Spirit of Sampson Avard | 1:31 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Br Rockwell and the Danites should take care of this.
Richard Stauffer | 1:37 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Hopefully the media will be wise enough not to cover the demonstration. All they want is publicity. If they are left alone they will soon disappate.
dittybob | 1:32 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
"Hinckley is in Hell"? This Westboro group purports to speak for the Final Judgment of God? If Hinckley is in Hell, what chance do the rest of us have? How self righteous of a group of people! What kind of person would be so self assured in their standing before God to single any other as the one to be found in Hell. I imagine Gordon B. with a wry smile and shaking his head with the audacity of such a mislead group of people. How sad and pathetic this organization is- What WOULD Jesus do?
Comments continue below
Playa Haters | 1:52 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
It's amazing these radical Bible dudes have time to dedicate to this protest when really they ought to be spending their time spreading whispers about how if a Mormon was elected President it would be like the devil himself being in charge. Yes, amazing they can multi-task like this.
C James | 1:54 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
"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

THank you for posting this quote! I know that Pres. Hinckley would want us to be kinder to eachother and not ackknowledge those trying to hurt us with thier words!

RE: Matt Johnson
Thanks for reminding us that not all Baptists are the same. Having grown up in Alabama, and having had alot of Baptist friends and relatives, I can tell you that most Baptists are very kind, Christian people!!
Anon | 1:56 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Your loving attitudes will end up getting in a brawl on Saturday.
Jared B | 2:01 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
You know the term kicking someone when there down. It means not having the the guts to do any thing when the other person has a chance to say or do anything. Well thats just what the people who are planning to be protesting outside ant Pres. Hinkleys funeral are doing. I must say that it sickens me to the very core to hear that. Well I have to get back to school. I hope that the protesters will have a good life now and after. I know I will.
sally | 2:10 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Lets all try to just get a long and turn the other cheek. We are LDS....Remember?
Mr L | 2:13 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Again showing that Christ-Like compassion is amiss from extremists. You may not agree with Mormonism, but should that drive people who claim to be "Saved" to not be tolerant and compassionate to the Family and the Members of a church? Agree or not With Gordon B. Hinckley or not he is truly one of the great men and Church Leaders of our time. He taught tolerance and to show respect to others. He he showed his actions in word and in deed. Now that he is gone the attempt to slander and deface who he was and what he taught.

I will make one guarantee, when this Minister passes, there won't be a single Mormon protesting at her funeral. In fact, they will probably take funeral potatoes and comfort her family and congregation.

"If ye have done this unto the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
No friend | 2:10 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
While I'm no fan of some of the LDS church's policies, this is so classless. President Hinckley was a good man and deserves to be honored by those who believe him to be a prophet. He lived a wonderful life.

I know how hurt I would feel if somebody protested at my loved one's funeral condemning them to hell. It's sad Christianity at times can seem so divided.

As despicable as this is, I am still grateful for the First Amendment.

Anonymous | 2:11 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
This hate group isnt religous at all. Their belief is that the whole world is going to hell for being homosexual or condoning them. They have no respect for their country and they basically come up with any reason in the world to hate.

Fred Phelps, the groups leader, is a senile, psychotic, old man. The best thing we can do in this situation is treat them with kindness or ignore them all together. We dont need to disrupt President Hinckley's funeral any further by loosing control of ourselves and assaulting these guys. Don't try to contend with them, they are so far gone astray that it wont do any good. They just look for reasons to hate, and in their mind if your not a member of their church your going to "hell". We as followers of christ can follow his example. Gordon B. Hinckley was a great man and nobody can tell us any different.
Anonymous | 2:21 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Wow...these fools are simply PATHETIC.
Jon B. Holbrook | 2:22 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
It is amzing to me that some of these Christians claim that the Mormons are not Christian. President Hinckley, by both his sermons and his example, was a true Christian. The people of the Westboro Baptist Church spreads its hate and contention. If the Westboro Baptists read their Bibles(Which I doubt.) They would have read the verse that states that contention is of the devil. Therefore, I can only conclude that they follow The Prince of Darkness and not The Prince of Peace. Thank-You
Melissa V. | 2:25 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Both religions are whacky, IMO. But Westboro REALLY needs to back down. I was still in shock over hearing about them wanting to protest Heath Ledgers funeral!

