And | 10:26 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
ye shall know them by their works.
Grant | 10:23 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I would have several mental health councilors advaiable to interact with these folks, and warn them about drinking too much " cool aid ".
LDS Torrance CA | 10:26 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Can these people protest the Conference in April instead of a funeral of a wonderful husband a loving father and a TRUE PROPHET OF GOD?

I am so glad he spoke in our Stk Conference on Jan 13th 2008.
WE LOVE YOU PRES.HINCKLEY.
Comments continue below
Nyron | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
This protest will be a demonstration of ignorance. Just like in the days of Joseph Smith, they wanted to murder him and knew nothing about him.
I hope someday to be the kind of person President Hinckley would like me to be. I love the Prophet. He was chosen and extremely well prepared by The Lord. I won't pay any attention to the adversary and his minions. I thank the Lord for a prophet.
Matt Johnson | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I am a pastor of a Baptist Church in Salt Lake City. I am disgusted by the actions of this so called "Baptist" church. I do not believe that people with this kind of anger and hate truly know Jesus Christ as their Savior. I do not think that President Hinckley was a prophet, but that is a theological difference that LDS people and non-LDS can discuss in civility. Difference in religion or theology should not reach this level of self-gratifying hatred and arrogance as exhibited by Westboro "church." I would like my LDS friends to know that the majority of that "baptist" church are the children of the one pastor. They are denounced by every Baptist group I know. I had a phone call this morning from an irate individual first saying that my church was despicable and that baptists are horrible. Please do not lump all of us together, that would be like Baptists saying that Warren Jeffs is the same as Gordon Hinckley which is not true. There is just as many varieties of Mormons in this nation as Baptists, so I ask again to my LDS friends, please do not catagorize all of us the same.
I don't think that any | 10:37 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Church is better than another. But I do believe in respect for everyone. The past President of the LDS church was a good man and deserves the utmost respect. People that want to "protest" certain things need to choose a much better time and place than a funeral! (How disgusting)
IGNORE THEM | 10:41 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I've seen these Westboro people at work at a university graduation in the Midwest. Their attitude and "God is Hate" ideology speaks for itself, and I'm convinced will be duly "rewarded" in the next world.

There is nothing to be gained by addressing them or even acknowledging their presence. Ignore them--pretend they're not even there. They live to provoke and offend others and besmirch and befoul the name of true Christianity. They are infinitely more guilty of blaspheming the name of Christ than anyone they've ever accused. They are therefore to be pitied, not argued with.

I am glad I have learned and seen for myself that these people DO NOT represent the voice and position of true Christians (including Baptists) and other religious believers worldwide. They do not represent the voice of true Christians in regards to President Hinckley.

The irony is that President Hinckley himself would have compassion on these people, were he here. May he rest in the peace he deserves with God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Among the Baptists | 10:36 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
There are many of them who are very good people. Everyone should remember that the Westboro group is really no more representative of the Baptists as a whole as the fundamentalist LDS are of the rest of us. Sad that they do this, but this is their choice.

Thank the DesNews for the heads up and let them do what they choose.
jax | 10:45 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I think what needs to be done is protest the protesters. In fact we need to get a bunch of the BYU and Utah Football players together that are LDS (the big ones) to go down across the street and protest them. The protesters from the Mid-West would be intimidated to say anything if they saw the size of some of those players
Peace | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Why can�t people just learn to get a long? The Mormons only want peace in the world. That is what our church is all about.
An idea? | 10:54 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Maybe this group will influence voters from voting for Huckabee (as he is a Baptist preacher) and support for Romney would increase. It's just a thought, but maybe good could come from this.
Unbelievable | 11:01 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Such a despicable act will only hurt them. Let them come and make a fool of themselves. True Christians would never even contemplate on doing such heinous act.
Brother Domingo | 10:56 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008

To fellow saints,
I am sure that Pres.Hinckley would want us to love,pray for them that despised and say evil things against us. Let us follow his counsel coming from the Lord. On the other hand, let's protect our laws to maintain civility and proper behavior in our community. We'll surely miss a true prophet of of God. He lived a Christlike life.
Cougtucky | 11:04 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
No class. Let God judge the ignorant.
Anonymous | 11:25 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I can't believe when people want to celebrate and mourn for an individual, others just can't leave them alone. Respect others!
Karl (not Rove) | 11:21 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
If I were the P.R. guy for the Church, I would hire a group like this to show up.

