do not find this kind of hate in the bible as it relates to jesus so who the hell do they think they are i find this type of stuff just plain stupid
Norita | 7:10 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
It is true that homosexuality is wrong. But that is their decision to be so and they will be in front of God over it one of these days. But, instead of worring about things like that, there are 6 precious men under the ground and families that love them that need our prayers. If the church that is gay say that they are of God then instead of bashing these men it is their job as church going people to be uplifting these precious people. Instead of what they are doing now. Not only them but we all need to come together and pray for each and everyone that is involoved here. I just have one question... What would the gay church do if it was someone that was close to them?
Mike | 7:27 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
If god is all powerful why doesn't god have any power over who represents him or her?
Comments continue below
Doug | 8:40 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Deseret News should not have advanced their agenda by posting this story.
I LOVE UTAH | 9:05 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
do thay know who dug up the coal thats get turned in to power so thay can turn there computer on to right dumb stuff like that
Aaron | 9:06 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Isn't it obvious that Deseret News advanced their agenda by posting this article? Geesh, just pretend like these people don't exist.
G. Crandall | 9:20 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
Why would the Deseret News waste space pubilicizing a small hate group like this--especially on A1 of the Sunday paper. If the media ignored them, they would most likely go away.
Kate Thomas | 11:17 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
This is not news worthy!

Rita | 11:53 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007
How sad it is that a group of people that profess to believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ would do such a mean thing. I think it is nice that DN published this article, so we can know what is going on and offer our love and support to their victims. These group is so Evil. But then, these are the days where the compassion of the true Christians will show thru and separate us from the ones that pretend to be Christians.
me | 7:08 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
you guys keep saying this isn't newsworthy, yet it shows that this is the most popular page on the d-news today.
Anonymous | 7:29 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Utahns have long distanced themselves from the rest of the country. While our prayers are with the 6 miners and their families, you people in the Beehive State need to get real. Mormoms may control your state, but not the rest of the world. Put all of us in the same room and we all breathe the same air.
Mike S. | 8:50 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
They better hope they do not run into me.
Susan Christensen | 9:25 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
I don't believe any of it I think the Deseret News made it up to increase the animosity between the Church and the Gays.
My opinion | 9:51 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
One definition of a Christian is "Having the qualities taught by Jesus Christ, as love & kindness"
The definition of a Church is a place of worship, esp. Christian worship, the definition of LOVE is a strong affection or liking of someone. So far the Westboro Baptist Church does not qualify.
However, the definition of FRAUD is "Deceit; trickery, law intentional deception or IMPOSTOR!
Now there is a quality they can live with.
My guess is that these people grew up in an abusive, unloving, non-christian environment and not knowing any better, they created thier own religion certainly NOT worshipping our GOD. Fortunately for them, our GOD still loves them as he does gays.
I am not gay nor do I condone gayness but do I hate them? Absolutely NOT. I choose to channel my hatred towards people who deserve it like murderers, people who hurt or abuse children and well...Westboro Baptist Church!
My heart goes out to the families of those killed in battle, in mines, and the bridge collapse in Minnesota. I pray that the miners are found safe, that all our boys are brought home from overseas alive and well and that the families of those killed in the Minnesota bridge collapse can get through thier sorrow and pain.
But I will continue to pray for two more miracles...that non of these people have to deal with the people of this Westboro, Hate-filled, Godless, congregation and that all of westboros children turn out to be gay!
Dave | 10:29 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
My sympathy's to the family of the miners.

This is the same group that protests the LDS church's Bi-Annual conferences (Mormons are not Christian protest), and the Annual Gay Pride event (God Hates Fags). I've stood and listened to them at these events, and feel they are preparing for the day they will judge all before them. Wait isn't that God's job?

We learn from the God like leader Jerry Falwell that this type of thing works to get attention and MONEY sent to them for their ministries.

Falwell spoke of gods wrath of Gays and non-Christians as causing 9-11 attacks, Hurricane's in Florida and New Orleans. This got him tons of air time on national news shows so why not take what a true right Christian taught.

This is business and advertising, nothing more, a way to make a buck and there will be people that see it that will send money to them. Accomplishing their desired goal.


