(CNN) - Members of the Westboro Baptist Church announced Thursday plans to picket Saturday's funeral for Elizabeth Edwards in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Kansas-based Church - monitored by anti-hate groups such as the Anti-Defamation league and the Southern Poverty Law Center - is known for its extremist opposition to homosexuals, Jews and other groups.
The church members also oppose the War in Iraq.
According to the church's website, members will hold a protest from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Edwards, the estranged wife of presidential candidate John Edwards, died Tuesday after a six-year battle with breast cancer.
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These people have no shame or sense of decency. The fact that they call themselves Christians makes me want to vomit.
Westboro Baptist Church are the skidmark on America's drawers.
What am I missing here?
Regardless....what an imbecilic display of poor taste, and lack of respect by this "church".
This is right up there with the protests/picketing at the funerals of gay men and women in the military.
What is wrong with this world? Let this woman be buried in peace.
Man, when that evil geezer finally dies, I can't wait to see the protests at his funeral. I hope a gay orgy is staged on his grave.
Here we go again with the hate groups and their hate speech. These people have no morals or civility. Funerals are not the place for hate speech. There will eventually be a violent act that happens at one of these hateful gatherings. These cases need to be brought to the SCOTUS because free speech that can lead to violence should be outlawed and punishable.
It's nut jobs like these that give people of Faith a bad name. Disgusting, plain and simple.
I love the Lord with all my heart, but these people must be way off! Who are they to judge, they don't sit on any throne, only God can do that. I am baffled.
Is there no end to the hate this group spews
These people are cruel and ignorant. Isn't there anyway they can be kept away? Think what you want about Elizabeth Edwards, but no one deserves to be picketed on a day of a funeral of a loved one.
And what exactly are they picketing against or for? Is dignifying death now being politicized too? And these are supposedly Christians? I'm sorry, I don't get it anymore.
So what does their protest have to do with Elizabeth Edwards? Why target her at all, let alone at her funeral, for god's sake? I guess haters just gotta hate, and they don't much care about whether there's any logic or compassion involved. I'm very sorry for the loss of Elizabeth to her family and friends. May she rest in peace, and live on in the hearts of all who love her.
QUOTE THE ARTICLE
"Members of the Westboro Baptist Church announced Thursday plans to picket Saturday's funeral for Elizabeth Edwards in Raleigh, North Carolina"
This group of slugs (apparently all from one extended family) needs to shut up and crawl back under their rock. Perhaps the friends and family of Elizabeth Edwards can show them where the rock is?
Harassing dead people's families in their moment of grief should be dealt with the old fashioned way, a rubber hose, causes great pain without permanent damage.
...and the reason for picketing? Vacant lives?
sick. where do these folks get the money to fly around the country and "protest"? What a jealous bunch of cult members.
These people are from a Church? How dare they! Let Elizabeth rest in peace, instead of using their own beliefs at a place of grieving the least they can do is move their crap somewhere else.
Man, and folks wonder why people are so anti-religion these days. This is totally wrong!!!
Why? How is this woman connected to anything they are opposed to??
Try protesting a funeral in my home town. You will be meeting Jesus a lot sooner than you once thought.
Why? What did she ever do (or what do they THINK she did) to them??
Geez ... just let the woman rest in peace and let her children bury their mother in a proper and dignified way.
OK North Carolina – do what others have done and protect Ms Edwards' funeral. It doesn't matter your political views. A mother, a nice woman, and a good American has died from her fight against cancer. Please do what is necessary and keep these idiots away from the funeral. The IRS needs to look at this organization and check to see whether or not they deserve their status as a church. My bible is against the type of stuff these people are doing.
Just another example of how low and truly UGLY the human species can be... these people are disgusting!
How wrong is this? Can't this so called church find a more dignified way to express their beliefs? This lady suffered enough in her life on earth, leave her and her family alone in this most difficult time.
Hmm... sounds like a group of idiots with not enough to do and unsatisfying home lives. What decent human being pickets a funeral? We should take all their names down so that when one of their family members pass away we can all go gather with them so we can spit at them as they walk by and mock their loss.
Why, just why? Have they now added breast cancer victims to their hate list? I'm all for free speech, but when these inbred cretins intrude on personal grief, they've crossed the line. Somehow they need to be shut down.
WTF Why don't these people let the Edwards family grieve in peace. some people are always looking for notoriety!!
These people are beneath contempt..the low of the low. Lets hope the good people of Raleigh deal with them appropriately.
Sorry. This article is not well written. What do you want the reader to know?
how sad... they need to picket bill mahar...leave this women alone...
What a bunch of lowlife scumbags.
They should not call themselves christians if they are going to show this kind of disrespect for someone who has died of cancer.
How cruel. How are these scum still around?
This woman suffered enough, let her rest in peace and leave her grieving children alone
Regardless of your beliefs or your reasons for valuing them, "picketing" a funeral service is despicable. While I support freedom of speech, this is an excess to which no one should have a right. How can you claim the moral high-ground – ever- if you will not even allow a family and their friends to say goodbye to someone they loved? Disgusting behavior.
I don't care about your political or religious views, but to picket a person's funeral is ridiculous. This is no different then the protesters who picketed our soldiers who died in Iraq funerals.
These people are not Christians. They call themselves Christians, but they are not. I am a follower of, and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and their actions make me sick.
Someone needs to investigate those bunch of heartless crazies!!
they do not qualify as a "church" by anyone's standards.
This is insane. How this group can believe they're behaving rationally or reasonably is a mystery. And why we, as a body, are unable or unwilling to prevent their hateful actions is equally vexing. This group is heartless, misguided and predatory.
What is wrong with these idiots. Let this woman rest in peace, she was a wonderful person!
I think all the churches in the Raleigh area should send their congregations and choirs to the church/funeral/graveyard, encircle those locations, and push the protesters back and drown out their voices with Christmas Hymns like O Silent Night and Angels We Have Heard on High and similar hymns. Its time the rest of America stands up to these thugs and evil people. Drown them out with sounds of faith!
I really wonder why there has been seemingly no effort to investigate the welfare of the children in this "family." There was a family in New Jersey whose children were removed for several reasons, among which were the fact that one was named Adolf Hitler and another named Aryan Nation. There didn't seem to be any allegations of physical abuse at the time, but more probably some sort of emotional abuse. There has to be some mistreatment going on in the Phelps clan.
