I’m posting this here, because I know that many comments will be…less than kind. Many of you know who Fred Phelps Sr. is. This post is from his son, Nathan Phelps, a Facebook friend of mine, and someone I greatly respect. I saw Nathan speak a couple of years ago, and his obvious pain and contrition for the harm his family has brought to people, especially military people, truly touched me. I also had the opportunity to speak socially with Nathan, and he is a truly kind, peaceful man, who wishes nothing more than to right the wrongs of his family. I know that many will celebrate the death of his father, but I think his post is a good reminder that life is never black and white, and that while others celebrate, there will still be a family that mourns. In the end, Fred Phelps will die and pass into nothingness, as we all do, and it will be up to the people he leaves to make whatever sense they can of his life. My deepest sympathies to Nathan.
“I’ve learned that my father, Fred Phelps, Sr., pastor of the “God Hates Fags” Westboro Baptist Church, was ex-communicated from the “church” back in August of 2013. He is now on the edge of death at Midland Hospice house in Topeka, Kansas.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. Terribly ironic that his devotion to his god ends this way. Destroyed by the monster he made.
I feel sad for all the hurt he’s caused so many. I feel sad for those who will lose the grandfather and father they loved. And I’m bitterly angry that my family is blocking the family members who left from seeing him, and saying their good-byes.”
Despite Fred’s ‘contribution’ to this world, I’m glad you posted this Lucretia. It behooves us to remember those left behind, especially family members who have not had the opportunity to reconcile the realities of the person they loved vs the person spouting evil hatred. It must be terribly difficult for Nathan and I do wish him well through this last journey with his father.
No sadness from me that Fred is nearly out of this world, but sadness all the same for those left to pick up the pieces.
needle scratching sound Wait, what ? When did that happen, why, how, wherefore ? I thought he was the ironfisted guru telling everyone what to do and applying god’s own coercion and/or shunning on those who refused ?
ETA :
That is true. That’ll probably piss him right off.
I don’t remember ever knowing of Fred Phelps except as a bad example and a joke, a universally reviled Worst. Pastor. Ever. whom nobody ever took seriously.
But wait…if he was kicked out of his own church, does that mean W.B.C. will continue picketing after his death? I was really, really hoping their “mission” would end with the end of his life.
