I didn’t want to give the death of Fred Phelps any attention whatsoever. He certainly got way more attention in life than he ever should have. He was a wretched horrid man who spewed hate and vile on innocent people. Him and his “followers” of the Westboro Church, which basically means his family. After reading what his son Nate Phelps had to say of his father’s passing, I decided I did want to give this some attention because it’s pretty profound. Proof that even down the darkest path, one can turn around and see the light.
This is Nate Phelps’ public statement:
Fred Phelps is now the past. The present and the future are for the living. Unfortunately, Fred’s ideas have not died with him, but live on, not just among the members of Westboro Baptist Church, but among the many communities and small minds that refuse to recognize the equality and humanity of our brothers and sisters on this small planet we share. I will mourn his passing, not for the man he was, but for the man he could have been. I deeply mourn the grief and pain felt by my family members denied their right to visit him in his final days. They deserved the right to finally have closure to decades of rejection, and that was stolen from them.
Even more, I mourn the ongoing injustices against the LGBT community, the unfortunate target of his 23 year campaign of hate. His life impacted many outside the walls of the WBC compound, uniting us across all spectrums of orientation and belief as we realized our strength lies in our commonalities, and not our differences. How many times have communities risen up together in a united wall against the harassment of my family? Differences have been set aside for that cause, tremendous and loving joint efforts mobilized within hours… and because of that, I ask this of everyone — let his death mean something. Let every mention of his name and of his church be a constant reminder of the tremendous good we are all capable of doing in our communities.
The lessons of my father were not unique to him, nor will this be the last we hear of his words, which are echoed from pulpits as close as other churches in Topeka, Kansas, where WBC headquarters remain, and as far away as Uganda. Let’s end the support of hateful and divisive teachings describing the LGBT community as “less than”, “sinful”, or “abnormal.” Embrace the LGBT community as our equals, our true brothers and sisters, by promoting equal rights for everyone, without exception. My father was a man of action, and I implore us all to embrace that small portion of his faulty legacy by doing the same.
Well said Nate, well said. Now let’s just make sure not to say F.P. three times because we don’t want him coming back.
Comments 26
I see you posted the pic Of the poltagist preacher as well they so favor
Author
He was just as crazy.
Pandora, darling, I adore you!
That said, I don’t think that either of the actors who played Rev. Kane (Nathan Davis/Julian Beck) would appreciate, if either were still alive, being compared to a man who would have hated both on sight, simply because they were actors who supported the LGBT community.
Much Love
Ms. Audrey
Author
Well, I’m not comparing the actor to him. I’m comparing the character to him.
Don’t worry Pandora, that was obvious… to most of us.
Author
😉
Its ok Pandora i always though Kane also was a Dead Ringer for Phelps..
Author
Uh he is and it’s a character. I actually did a paper on Julien Beck for my college directing class because he was a director as well, so I’m not worried. I knew my intent. Someone somewhere will get upset by anything these days.
I heard it best said (about the man’s passing):”well…now he knows who God hates and I hope it’s no one.” But this man and his behavior can be used as a good example of how NOT to treat people!
Author
Exactly.
Pandora,
First off all, hi! Love u! Miss you on the tube! I agree with everything you’ve done here, this man was crazy and I believe his beliefs will die with him. My husband of 13 years and I thank you for always being such an eloquent and beautiful activist.
Eric
Houston, Tx
You’re right – his son’s words are worth giving him a little bit of attention. Now, to cleanse ourselves, let’s go watch Red State.
Author
🙂
Even though Nate doesnt share the same hate, I still wish someone would have arranged a pride parade during the FUN-eral.
P.S. Pandora, I wana hug you! <3
Author
Then we’d be no better than him. It’s better there isn’t because we need to show that kind of behavior has no business or power in this world.
Exactly.
Pandora, darlin’ you are so right. We should uphold ourselves to a higher standard. While he preached hate we should show love.
Author
🙂
When I was in college the WBC came to protest our University for spending money on LGBT and “Abortion” rights. We organized a fundraiser and earned some money for charity. I wish the messages of hate and disrespect would have passed with FP but honestly he was just a figure head for the ugly we face daily just trying to live our lives. His son is well spoken!
Author
Sadly it’s always the ignorant people who are the loudest.
Imagine if people like Phelps put that hateful energy into something which would unite humanity instead of tearing it apart. This world would be a truly marvellous place.
Author
Totally.
What an evil man. I hate to be glad for anyone’s death, however, anyone who would spew so much hate towards a community that has been and is filled with the most interesting and wonderful people I know I am glad to see die. God loves us all, but I am not so sure how the Allmighty feels about Fred and his hate speech. I can only pray that God shows that evil man the good and wonderful hearts and deeds of the LGBT community. One step closer to a better, more understanding and tolerant world.
Author
Sad that someone lived their whole life in hate.
First, LOVED you in the RuPaul Allstars show in Seattle recently! Come back to the PNW SOON, Honey! 🙂
Second, my fervent hope (as a 40+ year Atheist) is that a heaven manifested for at least one day when that SOB died … that it was beautiful, peaceful, and–well–just downright “heavenly” … and that they let him in the gate (right before they put him in that express freight elevator … going DOWN!) just long enough for him to see that it was every bit as wonderful as he’d ever imagined … except for one thing: everyone there is FABULOUS, no matter their gender/orientation/belief system/fashion sense!! And, why not? Wings for EVERYONE! 🙂
My husband (a life-long Christian) wanted to protest at Phelp’s funeral … silently, holding up a big sign that said “God even loves hateful bigots like you.”
Author
So sad that someone can be filled with such vile and hate. I don’t follow a certain religion but to me reincarnation seems very likely since the planet is designed to constantly recycle and regenerate everything. Perhaps he’ll come back as something like a butterfly or something beautiful so show that soul that there’s beauty in the world. Or maybe that soul has just been used too many times and never learned the lesson they were supposed to learn on this planet.