What a contrast to the real spirit. Even the Mockers on local blogs would notice the difference.
Injecting humor | 11:27 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Maybe some of their baptist brothers will line up with them and hold up their huckabee signs! Would make a beautiful picture, perfect for the evening news.
Ex-Mormon | 11:25 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Perhaps this church should read the sermon on the mount before planning another protest. "Blessed are the peacemakers..."
Convert in Murray | 11:56 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008
The Westbro Baptist church is not Recognized by the Baptist dominations. Please as an convert of the church I am asking everyone to remember that President Hinkley would not want us to lump them all together. I still have many family members of the baptist faith and they are just as appalled as the rest of us. Kets embrace them and let them know that we still love them even if they are wrong.
Anonymous | 12:07 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I'm not LDS, but I have sympathy for what the LDS community is experiencing right now. I too think the Westboro "church" is completely out of line, whether it's Hinckley's funeral, or Matthew Shepherd's, or a military funeral. But now can you understand why non-LDS people get annoyed/hurt/angry when Mormons think they are wrong or "going to hell" simply because we may not have the same beliefs as you?
cd | 12:08 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I am proud to be LDS and have a sense of morals unlike people who have none andcannot respect other people's time of mourning!! How sad Heavenly Father must be for them.
MDM | 12:02 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Get a life...what a bunch of mean spirited, insensitive losers. These people are one step away from putting anyone that doesn't agree with them in a concentration camp if they could. That much hate will cause them to eventually explode and cross the line of legality or end up having a Jim Jones cool-aid party somewheres. The Saviour would never act this way, nor condone such behaviour.
Rick | 12:09 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Having spent over half my life in Nashville, the buckle of the bible belt, I have a lot of experience with and not much love for baptist preachers. Westboro is just another disgraceful, demon possessed hate group, that makes the money grubbing, mormon bashing trash I know here, look like angels.
Girl from the South | 12:15 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
The Guy from Out West is too nice. Let's pray for a huge snow storm on Saturday.
UsedtobLDS | 12:17 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
::extends olive branch:: I'm with you guys. What the WBC is planning on doing is reprehensible, horrible and worthy of a Danite extermination order from Brigham Young. However, they ARE a hate based organization. Any attention they receive whether negative or positive will only fuel their fires.

If you are going to Gordon B Hinckley's funeral please ignore them, don't feed them (literally or metaphorically) as it will only encourage them or open up opportunities for them to spew their hatred in different ways.

Good luck to all of you and sorry for your loss.
j
Matt | 12:14 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Is it legal to surround them (but not restrain/detain) and hold up sheets so no one can see them?
First Amendment | 12:21 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Huckabee claims to be a Baptist.
Anonymous | 12:31 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
For those of you still beating the dead horse, WESTBORO CHURCH ARE NOT TRUE BAPTISTS. they are a bunch of zealot fundamentalists.
elisabeth | 12:34 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Wrong audience, wrong time. It amazes me that people stage protests that hurt their cause. A protest in and of itself means absolutely nothing unless opinions are swayed to your own.
Cutting off their noses to spite their faces. Disadvantage yourself in order to do harm to an adversary.

Bills | 12:32 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008

a Bible worshipping church claiming to be followers of Christ but act like the devil should make all of
us suspect. President Hinckley deserves better. I hope the media exposes these religious fanatics for
what they are -- un-American Bigots!
Ello | 12:39 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I dont agree with the protest, but all these self rightous people going off on how "true" the church is and how it is the "only" true church is the reason that they want to come and protest. LIVE AND LET LIVE. That goes for all of the Christians out there, including you mormons.
I am a fan of Gordon, I think he was nice enough, and I think it is stupid that people will protest his funeral, but at the same time, i see the same traits that the protestors have in many of the post here. WHO CARES? We fight over a definition of God, no level-minded individual would ever care enough about anything to treat people poorley. I hope that we can all one day put religion on the side and look at each other for what we are, in this life togther, and we are never going to agree with every one, so we might as well smile and have some.
President Hinckely's Words | 12:39 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
We do not have to wonder what President Hinckley would say about those who oppose the Church and those who would protest at his funeral. President Hinckley addressed this issue in the last General Conference. I would encourage all people who love President Hinckley and who love the Lord to follow his prophetic counsel.

