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Church group plans protest at Pres. Hinckley's funeral
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Matt--West Jordan | 12:58 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Just when you think the signs of the times couldn't be more clear, you hear
about a "church" group that will hold up a sign saying "Hinckley
is in Hell." I've seen it all.
Total dirtbags | 1:10 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Sometimes I wish there was no First Amendment.
Foo-Bear | 1:46 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Surely the Westboro Baptist Church does something that is normal, compassionate,
and Christian. The
protests in the media are just bizarre, cold, and cultish. I'm sure that even Jesus scratches his head at the sight and says, "Huh?"
protests in the media are just bizarre, cold, and cultish. I'm sure that even Jesus scratches his head at the sight and says, "Huh?"
Comments continue below
Disgusted | 2:10 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Amazing that they could consider themselves Christians and behave in such a
manner. It is absolutely reprehensible to disturb a funeral and behave that way
when people are mourning. You would think there is a way to voice your opinion
without imposing on funerals and disturbing people who have lost loved ones.
hamamaoko kambamura | 3:57 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I pray for the protestors that one day they will know the truth and the truth
shall set them free. The Church Of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints is the only
TRUE church upon the face of the whole earth. no apologies. Gordon B Hinckley
was and is a prophet of God just as Moses of old. A true saint from Zimbabwe.
stephen | 4:24 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
We must "forgive them for they no not what they do" God bless our
Prophet dear. I'm grateful to belong to a loving church, a forgiving
church, Christ's church.
jph1223 | 4:54 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
So, this is Christianity? Actually it's called smash-mouth Christianity. 3
Nephi 11: 29 - 30 and D&C 10:63 describes them perfectly and who is the
source of their hate and anger. Amazing, to denigrate the funeral of a great
religious leader in order to popularize their hate. Where do I sign up?
Farmington Reider | 5:19 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
All this group is doing by such a disrespectful act is giving a bad name to
their denomination, a bad name to their city, and a bad name to their pastor and
his family. I poor pity the children raised by such people, with such a sad
example placed before them of how (not) to treat all people with the respect
they deserve.
Liz Holmes | 5:31 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
How very sad We love our prophets and will sing with all our hearts We thank
thee oh god foe a prophrt.
Sad | 5:35 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
This makes me very sad. Deepest sympathies to his family. He was very loved.
no first amendment? | 6:06 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I understand how hurtful it will be to have protesters at a funeral. It's
a horrible thing to do, but to wish away the First Amendment?! Do you want to
lose YOUR right to free speech in other instances? Ignore them. That will make
a statement, as well.
Phyllis Waechtler | 6:17 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I think there are more important things in this world than protest at the
President Hinckley.
To me it is disrespectful and rude.
He was a great man and an awesome prophet.
Let us honor him and not disrespect him.
There is certainly a limit to freedom of speech,I think we should learn when to keep our comments to ourselves and let those who loved him mourn in love and peace.
To me it is disrespectful and rude.
He was a great man and an awesome prophet.
Let us honor him and not disrespect him.
There is certainly a limit to freedom of speech,I think we should learn when to keep our comments to ourselves and let those who loved him mourn in love and peace.
Anonymous | 6:31 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I did a search on this Westboro Baptist church, it's headline is God hates
fags. I can't believe people would actually belong to a church that
preaches hate. God loves everyone, we are all His children. Just as we love our
own childeren, unconditionoally, even more so. I can't believe they are
protesting at the Prophets funeral.
JWK | 6:38 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
While at times the First Amendment causes us pause, without it no church could
preach. They would have the right to practice but what they said could be used
to hurt them.
Already, those freedoms are under attack. In California there is a bill, or at least was a bill, that made it illegal to do or say anything that some special interest group could prove actual or 'imagined' fear or damage. I wonder why this church doesn't protest that.
We know who these people are and what they stand for. As long as they cannot make distracting noise or interfere with the funeral it won't cause problems. They can be ignored, as they should be.