Is that really what Jesus would have done?
OK, lets see how the good Democrats like having a funeral protested, since they stand behind this church's protest of military funerals. I think it is terrible for someone to protest a funeral, any funeral, but they will have to answer for it someday.
Are you serious? The members of this church are idiotic. What are they trying to say? That if we don't have gay people in the world then Edwards wouldn't have died? Does everything this stupid church believes revolve around the premise that the world would have no problems if people were homosexual? What idiots.
Why iin the world would that "chruch" protest at Elizabeth Edward's funeral? iI because they are ignorant hateful people. Jesus would be ashamed that they call themselves Christian.
This is not a true Christian group. Jesus taught us to love, not hate.
Their behavior is despicable. These people do not know what charity means.
God Bless Mrs. Edwards! Rest in Peace!
Is there no end to Westboro's lack of respect for the grieving. This is not about their right to protest anything, it has boiled down to simple common decency... I don't think this is what Jesus would do.
what does Edwards have to do with the military or gays? i think that the church just wants publicity. nothing gets people paying attention like controversy
Please, don't call this radical organization a "church". They have no respect for anyone who isn't exactly like them. To protest at a funeral of a woman who wanted to better the world for every person is a HATE CRIME and thus this organization is not a church but a racist, evil cult/hate group. Their rhetoric is HATE FILLED AND FULL OF THE EVIL OF THEIR FATHER, SATAN.
Westboro church has the nerve to call themselves, Christians. We should all prayer for them, for they know not what harm they do.
As a Christian I am appalled and angered by this groups activities. Under no circumstance is this a Christian act nor Biblical in any way. These people are using religion as a way to push hate and are not a mirror of what Christians are called to do and be. My condolences the the Edwards family.
How disrespectful is that going to be! I understand freedom of speech but come on this lady is being laid to rest...her entire family and friends are mourning and your going to protest so you can be on the news!
Why in Heaven's name would this group protest/picket, this is sick, who do these people think they are!?!? My sympathies go out to the Edward's family, may she rest in peace and they find so solace in the fact that Elizabeth was a strong and brave woman.
These people have no shame.
Thanks to organized religion and to their fanatic followers we have killed and injured millions of people through out the world. And now, the hate and the killing promoted by these religious lunatics continues.
By now it should be obvious to most intelligent people that the world would be far better of without these mindless religious fanatics of any kind.
These people need to crawl back under the rock from whence they came. I am so tempted to drive up there to distract them. I'm all for free speech, but I think just about everyone has had enough of these idiots.
How is this still legal? Seriously, why hasn't someone burned this church down? This is not what God stands for... in any religion.
What the hell are they protesting Elizabeth Edwards for?!?!?! Why don't those scumbags let the family mourn in peace.
So what's their beef with Elizabeth Edwards that they need to protest – most disrespsectfully – at her funeral?
I just lost a wonderful woman to a 2 year cancer battle. we had a life long love afair and were best friends. 30 days before her passing we lost our youngest son. So she had her trials. She was always up beat and cared about others. I can appreciate the loss of the Edwards Family. I don't understand the purpose of westboro church in picketing her funeral much less those of our fallen military. I guess that is what happens when you don't have a life or anything better to do. If there is nayway that I can be there to run interference against westboro, I will be there in respect for Mrs. Edwards in honoring my wife.
That "church" is just a bunch of weird loosers.
WBC is doing great at making themselves more and more unpopular.
Enough is enough! Law enforcement and congress need to restrain this hate group. Their church status should be revoked at the very least.
What are they protesting against??? or for??? Frankly? Was she part of that church??? I really don't understand why... Sometimes it will just be nice not to quote the name of the organization so they don't get the media coverage they are hoping for!
Let's see, a bunch of absolute weirdos that have a thirst for attention and were not receiving media coverage lately...
And there's no law preventing them to be that disrespectful?
Truely, these people have no souls or conscience.
Come on, What has Mrs. Edwards done to your chuch. This is a good women let her and her family have some peace in their time of sorrow.
Too bad we can't protest at Fred Phelps' funeral
Let's see if the Westboro idiots can appear even more stupid. Apparently they can.
My only joy in this is the knowledge that these "Christians" will one day have to meet their maker and answer for the grief they brought to grieving families. I wish I could be a fly on the wall for that conversation.
Those "Christians" will be shoveling coal in Hell.
These hate groups should be stopped!
So why are they picketing? Was she Jewish? Was she a homosexual? Was she fighitng in the war?
Get a life...
I mean really picketing at a funeral? What does this prove or do, besides showing what complete losers every member of that church is.
I hope they know they're going to Hell, right where they belong
Patriot Guard?
Come on let the woman rest in peace for God's sake!
These people are the ultimate example of abuse of both Christianity and the First Amendment.
The more I read about them the more I am convinced that Fred Phelps, the pastor, is a closet homosexual. It's the only explanation for his extreme public anti-gay attitude. He has homosexual urges and he can't deal with it, so he tries to cope by going to extremes.
How disrespectful!!!!!!!! Allow the family thier time to grieve thier family member.
Seriously... who pickets a funeral? Regardless of what this woman or her husband may/may not have done or the beliefs they had (or didn't hold), let them mourn and bury their wife/mother in peace.
What has she done to deserve this? She dosen't even meet their "criteria" of people they hate..oh that's right, THEY HATE EVERYONE. Pigs!
MMM oh yes, I see now... that they are simply prostesting breast cancer..
These people are nut jobs. Don't know how this is freedom of speech. If I were John I would walk over and beat the hell out of as many as I could.
This is more than unacceptable. It is more than disrespectful and it is inhumane. ITt is sad that we as americans have forgotten how to care. There is a time and place for this kind of behavior but this is not it.,
I really hope the Supreme Court doesn't let us down. I hope they uphold the $5M judgment against this "church" (i.e. against this family) to cripple them. There is such a thing as freedom of speech. But when you get into hate rhetoric and harrassment, you need to draw the line. These clowns have been able to operate far too long.
