The SUV parks in the lot across from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Independence. As the Samoan family exits the vehicle, Shirley Phelps-Roper says, "Oh, I've got a customer here," then snaps into a loud song to the tune of "The Army Goes Rolling Along."
First to fight/For the fags/Now they're coming home in bags/And the army goes marching to hell.
Her voice is worthy of a church choir and carries across the lot.
The grieving family glares at Phelps-Roper with looks of hurt and disgust.
"Now, see, they'll never be able to take those words away," she brags.
Fred Phelps' daughter is right. Her words stick to the memory like bubblegum to a shoe. She picks up the song in midverse.
Proud of all of your sin/No more battles you will win/And the army goes marching to hell.
Now it's IEDs/The army's on its knees/Count off the body parts all gone — Two! Three! — and where e'er they go/The dying soldiers show/The army keeps marching to hell.
Army National Guard Sgt. Michael Fuga was killed in action in Afghanistan on September 9. But his memorial will be anything but peaceful, thanks to the members of the Westboro Baptist Church. To them, Fuga is just another soldier burning in hell. His is just another funeral in need of gospel preaching, Another chance to mock the lawmakers who have tried to shut them up.
Those lawmakers can't silence the Phelpses, although 30 states, including Missouri, have passed legislation to restrict picketing at funerals. In the Phelpses' home state of Kansas, lawmakers have yet to pass legislation, but at a late-September press conference, Attorney General Phill Kline announced plans for legislation next session. The U.S. Congress also moved to hush the church's followers, passing a ban on pickets within 300 feet of the entrance to a national cemetery and 150 feet from a road into a cemetery. President Bush signed it into law on Memorial Day.
Today, nine members of the Westboro Baptist Church have made the trip from Topeka to picket Fuga's funeral. Shirley Phelps-Roper brought her oldest daughters, Megan and Rebekah; her mother, Marge; her sister Margie; and her brothers Fred Jr. and Jonathan and their wives.
There to confront them are the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of bikers acting as a human shield, showing up at military funerals to block the Phelpses' signs with American flags and drown out their chants and songs with revving motorcycles.
Phelps-Roper spots a rider heading her way.
"Watch this," she says.
The biker tries to smoke her out by backing up his cycle and kicking out exhaust fumes.
But just as the engine blasts with a vroom, Phelps-Roper darts up the sidewalk, leaving the leather-clad man alone.
"I am so in charge of these guys," she says.
Phelps-Roper wears a purple "GodHatesFags.com" hooded sweatshirt and holds three signs — "America Is Doomed," "God Hates Fag Enablers" and "God Hates the USA" — in one hand. An American flag stuffed in her khaki pants drags on the concrete.
See Phelps-Roper in action at a different funeral that day here.
For an hour, the members of the Phelps family bounce from sidewalk to sidewalk, frustrating the bikers. Jonathan Phelps walks on a pair of American flags in the street. Megan and Rebekah taunt the bikers. Fred Jr. holds a "Fags Doom Nations" sign. Marge's sign reads "God Is Your Enemy."
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My son is currently in Afghanistan with a military contractor. The Quran burning which was done on September 11th, 2010, has increased the level of danger for my son and all Americans in Muslim countries.Unwittingly, the Phelps family has put Arab Christians at risk, and all Independent Baptist congregations here at home at risk from Muslim extremists, as well.
My son is currently in Afghanistan with a military contractor. The Quran burning which was done on September 11th, 2010, has increased the level of danger for my son and all Americans in Muslim countries.Unwittingly, the Phelps family has put Arab Christians at risk, and all Independent Baptist congregations here at home at risk from Muslim extremists, as well.
I cannot believe what a hateful bunch of inbred idiots this cult is! How do people like these find spouses? One thing is for sure, Fred and Shirley will both burn in Hell (probably many of the others also).
I cannot believe what a hateful bunch of inbred idiots this cult is! How do people like these find spouses? One thing is for sure, Fred and Shirley will both burn in Hell (probably many of the others also).