John | 10:31 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
TO Susan Christensen

Believe it. this same group sent messages to officials in Pocatello a few months back. Only thing was they never showed up to the solders funeral here.
Glen S. | 11:16 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
This is sickening. In my mind, there is NO difference between the religious fanaticism displayed by these ignorant fools and that of Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Adolf Hitler and George W. They all use "God" to justify and validate their personal agendas. But, such is the evil of religion-gone-wrong: when the heart and soul of the Christian faith are bastardized for the purpose of exploiting personal prejudices and promoting hatred - all in the name of "Jesus!" May God have mercy on their souls.
Jeffrey Enquist | 11:26 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
In order to protest or picket and use their first amendment rights, they have to get a permit from the local government. Just don't give the permit, and when they show up to protest, arrest the whole lot and subject them to the conservative court system, especially in rural Utah. Give them the maximum for such crime and lock up their hateful spite. And this lockem-up and through away the key comment is coming from a liberal!
Scott | 11:37 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
This group strikes me as being neither crazy nor random, but rather cold, calculating and targeted in their approach toward achieving their true goal: making money. The have carefully chosen a controversial topic, couched it in inflammatory language, and acted in a manner that suggests out-of-control regligious zeal whle always staying under the protective umbrella of the Constitution. They simply wait for the inevitable lawsuits, put a tried-and-true Constitutional defense into play, and gleefully collect the attorney fees awarded by the courts when they prevail. Then, because of their tax exempt status as a church, they enjoy their financial return without the need to pay taxes. These people are running a carefully scripted play that feeds off of controversy and contention, and money is their only goal. They not only give religion a bad name, but he practice of law as well.
OggieDog | 11:39 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007
I didn't realize Utah was gay friendly? Chris Buttars, anyone? Number one supporter of the "God Hates fags" agenda? Ring a bell?

This whole idea is sick and wrong, and is effective for promoting Christianity as much as destroying the twin towers was effective for promoting the Muslim agenda.
Matthew VH | 12:04 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Interesting that within the busy-body self-righteous evangelical Christian tenets of judging who is Christian or not, the Westboro Baptists are fully welcome to the table as Christians, while "Mormons" are mistakenly labeled "non-Christian." I must conclude that actions and beliefs are not what makes a Christian, only superficial affiliation with 4th century Roman religious politics.
Tom C | 12:51 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
I think God knows the Westboro Baptist Church is punishment enough.
Bert Osmond | 1:13 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
You can tell that you have been successful in creating god in your image when it turns out that god hates all the same people you do.
loose cannon | 1:24 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Let them come and protest. I'm sure the good people of Price and Huntington will take care of them!
Love spoken here | 2:13 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Did anyone realize that about 25 + years ago Huntington, Utah (the same town the miners are from) had another coal mine disaster... 27 men died, they were burned to death just a couple of miles from the mine disaster that is upon the very same town of Huntington, Utah right now. I'm sure the people of Utah, as well as Hintington Utah need all the prayers we can give to them as well as your love and support.
I also love Jesus Christ, and the gospel of God, I also believe that there are many things that we do not understand here on this earth, but will some day understand if we live as Jesus has taught us to live by...loveing one another, and by reaching out to our enimies, and showing them the great Eternal love of God through the teaching of Gods Gospel and his undying love for us all as his children and the brothers, and sisters of his son Jesus christ, whom died on the cross for our sins so we can return to live in the kingdom of God.
We were also told by Jesus christ that this life would not be easy, but if we live as we are taught by Jesus, and the Gospel in this life it will be worth it. We were also told we would not be given more that we can bare, but to bare withit until the end with great love and faith.
I also believe that those with out sin should cast the first stone. Well I know I have no right to cast the first stone.
So I will pray for anyone whom is affliced with sorrow, and hatred in this world to have a softening of the heart, and for my loving God and Jesus Christ to have mercy upon their souls, for whooooooooo be unto them. "let ye not be judgemental of others lest ye be judged like wise. Lets learn more tolerance of others, and offer our love, our prayers, and our fraith to bring our miners home, and our military troops to come home to us also.
As for the people whom think this is because of us all being wicked, Well I'm glad my god is a True, and Just God, and not like the so called god that you worship. That is not what love is...nor is hatred in the plan of God our father, and his son Jesus Christ. So we need to pray for the sinners whom can't see the true light, and love of God, and the plan he has for us.
Let us pray to soften their hearts, and pray for our World to beomce more tollerant of one another.
Amen
Yes I am a Mormon (Christian) from Utah.