I am an extremely conservative Pentecostal Christian, and I can honestly say that these folks have far too much time on their hands. If they want people to respond to the TRUE Christian message, then they should be about the Father's business. That business is love, compassion, and pointing people to Jesus. However, that business IS NOT disrespecting the loved ones that have lost someone very precious to them, nor the memory of the deceased. This form of antagonistic protest is not Biblical in any way....
How awful!! These people should be classified as a hate group, not a religious organization!!
They should hold the funeral in Oklahoma. They know how to deal with this so-called "church."
This absolutely sickens me. What a horrid group of people.
See what happens when the Supreme Court doesn't deal with a problem when it comes to them? Now they are protesting and non-military funerals. When is it going to stop? There should be limits to some free speech. This is extremely disrespectful to the family of Elizabeth Edwards. I hate to say it, but I hope someone harms this church because this is not representative of Christianity and it must be stopped by any means necessary.
What kind of 'religion' would picket a funeral? Sick, Sick,Sick! Hope the tables are turned on these 'devout' individuals someday!!! Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs but not at the expense of others!!!
Absolutely disgusting!!!
This group of people is doing it for the attention, and we sure are giving it to them. What would be the best way to combat them? IGNORE THEM! They deserve not a name in the news. I know of many people, hard-working, love-filled, volunteering, GOOD-souled people who ought to have a story of their efforts over these hate mongers.
CNN, I BEG OF YOU please, PLEASE stop giving them attention. It is undeserved.
Westboro Hate Church is getting their 15 minutes out this – ugh! I hope someone has notiifed the Honor Guard!
These god-awful people should lose their mother or their children to breast cancer.
What is wrong with these people???? Guess who's going first when Armageddon comes?
Dear Scums of the country, Why?
These guys suck so bad. Wow....
One word. Disgusting.
really not called for"' church should let the edwards family be in peace.
Perfect timing! After 8 years of Bush feeding the military industrial complex, fighting sanctimonious police actions in the quagmire of the middle east. We have a Democrat (more or Less) in office for two years to try and fix the unfix-able and take the blame. We then bring in Mr. Bankruptcy to chapter 13 the US so the GOP can continue to give tax breaks to the billionaires who profited on the the whole thing in the first place... Well played.
Grow up already!
This country has become the ultimate bastion for every hate-mongering, right-wing, idiotic, dangerous group that can muster more than 1 person to a meeting. We need to show up at these events and take care of these idiots once and for all...show them where they stand. People in this country have become so weak-willed, fearful, timid, risk-averse, and professional victims of their own making and as such have lost all vestiges of what it means to stand on their own two feet and stand up for what they believe. Doing nothing about these whack-nuts is just conforming their beliefs and joining with them in their idiocy. We are a nation of lemmings ...
I am so very ashamed that these people are from this town. Quite often, there are counter-protests to them here. I've seen gay men in short shorts dancing among them as they picket on the street. We don't like them any more than you do, and I promise the rest of us are nice, normal people.
I don't think anyone would "protest" if these dumb fools were rounded up and deported.
Why would these small minded bigots protest Elizabeth Edward's funeral??! She has done nothing to them nor has she stated any extremist ideas that would make them want to oppose her. I cannot wait to read the story of someone plowing down these fools with a semi-truck!
You need to stop giving them the press. The only reason they do this is because you spew their crap for them in print and on Camera. Stop acknowleging their existance and they will cease to exist. You are partly to blame.
You know what kind of press on the Westboro loonies I'd like to see? The Westboro picketers being struck by lightening at 12:16pm ...
Now THAT'S a judgment I can get behind!
Honestly, these people will one day learn their lessons when karma comes back around. To tout religion as a weapon to verbally and mentally attack people in a situation like this is absolutely disgusting. Mrs. Edwards was gracious and respectful, and this group is only proving how low some people will sink to promote their own self-gratifying ideas.
What possible reason? Arrest them.
That's crazy. They should have more respect for the family than that. They're going against what they're supposed to believe in. No class at all, none. They should be on their knees praying for the Edwards family and this country, not being a complete ass by disrupting a family's grief.
The practice of the Westboro Church protesting at funerals is cowardly and demonstrates low morality of the protesters. The people that come out to protest the Westboro Church protests at these events are no better.
I was listening to an interview on NPR with the father of Matthew Snyder, a marine killed in Iraq. This church picketed outside of his funeral with obscene signs such as "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and even worse. It is abhorrent that these people with their own political and religious agenda find that a funeral is an appropriate place for their voices to be heard. I started crying when I heard Mr. Synder recall the day in which he was supposed to be grieving his son because you could hear the mixture of outrage, grief and pain in his voice. Elizabeth Edwards family has been through enough, don’t you think? They’ve had to see their mother lose a battle with cancer, a brother killed in an accident at the ripe age of 16 and have a father who strayed. Let them grieve in peace. It is disgusting that they would use Ms. Edwards’ funeral as a cheap way to get attention. Let her be buried with the dignity she deserves.
Hope that lightning strikes them all.
Can't someone out there just get rid of these people already?
I wonder how long the real Baptist churches are going to let westboro Baptist church tarnish their name before they do something about it. To me they are the pits of humanity for what they do.
Why do you insist on giving these idiots coverage? They are not deserving of any recognition, but by reporting on them you are only aiding their miserable cause.
Can someone just pick up these nutcases and throw them in a jail cell for a month for being a public nuisance every time they turn an already painful experience for bereaved families into an even more difficult one? How far off the mark have we gone when we allow these creeps to disturb the sanctity of a person't last rites in the name of freedom of expression?
This makes me SICK!
And this is coming from a conservative Catholic woman! I am sickened to hear this!!!! SHAME ON THESE PEOPLE!!!!
Taking advantage of freedom. This church is no better than terrorist.
"and we are not saved..."
What a bunch of scumbags.
Is there any Agent Orange left from the Vietnam War? Can we do a flyover of these idiots and spray them really, really good? I understand that they have a right in free speech but other people have a right to oppose them. The police in the towns these idiots show up in need to stop keeping the two sides apart and this nonsense will end really, really fast.
Bunch of idiots..
Stop covering them and they will go away.
This church is an embarrassment to the State and Country in which I live.
What do they have to picket at Mrs. Edwards funeral? These people are sick deranged idiots. I think the FBI or CIA needs to conduct a few covert operations to make these people stop.