Already, those freedoms are under attack. In California there is a bill, or at least was a bill, that made it illegal to do or say anything that some special interest group could prove actual or 'imagined' fear or damage. I wonder why this church doesn't protest that.
We know who these people are and what they stand for. As long as they cannot make distracting noise or interfere with the funeral it won't cause problems. They can be ignored, as they should be.
NY | 6:41 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
What a bunch of pathetic losers. On the other hand, criticism by this group
should be welcomed. I would be very concerned if these people were honoring
President Hinckley.
15 Minutes | 6:46 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Haven't these bible-thumping, mean-spirited, "Christians" got
something better to do than disrupt the last rites of a much-loved man? They
must have sad and pathetic lives if this is what they spend their time and
energy doing.
Another plan | 6:49 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I am hoping someone gets a permit directly across the street from them to get a
nice group together to sing the hymns most loved by our Prophet. What a sign
that would be to those trying to incite hate and anger--hymns of love and
compassion about Christ.
Chris | 6:56 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I cannot imagine protesting at someone's funeral. I think it is shameful
and disrespectful. I may not share the religious beliefs of someone else, but
to malign him and make opportunistic use of the publicity his funeral generates
to serve my own agenda is self-serving, un-Christ-like and awfully petty.
CaseySee | 6:51 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
A silent, peaceful protest in front of their cab or rental car some how
preventing them from making it to their site, might be interesting. Or perhaps
a flat rental tire or a cabby or conviently got lost might cause them to think
as well. Remember how Bringham Young slowed up Johnston's army in the
1850's. He had Porter Rockwell drive off their horses and relocate their
food and livestock feed. No one got hurt and by the time the Army did arrive,
cooler heads prevailed. I wonder if something like this might not help.
KAE | 6:58 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Reading this makes me even more grateful to KNOW that he his back in the loving
arms of his dear wife and of our loving Savior Jesus Christ!
Dr. Judith Sanders | 7:00 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, agsinst the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12. It never ceases to
amaze me what the Adversary will do to subvert righteousness.
Can you imagine what kind of people are taken in by this? Only those influenced by dark principalities. I feel sorry for them. What impoverished lives they must lead.
A convert of 11 years. I so love our Church.
Can you imagine what kind of people are taken in by this? Only those influenced by dark principalities. I feel sorry for them. What impoverished lives they must lead.
A convert of 11 years. I so love our Church.
Turn the other cheek | 7:05 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Best way to show your religion is to walk by these folks, give them a "good
morning," and turn the other cheek. It's a waste of time calling them
names.
georgiaonmymind | 7:06 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
By their fruits ye shall know them. I loved Pres. Hinckley and with millions
sharing my feelings his fruits were love and forgivness the way a true follower
of our savior shoul have
Mis-informed | 7:10 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
This group is nothing more than mis-informed.
They lack truth, and are prisoners of ignorance.
So we should only care that they are lost, nothing more. Its not a disrespect to Pres Hinckley because they don't know him or who he was. Let them be and hope one or all one day will understand.
Lets look to ourselves and the ways we disrespect the life he lived and the gospel truths he taught us and try to improve, because we know better and should be better.
They lack truth, and are prisoners of ignorance.
So we should only care that they are lost, nothing more. Its not a disrespect to Pres Hinckley because they don't know him or who he was. Let them be and hope one or all one day will understand.
Lets look to ourselves and the ways we disrespect the life he lived and the gospel truths he taught us and try to improve, because we know better and should be better.
Not a fan | 7:05 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Westboro Baptist Church is well known for their outrageous hate mongering and
attention grabbing tactics. I am not a religious person but I have long been
appalled at their strange and mean spirited behavior. They have been showing up
at funerals of troops killed in action for a number of years yelling that God
hates America and killed the troops as a judgment against America for tolerating
gays. They have fewer than 200 members, they are just very effective at grabbing
media attention via crass stunts like this.