Old Port | 2:29 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Someone should spy on these folks. I am sure there is a homosexual scandal coming with their leaders soon enough. Positive energy certainly surrounded Hinckley; it was just obvious in how he carried himself.
Fantastic | 2:38 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Its wierd to me that LDS people are bashing these people for hating homosexuals. The church has gone out of its way to ban gay marriage everywhere. Get a grip on reality people.
nc mom | 2:45 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I agree with the singing of hymms and also think the LDS members should politley wave at the protesters with a cane! Wouldn't that be a compliment to President Hinckley?
Jan | 2:58 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Fools Fools Fools! This the biggest bunch of nonsense that I have ever read! Who cares about these degenerates? They cannot hurt the church if we ignore them in all their ignorance. They are foolish and disrespectful to everyone�. not just Mormons.
bykrmyk | 2:57 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Maybe the Utah chapters of the Temple Riders Association could show up on their bikes and pass out hot chocolate to the protesters. That could be our version of the veteran biker groups that protect the funerals they protest.
Agree w/ Jon but... | 3:04 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Contention is of the devil... is not stated so plainly in the bible that is 3rd Nephi 11:29, but I totally agree with the idea. Having served a mission surrounded by people of the Westboro "mentality" and I pity them. Because their whole belief system is the destruction of others beliefs. I would simply refer to Matthew 5:43-48. We can only love them and hope they have the opportunity to change and then take the chance when it is there.
Jane | 3:11 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Wouldn't it be nice if this Westboro Baptist Church practiced and preached what THEY actually believe instead of preaching how bad and evil Mormons are? If their whole religion is based on hating others...what kind of Christian religon is that?
Sam | 3:19 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Don�t you people realize that these protesters are horribly starved for attention? They cannot handle the LDS church getting so much of what they cannot have. These protesters are a very jealous and greedy group of people... so they strikeout at us. Although, everyone realizes that we are a strong people and we can ignore this silly behavior. What would the Savior do?
RE: Matt Johnson | 3:16 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Rev. Johnson, thanks for your kind words! Those of us Mormons who have had positive experiences with Baptists and Christians who *truly* believe what they preach know you're correct. These Westboro people don't even deserve to be called "Baptist." They are WAY out there. Most *real* Baptists are at least sincere about trying to love God and their fellow man, as Christ truly taught, despite all of our flaws and differences. Thank you, Rev. Johnson, for your grace and class!
rick | 3:20 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
this group in without love and affection. Void of compassion. I wonder what type of family these individuals came from. Sad. They some how were never taught common decency and respect. I pity their miserable lives.
Wyo Reader | 3:26 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Won't it be great to meet some of these people on the other side! I can hardly wait to see the looks on their faces when they realize they have been so deceived by the great deceiver! Let 'em protest we know the truth and as stated before "The truth will set us free"!
Get a hobby dude! | 3:28 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
These protestors must seriously have nothing better to do than bash mormons.
Hate is hate. | 3:25 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
While I believe this Westboro group to be a troop of sick, hateful, and angry people, there are MANY MORMONS that hold themselves above all others. I have experienced the judgement of Mormons while simply visiting Salt Lake City on a vacation. Hate is hate. Judgement is judgement. And while the Westboro tactics are reprehensible, the Mormons who judge everyday are doing the same thing, but just in a different way.

A Disgusted Baptist | 3:31 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I am a Baptist, but I am just as revolted by the actions of this group as all of you. One cannot help but wonder how this group could possibly imagine that they are following the example of Christ.

To judge all other Christians, or even just all other Baptists, by this group would be much akin to judging all Mormons by Warren Jeffs.
Fellow Evangelical | 3:31 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
As a Evangelical Christian myself, I detest these types of protests. An important religious leader has died. He and his family deserve respect, not Wackos holding up signs saying "Hinckley is in Hell."

I encourage all my fellow Evangelicals to stage a peaceful protest (at the same time) on the opposite corner exposing these nuts for what they are.

Though I am not LDS, I support the LDS' faith to honor their leader without these fruit cakes causing problems.

P.S. To the LDS faithful, please ignore them. What they want is a confrontation that will garner them national publicity.
Surprisingly thankful in CA | 3:40 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
When I first read this article, I was so upset that the Westboro Baptists had decided to protest President Hinckley's funeral. Of course I had heard of them and the hurt they spread, and my heart just sank at the idea of their disrupting the celebration of a beautiful life. I wasn't able to read the comments yet because I had to put my son down for his nap, but while I rocked him, I was still so angry and hurt. But now, after having read a few of these comments, the ones suggesting mourners smile and wave, or lay a flower at the feet of the protesters, or act as Pres. Hinckley would've, I feel so much better. Thank you to all of you who commented in like manner. It helped soften my heart and soothe my anger. I won't be able to attend either way, but thank you for showing a cool head in the midst of such hurtful circumstances. God bless President Hinckley and all those who do their best to live exemplary, Christ-like lives.
Matthew 5:11 | 3:41 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Fellow LDS members: Please ignore these "people" from Westboro. Saying nothing, doing nothing is your best bet. If you take them casseroles, be prepared to have them thrown back at you and be accused of trying to poison them. If you wave canes, they'll scream about you threatening them and tell the world. The Porter Rockwell jokes--funny here, kinda, but not so much Saturday morning.

