Westboro members who disagreed with Edwards' tolerance for gays were "promoting awareness of the dangers of homosexuality", Line of Love gave its goal as "promoting proper respect for funerals". The bipartisan bill received a 408-3 vote in the House, after 21 representatives chose not to vote. The defamation count was dismissed on First Amendment grounds, but the case proceeded to trial on the remaining two counts. "[27] Later in the documentary, Phelps-Roper agreed the $200,000 the WBC annually spent to fly to funerals to protest was money spent to spread "God's hate". Louis Theroux documentary reveals British postman has joined the U.S. baptist church behind notorious anti-gay protests 12 years after he watched one of the filmmaker's previous shows about the group Megan Phelps-Roper is the granddaughter of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps. 1 / 21. Betty Joan Schurle-Phelps Lawyer at Phelps Chartered Born 1952 Wife of Fred W. Phelps, Jr 3600 SW Holly Lane Topeka, KS 66604 Phone: 785-273-0438 Home: 785-272-4135 Work: 785-296-3195 Brent D. Roper-Phelps Human Resources Lawyer for NAIC Employee at Foot Locker Born 1963 Husband of Shirley Lynn Phelps-Roper 3640 SW Churchill Topeka, KS 66604 Well he's not bloody weird in any way! [145], On June 18, 2016, around 200 people blocked the view of picketing by members of the WBC that occurred after the Orlando nightclub shooting. [79] Those intending to protest the memorial service or President Obama's speech given there, or both, were refused entry into the venue by hundreds of local and regional residents,[80] including a large group of bikers from the Patriot Guard Riders. it Grazie al fatto che Debora, Barac e Iael confidarono coraggiosamente in Dio, Israele “non ebbe più disturbo per quarant’anni”. Megan Phelps-Roper (born January 31, 1986) is a former member and spokesperson of the Westboro Baptist Church.Her mother is Shirley Phelps-Roper and her grandfather is the church's founder Fred Phelps.She grew up in Topeka, Kansas in a compound with other members of the church. [89], The WBC celebrated the 2016 shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and 53 others injured. 993 Followers, 623 Following, 1,144 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Libby Phelps Alvarez (@libphelps) "[231], Nathan Phelps, another estranged son who left Westboro at his 18th birthday in 1976, claims he never had a relationship with his abusive father when he was growing up and that the WBC is an organization for his father to "vent his rage and anger. [243], Zach Phelps-Roper is the grandson of Fred Phelps and the fourth sibling of the Phelps-Roper family to leave the WBC (besides Megan and Grace mentioned above, sibling Joshua has also left). [215], In 2013, Christian rock band Five Iron Frenzy recorded a song titled "God Hates Flags" condemning the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church and similar organizations, including such lyrics as "If God is love you got it wrong waving all your placards and flags". Geni requires JavaScript! [228][229][230], Mark Phelps, estranged son of the WBC's founder, Fred Phelps, left the organization in 1973 and began "formal healing therapy in 1988 and worked toward healing and restoration, overcoming the horrible pain and fear from the 19 years of living with" his father. [248], The website godhatesfags.com was prominently featured in The Jeremy Kyle Show, a talk show aired on the ITV network in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2007. She also said Obama's presidency was a sign of the Apocalypse. At one point, they visited the WBC compound and got out to meet Fred Phelps, at which time Moore introduced the Sodomobile to him. [50][51][52] Since then, the WBC has attracted attention for many more actual and planned funeral pickets. [227] Several of them have accused the WBC of brainwashing. [160][161][162] The lawsuit alleged Fred Phelps, Rebekah Phelps-Davis, and Shirley Phelps-Roper were responsible for publishing defamatory statements about the Snyder family on the internet, including that Albert and his wife had "raised [Matthew] for the devil" and taught him "to defy his Creator, to divorce, and to commit adultery". [63], On January 26, 2008, WBC traveled to Jacksonville, North Carolina, home of Camp Lejeune, to protest the United States Marine Corps in the wake of the murder of Maria Lauterbach. Pointing out the federal government is classifying the bombing as a terrorist attack, yet is being unclear about whether it is of a "domestic or foreign nature", the release went on to claim to answer the question with, "Here's a hint — GOD SENT THE BOMBS! Take your favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat. [75][76] The group canceled plans to hold a protest during the memorial at the University of Arizona in exchange for air time on radio talk shows. [242] She has written a book entitled Unfollow: A Journey from Hatred to Hope, leaving the Westboro Baptist Church. All we do, by getting in their face and putting these signs in front of them and these plain words, is make what's already in their heart come out of their mouth. Phelps and members of the WBC appeared in the film after Phelps picketed Wake Forest Baptist Church at Wake Forest University over a proposed same-sex union ceremony. It's mostly mainstream stuff, the whole idea of our doing parodies is to preach. ", "9 Worst