Why does this "church" still hold tax-exempt status? These inbred knuckle-draggers are MONSTERS!
Leave their family alone and let them bury their mother.
The (Westboro church) shouldn't have the word church in their name. What kind of people will Not allow this family to bury their mother in peace who battled cancer for years.
They should be ashamed to act in this manner and say it is in the name of god. God would allow her to be buried in peace.
Yeah... If we just ignore them, will they go away??
Silly church goers, don't you ladies and gentleman see that there is more than one way to skin a cat?
I would not be surprised to see your beautiful church burned to the ground. I know, I know, you will rebuild but I would not be surprised to see it get burned down again. I know, I know, you will rebuild once again but I would not be surprised to then see some of you followed home only to have your own personal home burned to the ground.
Hey, I'm just keeping it 100. I would not be surprised at all. You feel me?
That, in and of itself, is not really news. Someone at CNN please do your journalism job. WHY are the nutters going to protest at Elizabeth Edwards funeral? Will they be permitted? What will those in charge of the funeral do to lessen the impact?
Time for some reporting – off you go!
What POSSIBLE reason could they have to do that? Elizabeth Edwards was a classy lady who walked through some incredibly difficult circumstances with incredible grace.
This "church" shames the values they are supposed to stand for.
This is a classless and ludicrous action on the part of the church. There is a time and a place for your politics, your beliefs and your opinions, yet to purposely demonstrate them in this fashion at a funeral service or similiar event is both selfish and indecent. Churches are viewed as instruments of morality. The actions of this church demonstrate the antithesis of this premise.
why is it deranged people always "take out" innocent people and no one ever tosses a grenade into this crowd of "church people"?
Omg. Get a life and let the dead rest in peace
That is absolutely disrespectful. What a bunch of low lives. Folks, we need to stand up against these clowns and put them in their place. The ghetto can no longer beat us! We need to take America back from low lifes like the congregation of the Westboro Baptist Church.
What is wrong with these people? Elizabeth Edwards was a brave, courageous Christian woman. Any gathering at her last rites should be those of paraise and thanks for her example.
This story makes me sick, i am christian and this is not what jesus taught us he taught compassion and acceptance and picketing someones funeral is beyond rude.
When will this insufferable cult see the light?
This group was protesting main-stream Baptist churches last weekend. Apparently they use the names "Baptist" and "church" to hide behind, but they do not hold to Christian principles. It is good that so many Christians come out and block their protests with peaceful, but firm responses that support real Christian principles.
Disgusting. There's a special place in hell reserved for these vile morons.
These people are disgusting. Free speech only goes so far, and they are engaged in behavior (incitement) that does not enjoy First Amendment protection. What is it going to take to finally shut them down?
The tactics of this group make them homeland terrorists. They will certainly acquire judgement they pass on to other innocents at the appropriate time – then, they will feel the heat for eternity. God Bless Elizabeth's family and give them the strength to heal and give not even a passing thought to these infernal idiots.
I am a Christian and I do stand for the Bible and it's content. But this is wrong and very disrespectful to the Edwards family. In no way do I believe the God I serve would condone this. Let this family morn in peace. You can stand for what you believe; but when you do things like this it is wrong. A funeral is a very private and sorrowful time for a family; think of her children they just lost a mother that they loved. How can you call yourselves Christians and do this the word says not to harm the little ones. God would not want them to remember their mothers funeral like this. I cant even believe you call yourselves Christians and would do something like this where is your heart, compassion and mercy for others.
How disrespectful...
This is the ugly side of freedom of speech. Tasteless but protected and legal. Unfortunately its a slippery slope.
Are you kidding?! Leave this poor woman and her family alone these people need to get a life.
What classless, godless creeps.
Let her rest in peace and her children mourn their mother.
What a bunch of worthless humans.
How do these inbred crazies decide who they are going to persecute next? Why Elizabeth?
The despicable things people do in the name of God is exactly why I will never be part of any religion.
Westboro Baptist Church is a real terrorist bully christian people there. I am tired sicko threated to anyone. I hope the Governor of Kansas to shut down the church for good. Send troop to attack this church!
I think its time for a motorcycle club to disrupt the protesters. And you wonder why Baptist have such
a bad reputation around the country. They should be ashamed.
and everyone should be there to greet them. warmly.
Who writes your articles? Did they attend any sort of writing class. Not once did your article mention the reason for the protest against Edwards herself. Who, what, where, when, and WHY.
What happened to love thy neighbor and turn the other cheek?
Why would a church choose to use a funeral to do something like this? Can't they let the family grieve in privacy? Why don't they spend their time in prayer and fasting for the change they want to see. God is able to do more through the prayer than they can by picketing. Jesus did not shove His teachings down the throats of the people. He chose to let God speak to the hearts.
ALL motorcycle clubs need to meet these fools at the city limits of Raleigh, N.C. and send them back to their caves!!! The end!!!
Authorities need to order mental health exams for this entire family. They are, as a group, seriuosly delusional and as such pose an immediate danger to themselves and everyone in contact with them. Feds need to get involved in this insanity before someone dies as a result of their delusions. Seeking publicity is one thing but enciting a riot is a punishable offense.
This sickens me. Though I am a registered Republican, I am a member of the church where Elizabeth Edwards' funeral services will be held at on Saturday. To protest at this poor womans funeral is just low in my opinion. Man's job is to obey God? Do you think God would like it that you are going to be protesting at a funeral. Think of Mrs. Edwards family, have some common decency and decorum!
How utterly ridiculous and ignorant! These people of the Westboro "CHURCH" are not Christians in any sense of the word. While they have a right to "demonstrate," Elizabeth Edwards' children, family, and friends have a right to mourn without being harassed. I hope the motorcycle group shows up again to drown out these cretins. Better yet, God should strike them down dead as dirt so they no longer bother grieving families.
This is disgusting. While I don't agree with the polictics her husband practiced, there's no need to protest at someone's funeral. It's difficult enough to have a loved one pass away, why would you add to their grief? The people of this church are obviously not aware of what true Christianity is. Elizabeth Edwards lived a life that shows far more grace and mercy than these people are showing. The only thing that is more appalling is picketing at soldiers' funerals. No wonder some kids don't respect their parents; look at what their parents are doing!
This so-called church needs to be excommunicated from Christianity.