BP | 7:10 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
On the bright side, I guess it says something about the growing influence of the
church. Does this mean that the church is as threatening to the Westboro
Baptists as America? If so, that's a big step forward (in an assanine sort
of way).
BTW- I've always wondered what judgment day is going to be like for over-zealous religious practitioners of any faith (especially violent or contentious groups). Man...I'd buy a ticket for that show (does that make me akin to those groups? I hope not...).
BTW- I've always wondered what judgment day is going to be like for over-zealous religious practitioners of any faith (especially violent or contentious groups). Man...I'd buy a ticket for that show (does that make me akin to those groups? I hope not...).
R.Kolk | 7:07 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
At a time like this, I can more than understand and appreciate Porter
Rockwell's approach. My life and family has been blessed by the leadership
of President Hinckley.
Melanie | 7:17 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Why is okay to protest where people are mourning? I just think that is
disrespectful no matter what you believe. What if someone were to say those
things when one of their leaders died? They probably wouldn't like it very
much. It's ridiculous people think they are exemplifying Christ when they
do things like this.
Anonymous | 7:18 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Why even waste the space of your newspaper with this insignificant drivel?
These people do not deserve a mention.
SurprizeAZ | 7:26 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Isa. 5: 20
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
NC mom | 7:33 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
"By their fruits we shall know them." These poeple seem to be the most
unchristian like I have seen. The acts of this congregation only goes to prove
that Satan will lead good people astray. To protest at aonyone's funeral
is repulsive. I hope those who are able to attend the funeral are blessed with
peace and able to feel the spirit of the Lord despite the efforts of the
protesters.
A modest suggestion... | 7:37 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I propose that no reporting (other than this article) be done on this group and
their protest this weekend. Just ignore them. Give them no press. Don't
argue with them, pretend like they are not there. These people typify what it
is that I do not like about organized religion. They are definitely not
Christians and need serious help and probably medication as well.
Good | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Come and protest. Your wasting money in travel, your wasting quality time with
your family, and really do you think it's actually going to be effective.
Why are people so interested in devoting this much of their time and resources
to dispute one singular church. Hmmmmmmmmmmm....let me guess. We'll see you
in SLC on Saturday.
Not LDS or Christian | 7:49 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
This extreme group is VERY small - somewhere between 70 and 150 people. They
believe themselves to be Christian, but are anything but. I am neither
Christian nor LDS, and these people offend me because they give Christians a bad
name. To protest a funeral (military, LDS, or otherwise) is simply horrible. I
do hope funeral attendees realize that most people respect and honor their
mourning, and that giving these lunatics any reaction will only feed their fire.
Go in peace.
California Reader | 7:43 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
This particular Baptist church will provide a stark contrast to the Lord's
true Church and what Christianity is truly about. They must be miserable and
should have our pity. If any one of them had bothered to read about
Pres.Hinckley's life, they would stand in awe of one of the most
extraordinary men that ever lived. I am glad to have been influenced by
Pres.Hinckley's loving, Christlike life.
Greg | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Who cares? I don't.
Get Real | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
What a classless act. I just have to wonder who would want to participate in
something like this.
GT | 7:46 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Where do they come from? Thy started as the KKK. The Southern Baptist Convention
decided in the 80's not to allow it's followers to be the leaders of
the KKK. So now they demonstrate with a unflaming cross but the same hatred.
Sad!!
Lin | 7:52 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
and we wonder why the 'christians' were fed to the lions !!!! any
lions in Utah? God Bless President Hinckley
Anonymous | 7:57 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I second A Modest Suggestion's proposal. I think that this article is that
last one we need to have about this scheduled protest. Any other press will be
playing into their hands.
Cathy | 7:54 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
We have been given an opportunity to practice those principles of kindness so
often taught and demonstrated by President Hinckley. It can be our priviledge
to be his legacy.
bmaclvsprezHinckley | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
What would Pres. Hinckley say to this group? He would say, "Come in from
the cold. Warm yourselves in the halls of our buildings and by hearts of the
people of this church. We love you. We don't need to understand you to love
you...our love for you is without condition." Maybe something like that..