Funeral Protests By Westboro Baptist Church... And One Awesome Protest Against Them", "God Hates the World, by Westboro Baptist Church", "Ronnie James Dio memorial service: Heavy metal fans drown out Westboro Baptist Church picketers", "RONNIE JAMES DIO's Public Memorial Service: First Photos, Video Footage", "Tucson rallies to protect girl's family from protesters", "Bill Would Ban Westboro Picketers at Christina Green's Tucson Funeral", "How Tucson kept Westboro Baptist Church protests out of town", "Westboro Baptist Church Fails to 'Save' American University Students", "300 Bikers Foil Westboro Baptist Church's Obama Joplin Protest", "Police Break Up Confrontation Between Protesters in Joplin", "Westboro Baptist Church uses iPhone to announce protest at Steve Jobs's funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church uses iPhone to announce Steve Jobs' funeral protest", "As Newtown Plans Burials For Shooting Victims, Westboro Baptist Church Prepares To Picket", "Westboro Baptist Church Newtown Funeral Protest Thwarted By Good Samaritans", "Westboro to picket Boston funerals, blames 'fag marriage' for bombings", "Westboro Baptist Church Tweets About Moore Oklahoma Tornado", "KKK counter-protests extremist church group", "Sickening: Westboro Baptist Church Plans To Protest Mandela's Funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church Celebrates Pulse Nightclub Shooting In Orlando: 'God Sent The Shooter, "Westboro Baptist trolls LGBT people after Orlando attack", "Hundreds counter-protest Westboro Baptist demonstration in Orlando", "Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest Richardson's funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church Plans To Picket Elizabeth Taylor's Funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church To Picket Ryan Dunn's Funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church says it will picket at funeral of Joe Paterno", "Family to remember fallen Aggie at service", "Westboro Baptist says it will protest at slain lacrosse player's funeral in Baltimore", "Westboro Church threatens to picket Powell boys' funeral as anti-gay protest", "Westboro Baptist Church to Picket George Jones' Funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church Plans to Picket Lou Reed's Funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church Promises to Picket Pete Seeger Funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church to Picket Maya Angelou Funeral", "Westboro Baptist Church says it will protest Schuller funeral", "Jeff Hanneman Memorial Takes Place Minus WBC", "Westboro Baptist Church to Protest Cory Monteith's Funeral: See Why", "Westboro Church's Disgusting Plan To Protest Robin Williams' Funeral Thwarted By Love", "Westboro Baptist Church promises appearance at Whitney Houston funeral, taunts fans on Twitter", "Staged photo? [134][135], On February 24, 2011, hacktivists successfully took the WBC's websites down. Simon Holroyd from Bradford, who has since changed his name to Mathias, married Jael Phelps back in 2012 and the couple share a number of children. Ask away! 3. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion stating: "What Westboro said, in the whole context of how and where it chose to say it, is entitled to 'special protection' under the First Amendment and that protection cannot be overcome by a jury finding that the picketing was outrageous. [28][29] The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes the group as "virulently homophobic", saying its anti-homosexual rhetoric is often a cover for antisemitism, anti-Americanism, racism, and anti-Christianity. [7] The group later began picketing Gage Park six blocks northwest of its headquarters in Topeka in 1991, saying it was a den of anonymous homosexual activity. [42] At its peak, the group was able to carry out pickets at between six and 15 locations a day, including many in Topeka and some events farther afield. A community response was to hold counter-protests and a multifaith service in the municipal auditorium. Son of Jeremiah Leavitt and Jael Leavitt Steven, now known as Brother Matthias, married church member Jael Phelps in 2012 and the couple has since had three children. Yet, despite protesting these high-profile events, the WBC protests many local low profile events. [246] Theroux has presented a number of documentaries about unusual or unconventional people and groups in the UK, the US and elsewhere. The few exceptions are Theroux’s chats with Jael (Phelps) Holroyd, who talks to him so warily about her British husband that the filmmaker teases her gently. [43][44] Its public acts have cast a political spotlight on the group that has given it vast attention for its small size. The First Holocaust was a Jewish Holocaust against Christians. Father of Susannah Phelps and Mary Robinson. The signs have been noted at counter-protests at the University of Chicago;[199] in Spartanburg, South Carolina;[200] and in Portsmouth, New Hampshire,[201] as well as at the non-WBC-themed Rally to Restore Sanity. In response, Topiary and an accomplice seized control of one of Westboro's subdomains during the confrontation. [163][164] At the trial, Snyder testified: "They turned this funeral into a media circus and they wanted to hurt my family. The latest Holocaust is by Topeka Jews against Westboro Baptist Church. Louis confronts Megan about her conflicting