People came out in droves in Omaha, NE to protest this church that was going to protest at a teachers' funeral, and effectively shut them down. The people in the area where the funeral will be held need to do the same. SPecial place in hell for the people in this "church".
This is not a church; these are monsters who should be blocked from view by the Edwards family. Honest and decent Americans who live in the Chapel Hill area should line the streets between these fanatic idiots and the Edwards family as they put Elizabeth to rest next to her son. This is the most digusting "religious" group I can imagine.
this is so stupid!!!!!! let the woman rest in peace..........
Stay in Kansas permanentlyE This woman was a class act and always rebounded in the face of adversity. She fought a heroic battle with cancer; all the while fighting for the poor and health care. There is nothing to protest. Let her rest in peace, be reunited with her son, and let her family and friends mourn without a carnival freak show there! Always remember we ALL will have our judgement day.
What a shame!! picketing has no place at a funeral
I cannot believe these people would do that at a wonderful woman's funeral. What does their cause have anything to do with it!!! My God, let Elizabeth rest in peace and let her family grieve in peace!! GO AWAY!!!
This group will do anything for publicity. The best way to deal with them is NOT^ to post news about their activities. CNN, please don't help them out by posting news about them, it only gives them what they want.
I think that the members of the Westboro Baptist Church should rethink their demostration at the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards. While I support ones right to assemble, I am angered at the disrespect these people are showing to people and families in mourning and I suspect there will be many there Saturday to keep them at bay. While Ms. Edwards did not lose her life fighting in the Armed Forces of our country in a foreign land, she is none the less a loved and respected woman in this country and she and her family and friends should be granted the opportunity to say their last farewell without people demostrating and preaching hate. Our Service members deserve that respect as well as any other person that has passsed on. I really wish there was some legal way to stop these "Hatemongers" from protesting at funerals.
If only we were attending their funerals this weekend.
The face of the American Taliban and Political religious extremists.
Hateful and dangerous.
This same group protested at the funeral of a local high school teacher who was killed "in the line of duty" recently. Through a large community effort and equally large supportive turn out, the family was shielded from these terrorists and their attempt to disrupt the services. I would hope for an equal effort on behalf of Mrs Edwards.
This isn't a church.. it's a hate group. Shame on them for pretending to be a God fearing organization. Christians are supposed to set an example, these people make me embarrassed.
We should send the national guard in for these freaks, take em out.
You people really need to get a life! This woman has been through more then enough and you could at least take your stupidity elsewhere. Why spew your hatred at a funeral for a respectable woman and in front of her family, especially her children. You people deserve to have a life of pure hell!
What possible reason could these pigs have to demonstrate at Mrs. Edwards' funeral? I would hope that her family could get a restraining order against them that would keep Westboro Baptist from being within 500 miles of the funeral.
These sort of people should be shot. If these sort of people were protesting right by my sons or daughters or friends funeral i would literally kill as many as i could.
"The Kansas-based Church – monitored by anti-hate groups such as the Anti-Defamation league and the Southern Poverty Law Center – is known for its extremist opposition to homosexuals, Jews and other groups.
The church members also oppose the War in Iraq."
Which group opposed by this "church" does Elizabeth Edwards represent as a mother who sadly lost her long battle with cancer? I fundamentally disagree with the WBC on everything; however, this is a new low. This makes me sick.
I really am glad that these people show up like this just to show everyone how hateful they are. I consider it an education to people that have love in their hearts, to see the evil side of life that hides under the veil of religion.
They are in for a big surprise when their judgement day comes.
What the HECK???? Are they kidding? Sometimes, FREE SPEECH needs to be "nipped in the bud" to keep it contained!!! I wonder how many COLORED faces you will see in that crowd????
CNN – there is NOT enough news here! WHY are they protesting? Are they FOR Cancer and feel that Elizabeth should not have received treatment for it???????????? Is it because Elizabeth is pro-GAY or pro-Iraq War or is she JEWISH???? You are so quick to print a story without having all of the FACTS FIRST!!! There is NOTHING wrong with being the LAST to PRINT but all of the FACTS are THERE!!!
Thank you!!
Just when you think that this so-called Christian organization can disgrace itself no further, it hits absolute rock-bottom with this intention. Despicability knows no limits.
These publicity-seeking idiots should be considered terrorist because they are an extremist group and spread their hatred at funerals, almost always an emotional setting, for nothing more than publicizing their hatred at the expense of all Americans. It's by the first Amendment of the constitution that allows them to spread their anti-american ideas. Too bad they are not in Iraq so we can thank God for IED's.
These people are disgusting ...
How can a human being do this to another human being they claim to be christian. If they are an example of gods people, I am very sorry for God. These people are a disgrace and make me think twice about freedom of speech.
More nuts out there? Who the H do some people think they are.
They oppose Jews? That would include Jesus, who was never anything but a Jew, and ditto Virgin Mary, disciples, friends and relatives. The WBC are cruel, hate-filled nutbars who have no idea about religion – their own or anyone else's. Shame on them. Elizabeth Edwards' life was a blessing.
How come no one ever pickets a mafia funeral?
I'm really tired of the Westboro church "protesting" everything in sight and standing behind freedom of religion to justify it. Keep your religion in your church, not at funerals for dead service men or in this case a public figure.
Maybe we should start protesting in front of their church on Sunday mornings ?
By covering this story, CNN is contributing to WBCs agenda. They need to be completely ignored by the media.
Stay classy Westboro
What a wonderful bunch of people, these members of the Westboro Baptist Church. I wish them well, a deep well with about 1000 gallons of nitric acid at the bottom.
Not really a church... just a bunch of crazies. please don't associate them with any church.
This makes me sick to my stomach.
This is not a Christian group. I have a feeling God may deny its members access to heaven when it's their turn to explain their behavior to Him.
These people are the absolute scum of the earth. They evil personified – the church of satan.
Are you kidding me. Come on. Lets have a little respect. The bilbe even says to have respect for the dead. If you liked her or not she deserves a little respect and respect for her kids. God these people infuriate me
these people are sick.. they are following a false religion and wrong for what they are doing.. WBC members are confused and lost.
really???? why? heres an idea instead, take everyone from your church and go shopping for toys...then deliver them to the childrens hospital nearby....then go home have a beer and a pizza, and chill out.....leave the mourners alone.....theres no purpose to your actions....
