one to go on...

[lagilman]

Lots of talk today about the fact that Fred Phelps has left the planet. Some are joyful and celebrating, others simply turning their back on him in death as they did in life. I'll choose the latter...but with one last thought.

His Westboro Church of Hatred sought to vilify and shame..well, pretty much everyone Not Them, but especially the GLBT communities.

But in doing so, Westboro also created an atmosphere of outrage and protection, with people who otherwise might have said "not my problem" realizing that yes, it was our problem, and no, we would not allow that in our town, our city, our state. Not in our home.
In stirring up hate, Phelps caused others to stir in kindness, and love.

Wherever he is right now, I bet that's causing him a serious bout of indigestion.

Comments

[oneminutemonkey.livejournal.com]

I just hope that when he gets where he's going, God shows up in person to simply say, "You were wrong." And let him stew over a lifetime of misguided action for all eternity.

[mt-yvr.livejournal.com]

There are those today who are noting that in many ways he furthered our movement far more than anyone else has because he revealed the level of hate that often occurred behind doors and out of sight of cameras and neighbours. He spoke the words we heard and no one listened to except us. And over the years he was so loud, so clear and honest in his hatred that others had to face their own.

For that.. I thank him for being honest with his feelings and for showing in extreme how very bad it could be in the world. For his passing I feel nothing but sadness for his family and wish them well.

No matter how easy it is to think "oh, that bastard deserves..."... there is a part of me that truly believes that no one "deserves" pain. For any reason. So I hope he's out of it and hope the rest of us can begin to heal from the pain he inflicted.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

It's good to think that he may inadvertently have sparked off some positive things alongside the harm.
I can't rejoice at his death, but his beliefs and actions were deeply regrettable and continue to injure too many others. If I could wish anything on him and his church, it would be that they are sidelined and forgotten, as soon as possible.

[mevennen.livejournal.com]

What Kari says.

[6-penny.livejournal.com]

"He served his God so faithfully and well
That now he greets him face to face in Hell"
Hilaire Belloc

[natf.livejournal.com]

His hatred and "preaching" is credited with making gay rights more visible and so helped them in the long run. In other news he was excommunicated by "his" church a while ago (I forget when) because he tried to allow more for forgiveness and kindness. I am afraid that I do not have the references/citations to hand.

[lagilman]

I hadn't heard anything about that... would love for a link.

[natf.livejournal.com]

Did a quick web search for "fred phelps excommunicated" and this was the top result (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/17/fred-phelps-excommunicated-wbc_n_4981300.html).