Acknowledging them puts you in a no-win situation. Just let them do their thing and move on. That's being realistic, not unkind. They really ARE that bigoted and spiteful, sorry to say. They've been doing this for years and they're very good at what they do--hating others and generating resentment.

Since this is America, they ARE entitled to their free speech. They'll use theirs to show what they're really made of and what they really believe. So use yours to say nothing, leave them alone, and show who the true Christians really are.

Honor President Hinckley and the Savior by doing what both would have you do: Try a little harder to be a little kinder, and remember Matthew 5:11.
Listen but don't drink | 3:45 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Hey, go ahead and let them talk. Just don't drink if they offer and Kool-aid...
Anon | 3:46 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Wow, I can't beleive human beings would actually protest at a funeral. Thats terrible.
Jenny | 3:49 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Re: Rev., Johnson, thank you for your nice words. I respect your thoughts on this. However, we have some neighbors living next-door to us from your congregations who are not as considerate as you are, and they would probably be better off joining the protester group. They deliberately taunt us every chance they have because we are LDS. Perhaps you can talk some sense into some of these people with your strength, wisdom and knowledge.

Thank You and we appreciate you.
Anonymous | 3:57 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Satan works in mysterius ways. I believe they are following his rule, not the golden rule. This group makes me want to throw up. Why do people follow such sick leaders, all in the name of religion. Because they are sick also. I'm sure it makes Father ill to see this going on. Would be hard to hold my cool if I were there honoring this wonderful prophet with that trash on the corner.
Zooms Dad | 4:17 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I am profoundly impressed by the mature and spiritual nature of the people of Utah. My knee jerk reaction to this article and to the "Baptist from Westbury" was naturally outrage. But then as I read many of the comments and thought about the great Prophet they mean to run down. I was hearted at the kindness and Christ like attitude that we as a people try so very hard to uphold.

We are a meek and wise people. The world confuses meekness for weakness. The world has no idea how strong we are. If we were a weak people we would lash out and play the victim. We choose victory with quiet resolve and dignity. And am proud to be a Latter Day Saint and proud to live in this great state in the United States that allows the freedom to ignore those who unwisely use the freedom to speak.
Pres. Hinckley taught tolerance | 4:19 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I sure appreciated Honor GBH's comments -- we should honor President Hinckley by living as he taught -- be tolerant & kind not vengeful or vicious.

I wish these folks wouldn't protest -- I wish they knew what I know: that Gordon B. Hinckley was a prophet of God called to teach God's children how to live in love & peace so they can return to live with Him someday.

But these people have their agency -- gratefully, I have mine, too, and can choose not to get angry or confrontational -- to let them exercise their agency in peace.

I definitely think the "no audience, no reporting" idea is a good one. I've seen what my kids do with an audience -- it isn't pretty :-)!
Just Me | 4:22 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Y'know, Pres. Hinckley would probably say there's a soul in that protester that needs love and compassion and may have deep troubles that contribute to their behavior, and love the person, learn to forgive the behavior. That's not just good Christianity, it's good citizenship and manners!
Mahonri | 4:27 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Even if you don't like the guy his funeral isn't the place to protest.
Perspective | 4:30 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
In comparing the character of the two, If I have a choice between being in heaven with Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptists, or being in Hell with President Hinckley, I'll be sure to grab some shorts and a fan on my way down.
Be kind and smart on Saturday | 4:34 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I really appreciate all suggestions for reactions to the protesters, expected to come on Saturday, that represent what I expect Pres. Hinckley would have done. "Be kind" comes to mind, as well as "Be smart", "Be positive", "Be humble", "Be prayerful", and "Be involved". Wouldn't it be great for some mature youth or (young) adults to "Be involved" on Saturday and, in an acceptable way, stand between protesters and mourners, wearing clothing, covered with invitations, that remind us all of the best "Way to be": (Be) "smart", "kind", "still" and "grateful", especially for the God-given guidance through Pres. Hinckley, that helps us to deal in a loving manner even with these misguided protesters (John 13: 35).
Arvin Lee Hansen | 4:37 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I am waiting to see if Mike Huckabee is the first Baptist preacher to denounce and decry this event in that they bear the same religious lockstep name as his....but then again, I'm not going to hold my breath since I never heard any denouncement of his ill-willed low blow declaring that Mormons believe Jesus and the devil are brothers.
Michelle | 4:40 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
The Westboro group are not protesting 'Mormons' ... they protest everyone! They want/need the exposure to spread their message of hate. They think everyone is going to hell and it is their God-given duty to let us know about it. They also believe that the more we hate them or revile them, the more assured they are of being saved - because if you 'love Christ you will suffer for him'. Truly twisted.
And this group is NOT an example of a true Baptist. As a member of the LDS faith, I have found good people in all faiths. I do not believe that anyone not of the LDS faith will go to hell. That is for God to judge. Everyone is just trying to do the very best that they can and we need to love them for it.
TO: Matt Johnson - Thank you for being a friend. And know that I will think of you when I greet and smile all strangers that I meet.
The Lion | 4:35 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Every sentiment expressed by you "faithful" Mormons has its exact mirror image in the sentiments of the Baptists. Don't you see that they are just as passionately "convinced" of their "testimonies" as you are of yours? (Perhaps moreso!)

