What is in Kelvin's Head?

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

6 responses to “What the Scottish Episcopal Church is Voting On”

Bro David

07/06/2017

So does the conscience clause extend only to parishes and priests? Or does it extend to bishops beyond whether they personally choose to officiate a same-sex marriage, but with regard to their diocese? As you know, the US Church allows bishops to decide for their entire diocese. Even though TEC, as a province of the AC, allows same-sex marriage, individual TEC bishops diocesan can disallow same-sex marriage in thier diocese. So there are swaths of TEC with no same-sex marriage and same-sex couples having to look elsewhere for their wedding*.

I’m not sure where Canada stands on this with regard to bishops diocesan and their dioceses. I know my home church, the Anglican Church of Mexico, ignores this issue currently. LGBT folks haven’t gained a large enough foothold in the Mexican Union to force the issue in churches outside of the massive Roman church.

*My suggestion to TEC couples is to scout around for a friendly Evangelical Lutheran Church in America parish nearby that may celebrate their nuptials with them and their family & friends. A friendly parish in the North Province of the Moravian Church in America is another option for those living within the North Province’s boundaries. Both those churches allow same-sex marriage and are in full communion with TEC. (The Alaska and the South Provinces of the Moravian Church have not yet allowed same-sex marriage.)

Reply
1. Kelvin
  
  07/06/2017
  
  The bishops have agreed that this will apply to the whole church. My understanding is that the conscience clause will not extend to bishops declining to authorise people. I know that a bishop who has voted against the legislation has assured me that there would be no problem in clergy in his diocese being nominated to conduct such weddings. The principle that one person’s conscience can’t trump another person’s conscience applies.
  
  Reply
Mark Hunter

08/06/2017

Godspeed to you and the Scottish Episcopal Church, Kelvin. I wish you the best – an American brother. BTW, you do know that we still wear the St. Andrews cross in the shield of the Episcopal Church of the US. It isn’t for nothing.

Reply
Susan Cooper

08/06/2017

An excellent and clear article.

Reply
Guy

08/06/2017

Glad the vote went the way it did, though scarily close in the House of Clergy. Would I be being presumptious if I said that things can only get better from now on…….?

Reply
Catherine Shelley

08/06/2017

Delighted to hear the result of the vote and to read this compassionate, principled and sensible reflection. Best wishes and prayers as you move forward; this English clergywoman is certainly tempted to consider applying for a move north of the border.

Reply