You'd think the even with this "church's" right to assemble, freedom of speech, that something could be dont about these nuts disturbing the peace and solemnity of people's funeral. Deceased persons have a right to be given a funeral and burial without being disturbed by these misguided people.
ugh. These people are so vile and disgusting.
Such a bunch of fools. This group tops all groups.
It appears that these protestors really don't have a social or religious agenda as much as they just want attention.
How said to try and get it at the expense of such a courageous and wounderful person as Elizabeth Edwards.
Disgusting. However you feel about politics or moral issues, invading the privacy of a funeral is so distasteful and offensive it should be made a crime to do so. I would say to the members of this Church, please re-think your strategy: I would be amazed if this action would garner any support for your cause.
What is wrong with these people. Go protest at the White House, Congress, etc... Leave these griefing family members alone. I am a die hard conservative that keeps a very open mind, but what you are doing, under the cover of your warped religion is not righteous, it is sinful in my opinion.
I wish some one would put this church where it belongs.
What horrible people. Why give them any attention CNN? That's all these inbred idiots want.
Wow, what a bunch of nutjobs. So sad that they have to take their blasphemous message of hate to solemn, sad occasions like funerals. When it comes down to it, "God hates hate" and hate-mongers will never know God's love. Total psychos.
What kind of Christianity condon's now Christian behavior?
these people are like the tali hiding behind there lie of being of any god to spew there hate,and feed thedark believe that there is no god. sad but true
This isn't representative of the love Christ would show to a family grieving the loss of a loved one. Maybe these "members" of a church really don't represent the "Church" at all.
What kind of Christianity condon's none Christian behavior?
What exactly are they protesting at Ms. Edwards' funeral? Do they have something against someone who with unspeakable bravery, dignity, and class faced a horrible disease? As for the bald headed "gentleman" holding the "Thank God for IEDs" sign, are you such a coward that you need to wear sunglasses to help hide your identity? My only wish is that God would put one of the IEDs you are thanking Him for under your car on the way home. See if you still think they are such a great idea then.
whats wrong with these people? isnt their something morally wrong with this ?how can we stop this kind of behavior
These people are not true Christians. They are using Christianity as a means to make themselves seem legitimate. They are wolves in sheeps' clothing. They obviously have never truly read the Bible to see what it truly means to be a Christian. I consider myself to be a Christian and find this behavior totally opposite of what Christianity believes. Jesus did not go around protesting at funerals. His methodology was peaceful not antagonistic. The Bible says there will be wolves in sheeps' clothing and we see it here.
I don't understand why they protesting Mrs. Edwards funeral. She never did anything to them. She fought a long battle of cancer, she deserves a quiet and peaceful funeral. May you rest in peace, Mrs. Edwards and God bless your soul.
Westboro Baptist Church is disgusting.
A woman was brought to Jesus who'd been caught in the act of adultery. The accusers asked him what was to be done with her, to trap him. He bent down to the ground and started writing something in the dirt. When they continued to press him for an answer, he finally stood up and said, "Whoever among you is without sin, cast the first stone." One by one, the crowd dispersed. After a while, she was the only one with Jesus. He looked at her and said, "Woman, where are your accusers?" "They've all gone," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
I think Westboro has forgotten that Jesus never taught hatred. Even when he was being led away and Peter lashed out, Jesus healed the man Peter struck. The greatest commandment is ALWAYS to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength, and the second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. Would they like their own congregations funerals picketed the way they do? WHOEVER AMONG WESTBORO IS WITHOUT SIN, CAST THE FIRST STONE.
We've got them taken care of in the midwest! The last funeral in Missouri they got stuck wa-a-a-a-ay down the street from the funeral for the crowds that developed. The family didn't see them at all. The one before that, also in Missouri, they were completely surrouded by family supporters singing songs which drowned out their protest. While they were at it someone slashed their tires and no one in town would repair them. They had to limp out of town and go to Wal-mart.
A month ago when a nephew of a friend of mine died, the funeral home told the family there may be picketers and asked if they wanted the Patriot Guard called. Neither Phelps nor the Patriot Guard showed, though he was active duty he was home on leave when he died, we were prepared with a bunch of Wiccans and Pagans who were going to surround them in a drum circle and chanting. I wish they would have showed!! That would have been SWEET!! Now Gradma wants drummers at her funeral and we will definitely indulge her request! Blessed be!!
These warped individuals have the right of free speech and to peaceably assemble, what they don’t have is the right to infringe on mine and yours. All descent people, that can, should come together and build a human perimeter around the Edwards family, keeping these disgusting excuses for human beings away from this grieving family.
why are they picketting ??? Bunch of fundamentalist losers with nothing else to do during their days ...
What could they possibly be protesting at this woman's funeral? Disgraceful. I am appalled that these people call themselves Christians.
These pwople are like the taliban hiding behind there lie of being of any god to spew there hate and feed the dark belief that there is no god
Dear God, please do something about these freaks
No matter what you believe in or how you feel about human rights, it is time to kill these people. Westboro Baptist Church must burn. This has gone far enough. That is all.
These people are SICK!!!
WTF?
Why and for what reason should these @zzholes protest elizabeth edwards? Because she had cancer? was cheated on? is female? These people will deserve every bit and all the punishment they get; because soon, especially protesting @ a soldier's funeral, someone is going to go straight ballistic on their sorry @zzez and I hope extra gravesites just happen to be vacant that day.
Hey idiots: Good News God is coming to judge us.
Bad News (for you) she is black and more than a little annoyed
Man & Women's Job : RESPECT THE DEAD.
These people need to get a life!
I think I just absorbed what is tantamount to a Nothing Sandwich. So, what are these goons protesting? Death? Ex-hubby's infidelities? WHAT?!? Somehow the power of the word is lost here.
can you take a moment in the article and give us a reminder of the connection between Mrs.Edwards and these idiots at the church?
This is disgusting...
Yawn, ignore these idiots and they'll go away. Give them publicity and they'll stay
I'm stupid....why are they doing this?
Unfortunately for the Edwards' family, the Patriot Guard Riders - who were founded specifically to counter this hate-group - doesn't ride to protect non-Military or Veterans. However, hopefully there will be plenty of other locals who show up to counter and oppose Phelps and his mongrel clan.