piratevoice | 2:22 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
All you can do is pray for these very confused and misguided souls. Their behavior is sad.
N.W.R. | 3:07 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
It saddens me to know that the Phelps hypocrites live in my home state of Kansas. There are many wonderful and loving Christians living in this state - - - straight, gay, lesbian, Baptist, Mormon, Catholic, etc. We also have wonderful, loving Muslims, Hindus and those of many faiths. Unfortunately, we also have those who are filled with hate. I fear that the only Gods that Fred Phelps and his bigotted followers know are the God of Hate (who is also known as Satan) and the God of Money. I agree with Scott's comments of this morning about the scam they are running to amass the unholy dollar.
Anonymous | 3:13 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
I really wonder how these people can call themselves Christians. If anyone has ever read the Bible then they should know that Christ was all about tolerance and being kind to one another.
Don | 3:25 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
You will suffer from your actions.
Dane | 3:58 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Tolerance was something Christ taught. How can you call yourself Christian and be so hateful? I oppose the homosexual lifestyle, but I don't hate gay people. I just believe it's wrong--they can still do whatever they want. How despicable that you use other peoples' grief to promote your selfish causes.
C.G. | 5:21 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
This church is probably hated on by the world and they have nothing better to do. Where does "gay" come into play when rescuing miners? These guys are stuck underground and many people are trying to rescue them. So why would a group from back east want to come to Utah (a place that is gorgeous) and protest funerals of those friends and family members who were in a tragic accident? It's wrong if you ask me and I think police should be well aware of this. It should be considered a terroist attack if they do come and harass family members and those close to the Miners. My prayers are with everyone down there. I used to live in Carbon County, so I understand the hurt... God bless these men!
GOD fearing | 5:54 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Judge Not That Ye Shall Be Judged in the SAME MANNER. Whether or not we (as members of the LDS Church) feel distane about others lifestyle. It will be our time also to be Judged when we stand before God and atone for our actions. Therefore we must stop judging those who oppose us or our Father in Heaven. It is not our place. Pray for the families but even more pray for the miners who are trapped.
180 degrees | 7:29 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007
Seems that these nuts are as loud and wrong as the homosexual groups demanding their "rights" too.

A wrong is a wrong no matter who says it.
IdahoBoy | 5:14 a.m. Aug. 14, 2007
These "Christians" sound like the self-appointed Pastors of Hate and Harrassment that tried to scream their way into the hearts of the peaceful people on the LDS Church's Plaza a couple of years ago!
David Byrden | 7:04 a.m. Aug. 14, 2007
Hey! A lot of good things happen to the USA. And what does Westboro Baptist Church say about them?

"God rewards fags with successful Shuttle launch"?

No? I didn't think so.
DR | 9:19 a.m. Aug. 14, 2007
Point a finger... three point back to you!!!
Klimber510 | 9:45 a.m. Aug. 14, 2007
Echoes of the irrational thinking during the Inquisition and the Salem witch trials. A bitter ending awaits them when told "I never knew you."
Sad | 2:08 p.m. Aug. 14, 2007
These peoople claim to be Christians. They better read the Bible again.
bgwinters | 9:02 p.m. Aug. 14, 2007
Sick, sick, sick.
How can they call themselves Christians?
diebuchen | 11:17 p.m. Aug. 14, 2007
Read the exposes Fred Phelps doesn't want you to know about. Google: LOVING GOD'S HATE, by the Topeka Capitol-Journal and ADDICTED TO HATE, based on court transcripts.

A Few of the many items you will read: several of Phelps' estranged children have publicly stated they were severely and frequently abused; the details of Phelps' disbarment by the Kansas Supreme Court and the Federal Courts for repeatedly violating ethical standards; the details of Phelps' electronic vendetta against public officials he disliked; the details of successful lawsuits for large, unpaid debts. One candy vendor was owed more than $5,000. The report further states the Phelps children were made to sell the candy door-to-door until late into the evening and in bad weather. There was so much pressure put on the children to bring in money, some of them began stealing.

