Westboro Baptist Church to Picket Boston Marathon Funerals
Westboro Baptist Church has not missed the opportunity to condemn gay marriage and America in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing on Monday, saying that it will picket the funerals of those slain – though the vast majority of Christian leaders are offering support and prayers.
"Thank God for the Boston Marathon Bombs!" read a news release by the church, which is not connected to any specific Christian denomination. "Christ Jesus said that same-sex marriage would prevail just before the time that He returns in power and glory taking vengeance on the disobedient. (Luke 17, 2 Thes.1)."
Westboro, which has been labeled a hate group both by liberals, conservatives and much of America, reminded readers that Massachusetts was the first state to pass same-sex marriage in 2004.
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WBC claimed the bombs were sent by God "as a direct and immediate result" of the legalization of marriage there. The Fred Phelps-led group added on Twitter that they are planning on picketing the funerals of the three people who died in the blasts.
The group also posted a graphic photo of a blast victim lying on the ground at the site of the marathon, writing: "Your blood soaked idols are on the ground being trampled underfoot in the wake of God's wrath."
Authorities are still investigating the exact nature of the bombings and are trying to determine who is responsible. Boston and the rest of America is grieving over the blasts that killed three and injured over 130 people near the finish line of the popular Boston Marathon Monday afternoon.
Christian leaders from across the country have responded with prayer and support for all those affected by the bombing, grieving with the nation.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4)," wrote Pastor David Fairchild, who leads Mars Hill West Seattle Church.
"I am deeply grieved by the early reports of two blasts occurring at the finish line of the Boston Marathon," Fairchild continued. "Sadly, in a split second, people and families have been shattered and forever changed by this terrible tragedy.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said on Twitter: "Continuing to pray for #BostonMarathon victims and witnesses, including the two families who have lost loved ones. #Pray4Boston." BGEA later added: "'...weep with those who weep' Romans 12:15 #PrayForBoston."
President Barack Obama promised that officials will get to the bottom of what happened and those responsible will be punished.