You see how apparently arrogant these Baptists are by claiming to have the "truth", but why can't you see how arrogant you are by claiming the "know (beyond a shadow of a doubt)"? You consider their protest to be offensive and unChristian, but you don't see how your sending 50,000+ missionaries out into the world to attack other Christian religions (by preaching the Apostasy) is horribly offensive! You see how "cultish" these Baptists appear because they engage in behavior that seems irrational, but you can't see how irrational your own behavior is: dressing up in robes and aprons, forming circles, and chanting together?

Jesus called all such people "hypocrites".
Robert Paine | 4:36 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I worked at the Visitors Center of the Washington DC Temple in the 80s when Sonia Johnson was excommunicated. An ERA group planned a big demonstration one Saturday. The temple closed early, the gates were locked, etc. I went to the roof of the VC for a ringside seat for the main event. The appointed hour arrived as I sat with semi-bated breath and...nothing happened. No protestors, no media - nada. I had three hours left on my shift in which to do....nothing. Figures.
Someone from utah | 4:43 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
I always read in the scriptures that Jesus Christ loved everyone. These people sure aren't christian. If they were then they would be treating everybody a lot better no matter who they are or where they are from. I know that the LDS church is true. These people will sure be in for a very big surprise one day. They will know that there church was not christian. Christ would not approve of people treating people badly.
russ | 4:44 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
America lives. Freedoms are secure. And, yes, feed them and give them warmth. I would go with the tuna fish casserole with some nice bread crumbs on top. Oh, that is so goooood!!! Cold milk really sets that off too.

My view as a card carrying, God fearing Christian is that they are following their conscience. And that they are publicity seekers. And that their hearts are cold. Very cold.

Feed'em and love'em. Then pity them after they are gone. But do let them try the tuna casserole. It just makes your knees weak.

America is a great nation. We tolerate as we should. It is what separates us from the intolerant nations and mob-rule. It allows us to live in freedom and happiness.
A Kansas Mormon | 4:50 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
Perhaps something akin to the whittling and whistling brigade would be in order here. A group could surround these slugs and drown them out.
Dwight Sheldon Adams | 4:51 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
It's so nice to read these comments and see that the vast majority of them are positive. What a wonderful spirit of love and tolerance the people of the LDS church are showing in the face of such vitriolic hate.

To those of you whose nerves are frayed: Take time to breath and pray that you can be loving towards the Westboro church. They are children of God, too, and he loves them and will always work to bring them to him, just as he does with you. Though their hatred may be sinful, you must not allow it to make you commit the sin of not forgiving your fellow man. Let God judge. As we would admonish them to "hate the sinner, not the sin," so must we admonish ourselves to the same effect.

To reiterate what several have said, the Westboro church is NOT the Baptist church. We should not hold other Baptist churches responsible, nor think ill of them for what the Westboro church does.

Be cautious. Don't incite any anger. If you are not able to control your emotions enough to pull away if something bad happens, don't even talk to them. It's asking for trouble.
Depart From Me... | 4:58 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008
These are the people Jesus spoke of when he said many would claim "Lord, Lord, we (Prophesied, taught,evangelized,etc,etc) in your name....."
But He will tell them to depart from Him, for He never knew them.....

All we (including both LDS and Non-LDS followers of the God of Love) can do is show how Christ would have us behave...."Blessed are you when men..say all manner of Evil against you.." "Love your enemies, do Good to those who persecute you."
I may not agree on many important points of doctrine,etc with the LDS faith.. but I've learned to look for the power of Christ thru the Holy Spirit in the actions and words of a person.. THAT's what tells me if they are my brother or sister in Christ.. not what building they enter on Sunday...and by their words and actions the disciples of Phelps The Antichrist show what great servants of Evil they truly are.

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