ADDICTED TO HATE details Phelps' alleged drug abuse and nearly fatal overdose. It also tells the pitiful story of 17 year-old Debbie Valgos, who made the terrible mistake of falling in love with Fred Phelps, Jr. When news of her death reached Fred, Sr., he danced with joy, shouting, "The whore is dead, the whore is dead."

Even though these exposes have been on the internet for years, Phelps has never sued for libel.

Catguy | 9:51 a.m. Aug. 15, 2007
These people are NOT Christians, just looneys!
NICK | 3:46 p.m. Aug. 15, 2007
Of course this being Utah, all we hear about religion and not the issue at hand. We as "fags" are people too. We do have emotions, we have lives, we aren't a scourge beneath your feet as we're treated here in Utah. As for ourselves, we do NOT chose this lifestyle for ourselves, nor would we ever wish it upon someone else as I see some of you above have. Its unfortunate that we as a society hate each other to such an extent. Of course in Utah, anyone who isn't Mormon, as I was, is a sinner. Even you above have literally said God forbid anyone hate each other, but with gays, thats okay. Hmmm.
Charlie -- Tempe, AZ | 11:18 p.m. Aug. 15, 2007
I will now include the members of Westboro Baptist Church in my prayers.
Mike | 9:47 a.m. Aug. 16, 2007
The members of the Westboro Baptist church have completely lost their way by doing these things. They cannot call themselves Christians if they dont believe God loves everyone. What they are doing is completely distasteful, and if you think that this is bad, you should go to their self-made official website, www.godhatesfags.com, or www.godhatesamerica.com I think that if they picket the memorial or any services for these innocent people what anyone does to them is totally justified. I cant believe people like this exist in the modern world.
Butch | 2:56 p.m. Aug. 16, 2007
1 John 4 verses 7 & 8 (KJV)

v7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

v8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Need we say more?
NICK | 3:22 p.m. Aug. 16, 2007
Odd that my comment wasn't posted.
skyler | 11:12 p.m. Aug. 16, 2007
your tactics and self promotion and the true hatred in your eyes is that of true evil.
you are hatefull and judgemental and desire to take away our own free agency that god has given us.
your plan sounds alot like satans, and one day he will thank you for all of your work as his puppet.
now please go drink the Kool-aid and go and see for yourself how it is you havent contributed, but then again maybe you wont have to if you show up in utah.
the promotion of your hate hurts innocent good people on a personal level in a rural area that has nothing to do with the acceptance of "fags" into mainstream society.
utah is exceptionally conservative and in the faith of the majority here DOES NOT condone homosexuality, so dont you look silly.
skyler | 11:16 p.m. Aug. 16, 2007
p.s. to the wbc
mr "b" | 8:05 a.m. Aug. 18, 2007
Westboro Baptist Church may actually be run by gays? why? the louder you yell=the guiltier you are.
see Mark Foley
Jim | 7:07 p.m. Aug. 18, 2007
I'd really like to see what copy of the Bible you people are reading. God clearly calls for the death penalty for homosexuals, adulterers, murderers, witches and other workers of iniquity. It's all in Leviticus, people. Read it. Look, if the Bible is the true inspired word of Almighty God, then it's ALL true. Why then if God instructs us to stone people who offend Him do we not stone people who offend Him? Also, God says He will protect people who do His will; can you think of another group of people in America who are more hated or that more Americans would like to do harm to? Why then has no harm come to these people? They stand out in the open when they protest, leaving themselves wide open to a clear shot or an SUV that "accidentally" drives off the road and hits them. I can only surmize that God has steadied His protective hand over the faithful members of the WBC who are pleasing in His eyes. In this country, we seem more and more misguided in making God out to be some kind of Precious Moments figurine with big sad eyes and love for everyone. Hello! God drowned the entire world 5,000 years ago! God incinerated one of Moses' sons for approaching The Ark of the Covenant in a way that was dipleasing to him! All those "hateful", "hurtful" signs that are carried by the WBC can ALL be backed up by Bible verses. Again, read the Bible, people! Whether you agree with them or not, the WBC are true "Bible Christians," and if you don't agree with them, I respectfully suggest you find another religion.

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