The death early this week of Fred Phelps, the leader of the Westbro Baptist church has been received with a variety of reactions.
While many rejoiced that the leader of the infamous anti-gay church had passed, others called for a tolerant reaction to his death.
For many people the greatest insight into Phelps and the Westbro Baptist Church came through two documentaries made by British filmmaker Louis Theroux.
This week Theroux posted a detailed account of his time with the church which he described as a ” hate spewing ministry”.
“Pastor Fred Phelps is gone, called to glory if you believe the teachings of his hate-spewing ministry, the Westboro Baptist Church. To me it seems more likely that his remains are mouldering away somewhere, obeying the laws of physics and biology,” wrote Theroux.
Judy Shepard, whose son Matthew was killed in gay hate crime, only to have the Westbro Baptist Church picket his funeral released a statement to The Advocate magazine saying;
“Regarding the passing of Fred Phelps, [husband] Dennis and I know how solemn these moments are for anyone who loses a loved one,” Shepard said. “Out of respect for all people and our desire to erase hate, we’ve decided not to comment further.”
Many people, including celebrities and gay rights activists shared their thoughts on Twitter.
Actress Mara Wilson posted, “People are saying I should forgive Fred Phelps because it’s the Christian thing to do. But I’m Jewish. We hold grudges.”
YouTube star Tyler Oakley asked his followers to mark the occasion by donating to a charity. Oakley posted, “RIP Fred Phelps of the “God Hates Fags” Westboro Baptist Church! In his memory, donate to a charity undoing his work”.
Josh Thomas reflected on Phelps death posting, “I wish I believed in God so I could believe Fred Phelps was having a very awkward chat. Really he’s just laying in a fridge, empty. In a few weeks maggots will offer Fred Phelps the love and affection he never experienced in mortality.”
While for WA comedian Kevin Bloody Wilson the pastor’s passing was taken as a sign, “The Rev Fred Phelps is dead……there really is a God!”
While journalist Daniel Hatch, currently based in London, tweeted, “Fred Phelps, if there actually is a God, I really freakin hope you’re getting a solid dressing down right now.”
Russel Brand added, “I’m going to protest WBC founder Fred Phelps’ funeral by attending and behaving in a dignified, respectful manner.”
When the Westbro Baptist Church headed out to a Lorde concert for their first picket line since the passing of Reverend Phelps yesterday they were greated with a counter protest. The protestors signs read “Sorry for Your Loss” and “Live Your Life and Be Awesome”.