Well, in the mature parlance of CNN, I must simply say, this is REDICULIST!
Anyone who would picket a funeral for ANY reason is no better than the "terrorists" who do the things they do "in the name of their religion"!! It's utterly dispicable!!
Send them a bill for the additional law enforcement needed at the funeral as a result of their actions like they did to the church in Florida that held a Koran burning day.
The Westboro Baptist Church is NOT a Christian Church. They are a group of hate-filled human beings defaming the name/character of Jesus. Protesting at peoples' funerals makes absolutely no sense. Only people of extremely bad character make such illogical decisions.
To call themselves a "church" is pretty pathetic.
Of course, they will. This shouldn't have been news -it should have been an assumption. The minute I saw the headline, I said, "really? is it who I think it is?" and it is indeed.
Leave the funerals to those who have positive feelings. Those with negative thoughts can stay home -this is not the time.
I believe in freedom of speech/movement but someone needs to stop this madness. Elizabeth has never done anything to thes people. This should not be allowed to happen.
John Edwards along with his very sweet wife, fought hard for the poor in our country. Both of them has worked for the little guy and gal. They made choices to act as true christians and or great citizens. That being the case I would recomend if you are in the area and the Edwards did something for you or gave you hope then please attend the funeral area. Please inform the misguided nut cases from Westboro what you truly think of them.
Pathetic small group of inbred subhuman excuses for human beings. There is probably more one could write about these Westboro imbeciles but words fail me.
Goes to show that ANY group can call themselves a 'church', no matter how centered they are in an agenda of hate. Actually, a more common experience these days than not. How many of the religious right churches actually were in support of the Republicans withdrawing unemployment benefits for millions of American families in the middle of winter in favor of pushing tax breaks for the richest 2%? Most of the conservative churches in my area were for it.
Those church memebers are despicable, and to know the fact that they are abusing the true meaning of the first amendment makes it even worse.
Why does the mainstream media insist on covering the actions of these religious goons? If every media outlet stop covering the WBC the attention they so covet would be gone making it less likely they will protest. Ignore them and they will go away.
Someone SERIOUSLY needs to put a reign on these idiots! How incredibly disrespectful and callous! If Elizabeth Edwards was my mother and they did this, I would kick their a....s!
These poeple should not be called a church anymore as they misrepresent 99.99% of Christianity
Why? What is the point...this is disrespectful of her and of her loved ones!!!
Note to CNN; What does their cause have to do with Elizabeth Edwards?
It's a shame this woman cannot be put to rest in peace because of a bunch of nuts. Please, don't blame this on religion or God, these are the actions of people with a self-serving agenda. I hope Mrs. Edwards rest in peace.
I wish you wouldn't even report on people like this. Their actions and comments have no place in serious news. What did Elizabeth Edwards ever do to them? What have her children done to deserve the hurt that this type of ridiculous action causes. Please stop covering stories like this.
This group must be hurting for attention!! This is just unbelievable! Unfortunately we have to tolerate this type of low class act in America. However, we do not have to stoop to their level. Let them picket, let them yell, let them show they signs of hate. In the end most people will see who the demons are. They are these poor ignorant people who hate in the name of God. Mrs. Edwards would pay them no attention if she were her to witness this event as we should also do.
To have that organization labeled a Church is wrong. It is an affront to what Jesus stands for. They should be not allowed to do this disturbing act, I know this is the US, but these people go beyond the realm of any thing decent. This spoken from a Baptist, they are NOT Baptists, OR Christians!
Absolutely rediculous, these people are crazy.
Will someone please keep these idiots away from Raleigh? The Westboro Baptist Church, a disgusting waste of human effort.
I am dumbfounded. WHY?
I am also a bit perplexed that people who claim to be followers of Christ can have so much hate in their hearts.
Someone needs to find out the names of these people and publish them on the internet so their loved one's funerals can be protested, picketed and disrespected.
I dont knw wat this worlds coming to these days. the poor woman had to deal with a sorry husband, as well as breast cancer at the same time. she is in a better place now and her pains and sorrows are over too. i feel for the members of this hillbilly church, cause on judgement day They will be judged. what makes preachers and churches think that they can judge people like they do. the only one who has the right to judge is jesus christ. may god bless u mrs edwards and ur fight is over.
How is this a good thing to picket at Elizabeth Edwards' funderal? She wasn't a homosexual; she was married to a man and had children. She died of cancer. How much further can you get from what this "church" is talking about?
And what family deserves this kind of disrespect at their time of loss?
This is so very wrong and very hateful, these people have crossed the line a long time ago, now they have become a group of "Nazis" that hate hurt everyone.
This is not what any NORMAL human being stands for.
I have been a Christian a long time and this church is probably Christianity at its worst. Yes we should obey God. However, mourn with those mourn, weep with those who weep. They cut out Jesus' directive to suit themselves. If they want to protest hit the gossips, liars, tax cheats and self righteous. What a shame.
NOT a protest. It's a show. A horrible show.
Why are they picketing the funeral of a woman who died of cancer? What's next? The docto who dies of HIV/AIDS he contracted trying to save the life of another human being? If I ever catch these people near any funeral I am at, there will be a whole bunch of funerals not long after that.
You can protest the war, but these people have taken the act of "protest" too far.
That is a perfect example as to why Theocrocies don't work. I am a Christian, but if you put some over zealous Bible thumpers with their own interpretations of the Bible in the White House, Iran is what you get. These people are Domestic Terrorist and should be stopped. I hope they are all on the "No Fly List" with the TSA. I would hate to be aboard a airplane with one of these nuts.
ahhh gods gentle people doing gods work. baptist no less.
Do these so called church people have any morals at all? Sick, sick, sick individuals.
That's really sad & disgusting. I am not religious and I know God would not want such a display of hate and disrespect.
Are they all looney toons? I don't see the connection. The only possible connection is that horse looking Ann Coulter said that her husband was a homosexual, but not in those terms. Other than that, it's impossible to comprehend such madness. Doesn't Christianity mean charity? And isn't Christianity just the opposite of what this sect is all about. I take it that they are against the war; millions are, but this is going too far.