Pastor Fred W. Phelps
Margie Phelps (wife)
3701 Sw 12th St
Topeka, KS 66604-1730
(785) 273 - 0325
Fred Phelps, Jr
Betty Phelps (wife)
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 272 - 4135
Karl D. Hockenbarger
Deborah Hockenbarger (co-founders of Phelps-Chartered)
1929 Sw Lane St
Topeka, KS 66604-3061
(785) 233 - 1848
Charles Hockenbarger
3220 Sw 17th St
Topeka, KS 66604-2568
(785) 232 - 1570
Margie J. Phelps (Fred's daughter)
3734 SW 12th Street
Topeka, KS 66604-1731
(785) 273-7380
Brent Roper
Shirley Phelps-Roper
3640 Sw Churchill Rd
Topeka, KS 66604-1736
(785) 273 - 1080
Chris Davis
Rebekah Phelps-Davis
325 Se 27th St
Topeka, KS 66605-1103
(785) 233 - 4172
Tim Phelps
4718 Sw 33rd Ter
Topeka, KS 66614-3704
(785) 273 - 4031
George Stutzman
4213 Sw Windsor Ct
Topeka, KS 66604-2428
Steven Drain
3801 SW 12th Street
Topeka, KS 66604-1732
(785) 228-1623
Phelps-Chartered
P.O Box 1886
Topeka, KS 66601-1886
(785) 233-416
Pastor Fred W. Phelps Margie Phelps (wife) 3701 Sw 12th St Topeka, KS 66604-1730 (785) 273 - 0325 Fred Phelps, Jr Betty Phelps (wife) Topeka, KS 66603 (785) 272 - 4135 Karl D. Hockenbarger Deborah Hockenbarger (co-founders of Phelps-Chartered) 1929 Sw Lane St Topeka, KS 66604-3061 (785) 233 - 1848 Charles Hockenbarger 3220 Sw 17th St Topeka, KS 66604-2568 (785) 232 - 1570 Margie J. Phelps (Fred's daughter) 3734 SW 12th Street Topeka, KS 66604-1731 (785) 273-7380 Brent Roper Shirley Phelps-Roper 3640 Sw Churchill Rd Topeka, KS 66604-1736 (785) 273 - 1080 Chris Davis Rebekah Phelps-Davis 325 Se 27th St Topeka, KS 66605-1103 (785) 233 - 4172 Tim Phelps 4718 Sw 33rd Ter Topeka, KS 66614-3704 (785) 273 - 4031 George Stutzman 4213 Sw Windsor Ct Topeka, KS 66604-2428 Steven Drain 3801 SW 12th Street Topeka, KS 66604-1732 (785) 228-1623 Phelps-Chartered P.O Box 1886 Topeka, KS 66601-1886 (785) 233-416
This is the best story I've ever read about the pile of inbred tripe known as the Phelps family. Your writer did an amazing job, and I wish I had that very same writer here. (I'm an editor in Atlanta, and trust me when I tell you that finding a writer possessing such skill isn't half as easy as it would appear to be. It's a lot of work.) At any rate, I'd like you to know that when Fred Phelps dies, there will be quite another story, and I plan to be there to make it happen when I force Shirley Phelps-Roper's face into the dirt and make her eat earth. I'm quite prepared to serve time in jail for doing so--it will be more than worth it. I fully expect to do so, in fact. Bring your cameras. Cheers!
This is the best story I've ever read about the pile of inbred tripe known as the Phelps family. Your writer did an amazing job, and I wish I had that very same writer here. (I'm an editor in Atlanta, and trust me when I tell you that finding a writer possessing such skill isn't half as easy as it would appear to be. It's a lot of work.) At any rate, I'd like you to know that when Fred Phelps dies, there will be quite another story, and I plan to be there to make it happen when I force Shirley Phelps-Roper's face into the dirt and make her eat earth. I'm quite prepared to serve time in jail for doing so--it will be more than worth it. I fully expect to do so, in fact. Bring your cameras. Cheers!
Excellent story. I must say something about the Phelps.
When Fred dies, I promise to drop whatever I'm doing, and go harass the family at his funeral with a sign that says, "Look, even Phelps worship their dead." or something like that. I hate these people more than terrorists. If I ever recognized one on the street I'd have to spit in their face. They should be kicked out of America, screw their constitutional rights.
Excellent story. I must say something about the Phelps. When Fred dies, I promise to drop whatever I'm doing, and go harass the family at his funeral with a sign that says, "Look, even Phelps worship their dead." or something like that. I hate these people more than terrorists. If I ever recognized one on the street I'd have to spit in their face. They should be kicked out of America, screw their constitutional rights.
even tho i believe shirley phelps roper is insane, i still think there is a special place in hell waiting just for her. and she will get what is coming to her.
even tho i believe shirley phelps roper is insane, i still think there is a special place in hell waiting just for her. and she will get what is coming to her.
Marge Phelps wife of fred holds up the sign God is your enemy, she says she prays daily for the opportunity to be the lords mouth, ha what a joke she's devious she is the devil the only thing that comes out of this (phelps) families mouths are devillish,devious lies they twist and lie about the bible i'm going to pray for you and your family your on the road to disaster your getting mislead by the enemy and you dont even see it the lord is'nt speaking to you maybe he's trying to but your paying to much attention to satan our lord would never say go make some signs and tell the world i hate people are you serious??? Are we talking about god the maker of the universe sorry you have'nt fooled me i dont listen to people who dress up in wools clothing and try to preach the word of god yet you dont know him at all or you would'nt make up such lies our god is an awesome god,loving,gentle,powerful,loyal and he would not be telling you or your family to make signs and tell the world he hates the world he hates people he does'nt hate anyone you foolish people Nehemiah chapter 9 verse 9 - You saw how our ancestors suffered in egypt,you heard their call for help at the red sea you worked amazing miracles against the king against his officials and the people of his land because you knew how they oppressed your people,you won the fame you still have today. Through the sea you made a path for your people and led them on dry ground,those who pursued them drowned in deep water as a stone sinks in the raging sea, with a cloud you led them in day-time and at night you lightened their way with fire, At Mount Sinai you came down from heaven: you spoke to your people and gave them good laws of teachings, when they were hungry you gave them bread from heaven,and when they were thirsty you gave them water from a rock. Are you understanding this marge it's in the bible look it up does this sound like a hateful god to you i could go on and on how the lord has changed my life to for the better but yours satan only has touched your heart you mock the lord if i were you i'd ask for forgiveness before it's to late it says the angels are running to prepare the feast where in the last days so dont spread lies about the bible or people, burn your signs. Job 38 verse 2- Who are you to question my wisdom with your ignorant,empty words?stand up like a man and answer the questions i ask you. Were you there when i made the world? read the rest of job marge you and your family.