Oh, how I will miss my dear Pres. Hinckley! May I learn to bridge gaps and take
the sting away from contention as he did! Pres. Hinkley was proof that God loves
ALL His children!!
Remember Lonnie Pursiful? | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
This is no different than your typical conference session during the Main Street
Plaza flap.
If the members of the Westboro Baptist Church wish to make fools of themselves, I for one won't stand in their way.
Brigham Young once said: "Any time you kick Mormonism, you always kick it upstairs, not down. The Lord Almighty so orders it."
If the members of the Westboro Baptist Church wish to make fools of themselves, I for one won't stand in their way.
Brigham Young once said: "Any time you kick Mormonism, you always kick it upstairs, not down. The Lord Almighty so orders it."
3-2-1 Contact | 8:21 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Let these immature protesters come. Let them come & sleep in our motels and
eat in our restaurants and buy gas at our gas stations. Yes, let them come and
boost our economy a little.
All we have to do is ignore them. Sure, there will probably be one over-zealous idiot that gets in a fight with them and gets arrested-there always is. But, if we all ignore them, they won't get the satisfaction they seek.
We thank thee O God for a Prophet.
All we have to do is ignore them. Sure, there will probably be one over-zealous idiot that gets in a fight with them and gets arrested-there always is. But, if we all ignore them, they won't get the satisfaction they seek.
We thank thee O God for a Prophet.
Chad | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
No First Amendment!
Just as the 1AMD protects the rights of those who want to protest his funeral, It also protects the rights we have as a church. There was a time when we couldn't say what we wanted and it resulted in the death of Joseph Smith and the infamous extermination order. Remember the the 1AMD doesn't just pertain to things that we want to hear, but things that we don't want to hear also. I would rather have a few protesters at President Hinckley's funeral, then not have the right to assemble and worship how we please every Sunday. No 1Amd, no General Conference. Think about that.
Just as the 1AMD protects the rights of those who want to protest his funeral, It also protects the rights we have as a church. There was a time when we couldn't say what we wanted and it resulted in the death of Joseph Smith and the infamous extermination order. Remember the the 1AMD doesn't just pertain to things that we want to hear, but things that we don't want to hear also. I would rather have a few protesters at President Hinckley's funeral, then not have the right to assemble and worship how we please every Sunday. No 1Amd, no General Conference. Think about that.
Anonymous | 8:23 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE IGNORE THEM. If anyone going to the funeral of
President Hinckley gives this "hate group" any attention, they will
accomplish their goal of disrupting what will be a moving and spiritual tribute
to a prophet. If they get one picture in the media of an LDS member confronting
them, they will celebrate all the way back to Topeka and their pathetic,
miserable goals will be accomplished. IGNORE THEM. AVOID THEM. Don't punch
them out, as I know that will be tempting.
Anonymous | 8:29 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Have some respect for a wonderful man. Honestly, protesting a funeral of a
beloved leader? And this is coming from the church that claims Mormons are not
"Christian." It looks like they sure are though...
Oh Boy | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I think President Hinckley would wave at the protesters and smile to them.
Everyone should do the same. Bigotry still exists in this and othe Baptist
churches if that is what they are called. Really they are hate centers. Oh
well. We wish them well.
Josh Tan | 8:30 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Classless, disrespectful, unchristian - how about adding selfish and self
serving? These baptish ministers get paid for their "service."
Business not booming "eh" (as we say it here in Canada).
Utah Beekeeper | 8:38 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Sometimes we must be content to "be still and know that I am God"
When Westboro Baptist Church's cup of bile is full, they will be dealt with
by a long suffering, patient and perfect Father in Heaven. I will bee watching
Saturday. The most excellent thing is that I believe President Hinckley had no
idea just how great a MAN he was! What an example to attempt to follow.
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