feelings that he has been seeing her display. These two women are granddaughters of the founder of WBC, who left the church the following year after Lauren was banished. Theroux reported that Westboro was in a state of "crisis" and documented the departure of several young members. [126], Early in the morning of August 2, 2008, someone set fire to a garage near the WBC's headquarters, causing an estimated $10,000 in damages. "[39], Margie Phelps, daughter of Fred Phelps and attorney for WBC, said in an interview with Fox News that Barack Obama would "absolutely" be going to Hell and that he was "most likely the Beast spoken of in the Revelation." Instead, Alito said, the protesters "brutally attacked" Matthew Snyder to attract public attention. $14,000) were then donated to those same Jewish and LGBT organizations that WBC was protesting. In 2001, Sundance Channel aired the film A Union in Wait, a documentary about same-sex marriage directed by Ryan Butler. The protesters had a legal permit and used signs with homophobic messages as well as referring to Obama as the Antichrist. In August 2008, Canadian officials learned of the WBC's intent to stage a protest at the funeral of Tim McLean, Winnipeg resident killed on a bus. Furthermore, Nathan also stated that he learned that Fred was excommunicated from the WBC in August 2013, for unclear reasons. Westboro Baptist Church originated as a branch of the East Side Baptist Church,[2] established in 1931 on the east side of Topeka. [151], On January 11, 2011, the state of Arizona held an emergency legislative session to pass a bill barring protests within 300 feet (100 m) of a funeral and within an hour from its beginning or end. [73] Dio's widow urged attendees to ignore the protest, saying "Ronnie hates prejudice and violence. "[165], District Judge Richard D. Bennett stated the First Amendment protection of free speech had limits, including vulgar, offensive and shocking statements, and instructed the jury to decide "whether the defendant's actions would be highly offensive to a reasonable person, whether they were extreme and outrageous and whether these actions were so offensive and shocking as to not be entitled to First Amendment protection". Phelps Law Firm Phelps Chartered 1414 SW Topeka Boulevard Topeka, KS 66612 PO Box 1886 Topeka, KS 66601 Phone: 785-233-4162 Fax: 785-233-0766 Fax: … A counter protest included members of the Ku Klux Klan. "Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case," he said. [188], In June 2007 Shirley Phelps-Roper was arrested in Nebraska and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Jael’s answer there was so depressing. Matthew A. Snyder", "WBC press release for Snyder funeral picket", "Father of Marine Killed in Iraq Sues Church for Cheering Death", "Federal judge approves limited lawsuit against military funeral protesters", "Father of Marine Killed in Iraq Sues Church for Cheering Death, Appeals to Public Online for Help", "Father wins millions from war funeral picketers", "Kansas church liable in Marine funeral protest", "Church ordered to pay $10.9 million for funeral protest", "Thank God for the $10.9 Million Verdict! [53][54][55][56][57][58], On January 25, 2004, Phelps picketed five churches (three Catholic and two Episcopalian) and the Federal Courthouse for what he said was their part in legitimizing same-sex marriages in Iowa. Three months pregnant with her first child and married to a British ex-pat. [216], A number of Phelps' critics have suggested that the actions of the WBC are merely a ploy to receive attention and publicity above all else, though the Phelpses themselves deny this claim. (Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post via Getty Images) (Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post via Getty Images) The granddaughter of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps sounds off on why she left the controversial church, which is known for its extreme views on homosexuality, i n a new editorial for the New York Post . The WBC protesters held signs that read "God sent the shooter", "Abortion is bloody murder", and "Baby Killer in Hell". [8] Soon, its protests had spread throughout the city, and within three years the WBC was traveling across the country. The bill to the WBC ensued, according to the local police chief, because the organization failed to keep a verbal contract for security. [192] This would have been its first picket in the United Kingdom. When Phelps Chartered, alleging 'emotional damage,' sued someone who had filed a criminal complaint against a WBC member, Irigonegaray's team requested court approval to have a psychiatrist evaluate Phelps family members to determine the alleged damage. Jael Phelps said the wife's death was partly due to her Muslim husband having spoken out against the WBC, and therefore rejecting God and bringing his "righteous judgement" down upon him. Fred Phelps' daughter claimed that the Holy Ghost had informed them not to fly to Michigan even though they had already purchased airline tickets. [n 3] It is not affiliated with any Baptist denomination and has been denounced by Baptist conventions, including the Baptist World Alliance and the Southern Baptist Convention, and by other mainstream Christian denominations. Other sites and organizations have parodied the slogans of the WBC, including God Hates Fred Phelps,[205] God Hates