"Now, my dear brethren, in closing I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier. You will do greater good. You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful.

May the Lord bless you and inspire you to walk without anger, without bitterness of any kind, but to reach out to others with expressions of friendship, appreciation, and love. This is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

President Gordon B. Hinckley
October 2007 General Conference
Cathy Inscore | 12:45 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
My Father has a saying; " If you have to ask is someone is Christian or not...perhaps you need to ask yourself the same question." We, as members of this beautiful Christ-ian church, should take the most vital commandment of our Savior and put it out there for the rest of the world to see..." This commandment I give to you, love one another as I love you, love one another." We are fortunate to have a Living Prophet to guide us and direct us with the spirutal love of Christ and our Holy Ghost. Our beloved Prophet, Gordon B. Hinkley, set a beautiful spirit-filled example as to how we should live-- We live as Our Savior would; He lives within each and everyone of us. When we see these protesters, smile, wave, and say: " The Lord, Jesus Christ, loves all His children...Tell them that they are beloved children of our Heavenly Father, and that because of that profound statement--we love them as well--for that is what our Savior wants for his children.
N in Kansas | 12:53 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
We have been tolerating this group, since with the first amendment we don�t have a choice. This is a church consists of members of one very ignorant family led by a senile old man. They have been protesting soldier�s funerals throughout the country, making a very traumatic and mournful time for families even worse. But I know that Pres. Hinckley was a true prophet and leader of the only true church on the earth today and he will be missed.
IRONY | 12:57 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I find it quite ironic that one of the issues they have with President Hinckley is his soft stance on homosexuality- I guess they haven't read the proclamation to the family, or seen some of the specials about homosexuals in the Mormon church and how they feel that they're being wronged by the church for their lifestyle. President Hinckley has stated that we extend love and fellowship to these brothers and sisters, but cannot condone any immoral acts by them any more than immoral acts from others.

I guess that stance isn't strong enough for this group- it has to be pure hatred or it's not enough.

As for anonymous@12:07- I'm sorry if you've had members of the Mormon church inform you that you're going to hell because you don't believe the same way. If you've ever heard anything from President Hinckley, he would never say anything remotely related to that or even imply it. I hope here that you're not making assumptions about the Mormon church's beliefs. As for where you're going after you die, that's up to God-(the only one who can properly judge you), and most Mormons wouldn't attempt to judge you prematurely or wrongly.
Humm-Mumm | 1:01 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
As tempting as it is I really don't want to have a casserole chucked back at me..kindness is in need here and it takes a bigger person to be Kind under such actions being planned out to be on public display...however I do agree with President Hinckley's words..be less quick to anger, put a smile on our faces and show the world (who will be watching by the way) what true genuine Christians the LDS faith consists of and is founded upon..after all we are followers of Christ and he too would walk on by, and yes with a smile on his face..lets just be like Jesus and do what is right as we ALL know what that consist of.
wrz | 12:56 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
"It would be awesome if a couple area Relief Societies got together and made them some hot food (Mormon women do make a mean casserole) and hot chocolate (SLC in Feb.? burrrr) and brought them some extra blankets in case they get too cold."

They'd throw it back in their faces. These protesters have no dignity, grace, or manners. They are haters of the worst kind.
an idea | 1:02 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
If I were a Baptist leader, I think I would organize every local Baptist to fill the corner so full of bodies there would be no place for the protesters to stand that would be legal. Then the Relief Society could serve them hot food, everyone could sing together, and President Hinckley could smile at all of us. I think other churches would be surprised at how kindly the LDS feel about them.
frank | 1:04 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Someone should ask the former Baptist minister, Mike Huckabee, if he approves of the protesters' conduct. Would be an important piece of information on which to judge a political candidate.

PS to the monitor: What is so distasteful about this post?
RADDAD | 1:00 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Mormon's, despite how we feel, aren't considered "Christians." If this group claims to be "Christian" I am proud not to be a christian.
Anonymous | 1:09 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I am a convert to the LDS Church. There is no excuse (human frailties notwithstanding) for a Mormon to tell ANYONE they are going to hell. Our beliefs don't allow for one to say that, and that was a big point of why I joined the Church. People in my former faith (I won't name what that was, out of respect for members of it) told me I was going to hell for becoming LDS.

