'GOD SENT THE BOMBS IN FURY,' says fundamentalist church.
You must be registered for see images
A news release dated April 15 announced the church's intention to picket the funerals of the three bombing victims. Massachusetts, the release*says, "invited this special wrath from God Almighty when it was the FIRST STATE to pass same-*** marriage" in 2004. "Westboro Baptist Church to picket funerals of those dead by Boston Bombs! GOD SENT THE BOMBS IN FURY OVER *** MARRIAGE! #PraiseGod," said a*tweet*from the church's @WBCFliers account.
"THANK GOD FOR THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBS!! Westboro Baptist*Church to picket funerals of those killed. #PraiseGod," said another*tweet*from the @WBCSays account.The church did not respond to an email from U.S. News seeking details about the picket plans. The church's phone line was consistently busy Tuesday. There are no Massachusetts events currently*listed*on the church's online protest schedule.
Church pastor Fred Phelps - the aging patriarch who is related to most congregation members - said in a comment*released*on Twitter, "God is busy punishing those who've mistreated His people for preaching." Another*tweet*said, "Memo to Boston police: Is it time to re-think that mistreat and abuse WBC policy you implemented many years ago?!?!"
The church also said that the death of 8-year-old Martin Richard was God's punishment. "His blood is on YOUR hands. Died for #SSM,"*tweeted*church member Margie Phelps.The church is infamous for picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers with vulgar anti-gay signs and posters.
You must be registered for see images
They often picket for maximum exposure and are frequently greeted by irate locals.A significant stream of income for the church comes from lawsuits, many arguing that state and local laws – or enforcement of the laws – violate members' First Amendment rights.
In reaction to Westboro's spiteful piety, a*petition*on the White House's "We the People" website urges authorities to "ban" the church members from entering Boston.
