The N.C. Council of Churches has issued a statement speaking out against the planned protest at Saturday's funeral for Elizabeth Edwards by the fervently anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church:
The protesters from Kansas have come many miles to spread their hatred at Elizabeth Edwards’ memorial service. Let us be clear: the Bible calls us to kindness and respect for one another, and Jesus Christ preached throughout his life that we should love one another. The protesters' appalling and repeated violation of the sacred services by which we honor our dead, along with their representation of themselves as messengers of Christ, are offensive and misrepresent Christian faith.
The council is a statewide organization representing 17 Christian denominations and is "committed to the twin goals of ecumenism and social justice." More than 1.5 million North Carolinians are members of congregations under the council’s umbrella, according to the group's website.
The statement was distributed by e-mail Thursday afternoon and was also posted on the Council’s website. By noon Friday, hundreds of people had added their names in support of the statement.
“We have been overwhelmed at the response to our brief statement regarding the protest planned for tomorrow's service for Elizabeth Edwards," said George Reed, the council's executive director, according to a media release. "Already, as of midday on Friday, we've heard from almost 400 people who are standing with us against hate. Most are from North Carolina, but some are from former North Carolinians now living as far away as California and Switzerland.
“The responses have been accompanied by meaningful comments. Let me share just two. One person quoted Dr. King: ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’ Another reminded us that we should also be praying for the protesters.”
Comments
@Agent Pierce: You are
December 10, 2010 - 9:05pm — TheLibertine@Agent Pierce: You are correct. These people feed on attention...any attention. While I support their First Amendment rights, they should be ignored. That's the only way they will cease to matter.
The Westboro Church Zealots
December 10, 2010 - 4:03pm — jstubberfieldBecause of hate mongers like these were the Patriot Riders formed. The Patriot Riders stand between people like this and the families of our fallen service men and women. By mission, the Riders cannot stand between these zealots and the Edward's family but the good people of North Carolian can -- but do so with grace and humility and respect for the family and do not let such wackos' win.
Their Mission Accomplished :<(
December 10, 2010 - 3:12pm — AgentPierce5-6 kooks from Kansas may/may not show up at The Edwards funeral and hold up signs. ..... "X number" of funeral attendees might notice them.
99% of the readers seeing these numerous articles over the past few about them will never see them or know they were there.
Even if these kooks don't show .... look at the free publicity they have garnered for their cause. One small article, at most, woulda been more than sufficient. The Triangle media got scammed. :<(