Hi readers, first of all i'd like to say FRED AND SHIRLEY PHELPS are not christians they do not beleive in our saviour jesus or the heavenly father they are a disgrace to all the christians out there, for god so loved the world he gave up his only son yet these foolish people have signs saying god hates the world god hates fags, first of all heath ledger was not a gay person he played a gay person in a movie as a actor that's his profession. And for FRED and SHIRLEY and ignorant followers who beleive their garbage it's not for you to judge or say who is going to hell and who is'nt read your bible fred and shirley exodus 20 chapter 7, do not use my name for evil purposes,for i the lord your god,will punish anyone who misuses my name verse 16- Do not accuse anyone falsely and that's exactly what your both doing and leading other people to do so, christians have compassion,empathy,listening ear,sympathetic,would give the coat of their own back if a stranger asked for it,if anyone is ever wanting to learn about the lord dont go to a baptist church because fred and shirley have doomed it with there lies when you meet your saviour fred and shirley be prepared it's all i can say you owe the ledger family an apology!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marge Phelps wife of fred holds up the sign God is your enemy, she says she prays daily for the opportunity to be the lords mouth, ha what a joke she's devious she is the devil the only thing that comes out of this (phelps) families mouths are devillish,devious lies they twist and lie about the bible i'm going to pray for you and your family your on the road to disaster your getting mislead by the enemy and you dont even see it the lord is'nt speaking to you maybe he's trying to but your paying to much attention to satan our lord would never say go make some signs and tell the world i hate people are you serious??? Are we talking about god the maker of the universe sorry you have'nt fooled me i dont listen to people who dress up in wools clothing and try to preach the word of god yet you dont know him at all or you would'nt make up such lies our god is an awesome god,loving,gentle,powerful,loyal and he would not be telling you or your family to make signs and tell the world he hates the world he hates people he does'nt hate anyone you foolish people Nehemiah chapter 9 verse 9 - You saw how our ancestors suffered in egypt,you heard their call for help at the red sea you worked amazing miracles against the king against his officials and the people of his land because you knew how they oppressed your people,you won the fame you still have today. Through the sea you made a path for your people and led them on dry ground,those who pursued them drowned in deep water as a stone sinks in the raging sea, with a cloud you led them in day-time and at night you lightened their way with fire, At Mount Sinai you came down from heaven: you spoke to your people and gave them good laws of teachings, when they were hungry you gave them bread from heaven,and when they were thirsty you gave them water from a rock. Are you understanding this marge it's in the bible look it up does this sound like a hateful god to you i could go on and on how the lord has changed my life to for the better but yours satan only has touched your heart you mock the lord if i were you i'd ask for forgiveness before it's to late it says the angels are running to prepare the feast where in the last days so dont spread lies about the bible or people, burn your signs. Job 38 verse 2- Who are you to question my wisdom with your ignorant,empty words?stand up like a man and answer the questions i ask you. Were you there when i made the world? read the rest of job marge you and your family.
Hi readers, first of all i'd like to say FRED AND SHIRLEY PHELPS are not christians they do not beleive in our saviour jesus or the heavenly father they are a disgrace to all the christians out there, for god so loved the world he gave up his only son yet these foolish people have signs saying god hates the world god hates fags, first of all heath ledger was not a gay person he played a gay person in a movie as a actor that's his profession. And for FRED and SHIRLEY and ignorant followers who beleive their garbage it's not for you to judge or say who is going to hell and who is'nt read your bible fred and shirley exodus 20 chapter 7, do not use my name for evil purposes,for i the lord your god,will punish anyone who misuses my name verse 16- Do not accuse anyone falsely and that's exactly what your both doing and leading other people to do so, christians have compassion,empathy,listening ear,sympathetic,would give the coat of their own back if a stranger asked for it,if anyone is ever wanting to learn about the lord dont go to a baptist church because fred and shirley have doomed it with there lies when you meet your saviour fred and shirley be prepared it's all i can say you owe the ledger family an apology!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fred Phelps is a disbarred lawyer in Kansas state courts and all Federal courts.
Fred Phelps is a disbarred lawyer in Kansas state courts and all Federal courts.
Excellent article about the Westboro Baptist Church. This is the most thorough one I've found. Thanks for the great work.
www.geocities.com/chrisrisherm...
Excellent article about the Westboro Baptist Church. This is the most thorough one I've found. Thanks for the great work. www.geocities.com/chrisrishermn32
And Jesus answered and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye not be troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not, yet.
-Matthew 24: 4-6
And Jesus answered and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye not be troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not, yet. -Matthew 24: 4-6
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