• Say a prayer for Fred Phelps

    wbcsignFor 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.

3 responses to “New Year Predictions 2017”

  1. FakePete Avatar

    I think you are underestmating Trump, he’s not going anywhere, and the Le Pen prediction seems very bold of you considering recent history…

    Thanks for writing your blog, happy New Year!

  2. David Allen Avatar
    David Allen

    #8 happened in the US about a year ago. The DC Madame’s little black book. I posted about it at Episcopal Cafe that meny clergymen were listed and I was lambasted for posting. That if their rector was on the list that wasn’t anyone’s concern but he and his wife.

    That’s either head in the sand or way too liberal for me.

    I’m not into facial hair either. Clean cuut & clean shaven is what I like.

  3. The Rev. Dr. C. Eric Funston Avatar

    I think you’re right about Trump and, in fact, i think he will be gone within the first year (the Republicans will figure out they can’t control him and will find a reason to impeach, or he’ll resign in a fit of pique). Don’t bet on beards leaving; mine’s certainly not going anywhere (I hate shaving!)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Posts

  • The Gallant Forty-twa

    Ten years ago, I was a curate in St Ninian’s Cathedral in Perth. Indeed, I was the Precentor there at a time when their musical life was a little in the doldrums. One of the things about being in Perth was getting to know a little about the local regiment, the Black Watch. St Ninian’s…

  • I'm Back & Blogging Again

    Right, I’m back in the saddle and back online after a good conference in Oxford and a couple of weeks of holiday. Let me just pause to welcome any readers who find themselves here from the link on the Church Times blog. I’m surprised that it has not been easier to identify more people blogging…

  • We are invited doon the watter

    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

    Whilst I am away, you should be looking for other blogs to read. [I’m golden eagle spotting in Argyll, BTW, and the total today is 1 golden eagle spotted]. Have a read at Kate’s blog a telling place – she’s on my blogroll. What Kate has to say is worth reading in itself, but you…