Does God really hate the world?

Last week following the Eastern Illinois debate on civil unions, I had a chance to visit with Equality Now's Rick Garcia.  Although we vehemently disagree on the gay rights agenda, we discussed our mutual opposition to a new Illinois law that restricts groups like Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church from picketing at military funerals.

Both Rick and I abhor Phelps' message -- for different reasons.  Rick is insulted by their "God Hates Fags" language and I am appalled by their "God Hates the World" message.  But we both believe the Phelps' clan hate speech should be Constitutionally-protected.

According to Phelps' website "GodHatesFags.com," today (April 23) he and his followers will hold two protests at military funerals.  One will be just a few miles away -- in Munster Indiana.  The group also planned to demonstrate at Virginia Tech last week.

Phelps' attorney-daughter defies (here) the 32 states' laws which have banned the Westboro protests, saying their protestors always stay more than 300 feet away and shut down during funerals.

Below is a taste of the venom this family proudly spews . . .

While we should all cringe and grieve while listening to the blatant heresy advocated by this deceived religious cult, we should fight for their First Amendment right to preach what they will. 

It is incumbent upon the Church, in response, to just as loudly proclaim the Truth that "God so loved the world . . ."