These Westboro crackpots have no respect for anyone. Too bad there isn't some legal way to eliminate them from the scene.
Don't even equate these maniacs
with Christians or conservatives.
They are neither. They are anti-American
and should be dealt with on location at
their so called protest sites.
I read somewhere a few weeks ago
that there was enough opposition to
them at one of their protests that
they backed down and left.
This is still the land of the free and
the bad guys can be backed down
if the good guys show up.
Are you kidding me? Regardless of what you feel politically, regardless of whom you do and/or don't support people have a right to be buried and mourned with dignity and not have these hate mongers spewing their filth during a trying time for this family. Yes as Americans they have the right to freedom of speech, regardless of beliefs and opinions, but this is just sad. My heart goes out to the Edwards family
And WHAT exactly are we picketing to ruin this poor woman's funeral? Hasn't she been through enough? Hasn't HER family (not his)? These people should be ashamed.
"The Kansas-based Church – monitored by anti-hate groups such as the Anti-Defamation league and the Southern Poverty Law Center – is known for its extremist opposition to homosexuals, Jews and other groups.
The church members also oppose the War in Iraq."
Good story, but how about telling us why these whackos are picketing her funeral.
As much as I despise this “church” organization, I’m glad to see them picketing a high profile funeral. I hope this event will finally enrage enough people and legal action will be set in motion to finally ban these types of protests at a person’s funeral.
Where in the Bible is any of this kind of conduct...."Christian?" Though I have shunned denominations, I am familiar with the Baptist practices, being a former Baptist. These are not representative of the Baptist doctrine. It is a perverted style of dogma that promotes hate and intolerance...opposite that of Jesus Christ's teachings and practices. Christ rejected no one. No one should equate these "Christians" with Christianity. They are a cult, not "fishers of men." To bring people to the kingdom of God, one deals and embraces unbelievers as a practice....and demonstrates Christian love. How do you bring people to a belief in God by rejecting them.
The psychopath that runs this heathen outfit is a registered Demonrat !!!
You won't read about that in the lying, deranged, demented, and thoroughly disgusting media out of New Yawk, D.C., or L.A. !!!
Wow – that group is absolutely insane.
Where are the motorcyclists, hopefully they will drown out the traitors, as that's what they are. They need to be prosecuted for disturbing the peace and being total jerks.
Surely there must be some empty space in a jail or insane asylum for the waste of space that these people are. Isn,t there some empty room in Guantonamo? We certainly woulsn't miss them, and the families of the deceased heros certainly wouldn't. What are they against now? Unfaithful husbands, children born out of wedlock or breast cancer? Let Elizabeth's family and the rest of the country mourn this great lady, who always did the best she could for everyone she could.
Westboro need to read their Bible again! This is so un-Christlike
Why? The story doesnt say. What do these extremists have against Elizabeth Edwards? hmm, guess they just hate everybody.
Isn't this the same group who protest veterans funerals as well, taking their cause all the way to the Supreme Court. What a nasty group of attention seeking hate mongers these fools are, using God as their shield to further justify their boorish behavior. Seems to be quite the epidemic of hate within the Christian community lately.
CNN... you REALLY need to consider changing the Headline on your front page... Westboro Baptist Church is NOT a church. They are a hate-group. The Baptist Church does NOT recognize these people as a part of their faith.
The Westboro Baptist Church are nothing but religious terrorists and thugs. Their brand of hate is disgusting not protected by the First Amendment. They are the lowest of the low; people using religion to spread hate, just like Al Qaeda. To picket the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards is so vile and an affront to humanity. They must be stopped!
Protest what? This is a funeral... what did Elizabeth Edwards ever do to this group?
Leave the family along; let them morn in peace....
So.. theyre protesting that she DIED?
This "church" of less than seventy, mostly family members gets an awful lot of attention by CNN. They are a bunch of loons and not at all representative of the millions of Christians in this country, much less elsewhere.
What a disgusting group of individuals. And, yet, the war wounded, decorated veteran that may have been looking to shut them up is the only one that is in trouble. What a backwards state Kansas is.
OK, criminal charges of some kind against these whackos. Immoral, cruel, vicious, evil. What "god" from hell do they obey?
This Westboro group needs to revise their name and remove both "Baptist" and "church" from it. As a Baptist, I find their actions horrendous. Christ clearly taught and practiced Love, not hate.
I just want to say that this group does not represent the Christian community at large. They obviously do not know any boundaries, and have very little respect for anyone at all. This is legalism at its worst.
These idiots that all themselves "Christians" already have a nice, hot place in their HELL waiting for them. they have no regard for the deceased or their families. They prey upon their grief to push their own political/religious agenda. I doubt "God hates" anyone......except maybe for the uneducated, heartless idiots that are holding the signs!!
They do not oppose Jews and other groups. They ONLY oppose homosexuality, period. They aren't worth the time you're giving them, though.
These guys are just sick. They are taking their protesting a little to far.
What "sin" did Mrs. Edwards commit that this so-called wacko church will picket? The IRS needs to take away their tax-free status since they have shown time and time again that there is nothing that they do is "christ-like".
Can't we allow law enforcement to shoot these people on site if they do in fact show up?
They are nothing but a bunch of mentally-ill people, each of whom has parentage that can be traced back to the very same brother and sister.
A disgrace.
What a bunch of hate filled people. They will all have a rude awakening the day each of them stands at the pearly gates and wonders why they didn't get in!!!
Classless and ignorant. Have some decency and leave the Edwards family alone.
Wtf!?!?!?!?! These people are crazy!!!!!!!!! They need to stay away from that funeral they have nothing to do with it and they are being extremely disrespectful of the edwards family. Honesty they should really think about what they are doing.
This is just repulsive on such a base human level. People this sick and blatantly disrespectful to others need to be required psychiatric care and registered on a list in the same vein as sexual offenders.
Without knowing the facts, I say this is Ignorant! If I did know the facts... I still say this is Ignorant. What does protesting a funeral prove? Ignorant!!!
Why on earth would that "church" picket Elizabeth Edwards' funeral? The woman had it rough enough the past six years. Let her have some peace finally. That's just... I don't even have a word to say about it. Just leave her alone.
those people are stupid! let her lie in peace. from what hear she was a good woman. i will protest their funerals. how would their family react