Controversial church to picket soldier’s funeral

The News Enterprise ^ | Thursday, September 20, 2007 8:13 PM CDT | SARAH BERKSHIRE

[SLB]

RADCLIFF — Members of gay-bashing Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., plan to picket the funeral Saturday of Pfc. Sammie Phillips.

The group will protest before services begin at 2 p.m. at Stithton Baptist Church in Radcliff, according to a news release that also features biblical quotations and interpretations.

The church advised Radcliff police of its plans. Organizers asked the department to designate an area for 10 church members to picket, police spokesman Bryce Shumate said.

They will be restricted to an area across Dixie Boulevard and about 300 feet away from the church.

The Patriot Guard Riders also will attend the funeral and visitation today at Coffey and Chism Funeral Home in Vine Grove, said Melinda Willcut, an administrative assistant at the church. ADVERTISEMENT *

The riders attend services for military members as invited guests. Their objectives are to show respect for the deceased and shield family and friends from interruptions caused by protesters, according to the group’s Web site.

“We’re really happy for those attitudes,” Willcut said, referring to the guard.

Shumate said police will be patrolling the area Saturday to ensure order.

“Our main concern … is it’s our job to ensure the safety of the folks and citizens in Radcliff,” he said, adding that included visitors.

Westboro Baptist Church and its controversial leader, the Rev. Fred Phelps, claim homosexuals run the country and military and call the deaths of those serving the military punishments from God. Similar protests in Kentucky led legislators to enact laws regulating protests at funerals.

Phillips, 19, of Vine Grove, served in the Kentucky National Army Guard and was killed Sept. 10 when his vehicle overturned while on a traffic control mission near Rustamiyah, Iraq. He was a 2006 North Hardin High School graduate.

[CourtneyLeigh]

I thought funeral ceremonies were by invitation only! The young man is dead now, isn't too late for these people to show any care for his soul!!

Good Grief!

[stephenjohnbanker]

B T T T

[CourtneyLeigh]

I don’t think they are Christians. I think they are in cahoots with the ACLU types trying to defame Christianity.

Wouldn't doubt that in half a heartbeat!

[CourtneyLeigh]

I think that all the local military men in that town should come over and just sit on these picketers! Maybe after eating some cabbage and apples first!

:o)

[CourtneyLeigh]

You guys did a great job! Thanks for being there!

[Titan Magroyne]

Thank you so much SJ & SLB, also the Patriot Guard Riders and all who honored the sacrifice of PFC Philips.

[Doogle]

Thanks Stonewall, double thumbs up, good job

[SLB]

Fred Phelps is also a longtime friend of Algore...

You know what they say: "Birds of a feather, stink together."

[rottndog]

I sure wish someone with the time and resources would delve into this....

Sounds like another good book opportunity for Ann Coulter.

[SLB]

I forgot to ping to you until I got the email.

[darkangel82]

Well, they are lifelong ‘Rats after all.