Via JMG: Judy Shepard On Death Of Fred Phelps

"Regarding the passing of Fred Phelps, Dennis and I know how solemn these moments are for anyone who loses a loved one. Out of respect for all people and our desire to erase hate, we’ve decided not to comment further." - Judy Shepard, in a posting on the Facebook page of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. (Tipped by JMG reader Eric)

Labels: Fred Phelps, hate groups, Judy Shepard, Westboro

Reposted from Joe Jervis

Via JMG: Westboro Founder Fred Phelps Has Died

 

Kansas television station KSN reports that Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps has died.

The Rev. Fred Phelps Sr., who founded a Kansas church widely known for its protests at military funerals and anti-gay sentiments, has died according to his son Tim Phelps. Phelps, 84, was being cared for in a Shawnee County facility, Westboro Baptist Church spokesman Steve Drain said Sunday. Members of the Westboro church, based in Topeka, frequently protest at funerals of soldiers with signs containing messages such as “Thank God for dead soldiers,” and “Thank God for 9/11,” claiming the deaths are God’s punishment for American immorality and tolerance of homosexuality and abortion.

Updates to follow shortly. (Tipped by JMG reader TJ)

 

Labels: Fred Phelps, hate groups, obituary, religion, Westboro

Reposted from Joe Jervis

Via Daily Dharma

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Bursting the Bubble of Fear | March 20, 2014

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To willingly reside in our distress, no longer resisting what is, is the real key to transformation. As painful as it may be to face our deepest fears, we do reach the point where it's more painful not to face them. This is a pivotal point in the practice life. 

 

—Ezra Bayda, “Bursting the Bubble of Fear”