Kansas Baptist Church Faces Off Oklahoma Baptist Church in Protest

Is it the Hatfield's and the McCoy's? Is it a gunfight at the OK Corral? No, it's two Baptist Churches that are in opposition to each other. The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas obtained a protest permit for a protest aimed at Moore High School and the Oklahoma State Capitol. The Westboro Church sent out a press release that claims that God Hates Moore High School. On Monday, March 2nd, 2009, they will picket the high school because it has a Gay-Straight Alliance. The Oklahoma State Legislature allowed an openly gay pastor, Reverend Scott Jones, to pray before it met so it is also a target for the church.

Westboro Baptist Church, Topeka, Kansas

According to Wikipedia, the Westboro Baptist Church is an independent church and is not affiliated with any known Baptist conventions or associations. According to the FAQ section of the website states that, in their view, soldiers did not join the military out of a sense of patriotism, but because they are "lazy, incompetent idiots" unable to find work elsewhere. They claim it is their sacred duty to warn people of God's anger. They have protested military funerals and other anti-gay venues such as movies, in the past. Michael Moore brought attention to the church in a video.

Moore officials say the Westboro Baptist Church isn't breaking any laws and are in compliance with protest regulations. Moore Police Officer Jeremy Lewis said. "They know what their rights are, and they pursue them." The Church is known for protesting military funerals. The Moore High School plans to dismiss classes fifteen minutes early in an effort to get the students home before the protest starts. Extra police have been assigned to the area to ensure the safety of the students.

Moore High School

Moore High School has a student population of 2,040, making it one of Oklahoma's largest high schools. They have accredited classes for the mentally handicapped, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, hearing impaired, and homebound students.Superintendent Deborah Arato said, "school is a place for our students to come and learn in physical and emotional safety. We do not appreciate interruptions of that goal."

Beth Haven Baptist Church, Moore, Oklahoma

Several counter-protest groups have also obtained permits for the protest at Moore High School on Monday. Surprisingly, one of these groups is The Beth Haven Baptist Church. The pastor, Rick Carter Jr., feels it's time to make sure people know the Westboro Baptist Church does not represent the truth of the Bible. He stated, "We thought what better way to have a prayer vigil in our parking lot across from a high school to say we love our community. We love our children in our community and God loves them."

The Beth Haven Baptist Church will hold their protest 4 miles away so as not to provide any opportunity for confrontation. Pastor Carter said, "Instead of the hate they're spewing, we'll be praying for our children and our school and for the families."

Apparently groups from all over the area are planning to join The Beth Haven Baptist Church in their vigil of Love. Other people interviewed about their plans for a counter-protest have mentioned they will not get into a confrontation with Westboro Baptist Church. Groups from as far away as Dallas, Texas are reported to be making the drive to join the counter-protest. There are reports that if enough counter-protesters show up, the WBC will leave.

Sources:
http://video.kfor.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3499076&at1=News&h1=Sunday's NewsChannel 4 @ 5pm
http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=9926782
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church