I was taught by the missionaries that everyone will get the SAME FAIR CHANCE to believe and do the SAME THINGS in order to be saved. This makes no one exempt from having to accept Christ and his gospel, and it also condemns no one for having died without knowing of it. It is the perfect balance from a perfect God.

If not for the witness of the Spirit, this doctrine is how I would be "logically" converted to the Church (taking into account that most beliefs of many religions defy earthly logic). And to hear that fellow Latter-day Saints would say things contrary to this wonderful doctrine pains me.
Just a thought | 1:08 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
In case someone is unsure who this groups master is. Moroni 7:15-17 gives us the way to decern.

It is plain to know who they serve and it IS up to us to judge. The spirit of christ is given to all to help.

vs 17 first. "But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then you may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; NEITHER DO THEY WHICH SUBJECT THEMSELVES UNTO HIM."

Describes these protestors well.

vs 16 "...every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; whereforth ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God."

I know which side President Hinckley is on.

3 Nephi 11:29 "...he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another."
RE: Matt Johnson | 1:08 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Pastor Johnson, I'm a born and raised Salt Lake City, Latter-Day Saint who has a father who is a die hard Garrison Keelor fan - "A Praire Home Companion" on the radio - I also come from a family of Eagle Scouts - from an organization such as The Boy Scouts of America who involve youth of all religions. I just want to re-assure you that I'm aware of the expansive numbers of Baptists out there - I have bluegrass playing friends who are Baptists from North Carolina. - The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the resounding message in any Christian church and though we all fall short of him, we can yet hear his words and strive to become more like him. Certainly I assume as a fellow Christian that your belief and understanding of Jesus Christ is in many regards similar to mine - as he taught in parables of degrees of heaven, as he healed, as he showed again and again that he was the promised Messiah - His spirit and the Holy Ghost is the power that strives to bring us all closer to him - the protesters as well who God loves.
Ignore Them | 1:15 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
"Where does this church get their money to fly people all over the U.S. to do things like this?"

Lawsuits, from the rage they inspire. Searching them on the internet and clicking on their website makes them money. IGNORE THEM and they earn nothing.
Get a Life | 1:10 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I'm not LDS, but I've lived in Utah now almost 30 years. I've always gotten along just fine here on a live and let live basis. To be truthful I'm pretty much ambivalent about who is or isn't the President of the LDS Church, but clearly President Hinkley was a good and worthy man,and the members of the Westboro Babtist Church need to get a life, preferably a more Christian one.
MC | 1:20 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I'm not LDS but I think it's horrific that bigots can hide behind the guise of a "church" to disseminate hate. Their self-righteousness is sickening.
Re: Matt Johnson II | 1:16 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
President Hinckley would've probably sided with the comment about someone getting food and warmth for these individuals. How confused must a person be to do the same that those in Jerusalem did when they insisted that Jesus be crucified. Jesus Christ himself was confronted with the worst of enemies. The adversary and his influence is similar today as it was in biblical times. That same adversary whose plan is to confuse and cause fear and to entrap and to cause misery to us all is the same that was there in biblical times. If there is a scapegoat in all of this, it is the dark angel which is the devil. How strange that a funeral of a prophet to many who believe and a righteous, good man to many who don't would be met with a group who in essence spit on a grave - how small - how confused they are - On the one hand my heart goes out to them - on the other I simply recognize the hand of the adversary in having guided them down an entirely erroneous path belittling the divine nature and potential of God's children.
John | 1:25 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
It's really sad that Westboro Church has nothing better to do then to hurt other people. I know Christ would not do something like that. I guess they really don't believe in God and his son Jesus Christ for doing that they do. Thank God for President Hinckley. May he rest in peace with Sister Hinckley
Canadian LDS | 1:29 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
WOW!!! It's so hard to believe that one particular so-called Church would choose to picket a funeral for our beloved prophet Gordon B Hinckley!!!
I guess we in Canada are very blessed, in that we aren't so actively pursecuted as our Brothers and Sisters are in the United States.
What a sad commentary it is that our faith is still so misunderstood, and people are still so afraid and or ignorant of what it truly means to be LDS!!!
I agree President Hinckley would want us to act with the same grace, tolerance, and love for others that this remarkable man has shown throughout his entire life.
Anonymous | 1:30 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
i know its not the right thing to do but if i saw a sign that said pray for more dead soldiers they better pray they can run fast cause i would beat the holy tar out of every single one of them

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