• Say a prayer for Fred Phelps

  17/03/2014

  For the last few years, the Westboro Baptist Church has become famous for picketting funerals and spreading a message of offensive hatred. There can be few who haven’t seen the “God Hates Fags” posters.

  When they first appeared, it seemed to be so vile that it might be a parody, but no, it turned out these people really did hate gay people (amongst others) as much as they said they did.

  A great deal of the responsibility for this lies with the founder, Fred Phelps who is apparently now dying and has been ex-communicated or disfellowshipped by his church. Once again, hatred seems to be the order of the day, even amongst those who have caused such trouble for others.

  I wouldn’t like to think that anyone died without someone praying for them. So, my challenge today is to those reading this to light a candle and say a prayer for Fred Phelps.

  I think Fred Phelps has behaved reprehensibly during his life. I also happen to believe he is a beloved child of God who is in pain and who is dying.

  You see, the things is, God loves.

  God loves Fred Phelps. That’s the point of the faith I believe. It is giddy, capricious love that gives meaning to life. Love that changes everything.

  So, I’m lighting a candle for him. I hope his pain is eased and that he is found by love.

  I pray that God blesses Fred Phelps.

  And praying for him, and blessing him is the only way to win.

  death, Fred Phelps, love

Previous Posts

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  16/04/2008

  Those who are part of the Scottish Episcopal Church blogging community (ie bloggers and those who comment) are invited doon the watter on 17 May 2008 for Bloggers and Bluebells with Kimberly who writes Wonderful Exchange. Looks fun. Those who lurk have only to comment to be part of the party. De-lurk, de-lurk whoever you…

• Whilst I am gone

  14/04/2008

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• Mitre over the parapet moments

  11/04/2008

  There have been a few (episcopal) head over the parapet moments recently that should not go unspotted. Firstly, Bishop Idris’s interview on Good Friday. (I was too occupied listening to Fr Primus preaching on Good Friday that I did not spot it at the time). It can be found here. Then there was Bishop Robert’s…

• In Englandshire

  05/04/2008

  Have been in Englandshire for a few days r & r following a conference in Oxford. They have funny money down here but they do have Choral Evensong just like we do. Who would have thought?