Bags,[206] and God Hates Shrimp. [159] On June 5, 2006, Snyder's father, Albert, sued for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. [5] He founded the Phelps Chartered law firm in 1964, which has since been used to sue communities that are targets of Westboro's protests. [65], On May 14, 2008, two days after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake which claimed the lives of at least 70,000 people, WBC issued a press release thanking God for the heavy loss of life in China, and praying "for many more earthquakes to kill many more thousands of impudent and ungrateful Chinese". How many more terrifying ways will you have the LORD injure and kill your fellow countrymen because you insist on nation-dooming filthy fag marriage?!" I am on Facebook as Jael Holroyd and on Twitter as @WBCjael. She also commented that "all those angry little Muslims can just shut their mouths." However, 17 members from Westboro picketed, kept at a 500-foot (150 m) distance by police. Megan Phelps-Roper was the subject of a profile in The Kansas City Star in 2011, which described her as “peppy, goofy and, by all accounts, happy”. Brian … [130][131], On November 30, 2010, disabled Army veteran Ryan Newell was arrested in his parked SUV outside the Wichita, Kansas, city hall while members of WBC were in a meeting inside. 3.1 21:52 Page 1 5,35$ • WWW.SCENA.ORG 8/31/09 5:30 PM Page 2 COMMANDITAIRE DE SAISON SEASON SPONSOR EN COLLABORATION AVEC IN COLLABORATION WITH ABONNEMENT | SUBSCRIPTION 514.849.0269 Danseurs/Dancers : Marius Ostrowski, Alisia Pobega, Isabelle Paquette … Snyder further complained the defendants had intruded upon and staged protests at his son's funeral. [20] According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, it is funded entirely from within the organization and accepts no outside donations. People Projects Discussions Surnames [37], Jael Phelps said in a 2011 interview that she and the other members of the WBC tauntingly and publicly burned a copy of the Quran while being scolded by a Muslim man, calling it an "idolatrous piece of trash" and that they were giving it the "proper respect that it deserves" by doing so. Neither the style nor substance of their preaching expresses the historic, orthodox Christian faith. Phelps-Roper (bottom, second from right) with her parents Brent and Shirley and siblings (bar Josh) in Texas in 2012, less than six months before she left the Westboro Baptist Church. Phelps in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. [31][32] The group has also expressed transphobic messages in its protests. [194][195] On February 18, 2009, two days before the intended picket date, the Home Office announced Fred Phelps and Shirley Phelps-Roper would be specifically excluded from entering the UK for having "engaged in unacceptable behaviour by inciting hatred against a number of communities", and also other members "could also be flagged and stopped if they tried to enter Britain". They will use catchy phase such as “your god is myth” or “your books was written in the bronze age.” Jael has been featured on MSNBC and several media outlets, and is one of Fred Sr.'s most ardent supporters. Her father, Steve Drain, is definitely the villain in the story, despite Lauren's attempts to gain her father's acceptance. Dressed in homoerotic outfits, they performed their country-parody song "Keep It Clean" – which contained many homosexual references and overtones – from their "Hot Buns" viral video; midway though the song, lead singer Dave Grohl made a speech calling for equality and tolerance. The arrest resulted from her allowing her ten-year-old son to step on a U.S. flag during the demonstration, which is illegal under Nebraska law. Alvarez rejoices in her … On the show, Kyle criticized the Phelps for their beliefs and referred to the Phelps' children as "completely and utterly brainwashed", and to Phelps-Roper herself as "deranged". Former Westboro Baptist Church member Megan Phelps-Roper, who was shunned by her family after she left the church, has said she "still loves" them. en Because Deborah, Barak, and Jael courageously trusted in God, Israel “had no further disturbance for forty years.” —Judges 4:1-22; 5:31. jw2019. [137], On September 16, 2011, when Westboro members picketed a Foo Fighters concert in Kansas City, Missouri, the band appeared on a truck float in front of the protesters. [178], On March 8, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Snyder v. [152][153], On August 2, 2012, Congress passed a bill that included restrictions on demonstrators at military funerals, which became law four days later when signed by President Obama, who condemned the WBC. The Phelps firm settled without delay. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the city's largest synagogue. Megan Phelps-Roper, a grandchild of Fred Phelps, left the WBC in 2012 together with her sister Grace, and explained her reasons and experiences in a TED talk. In response, the Arizona legislature passed an emergency bill to ban protests within 300 feet (100 m) of a funeral service, and Tucson residents made plans to shield the funeral from protesters. Just as striking was the report that a British man had moved to Topeka from England, joined the church and married Jael Phelps. The group said that the "mass" would turn the dead woman into a posthumous lesbian. In 2004, Phelps Sr.'s daughter Margie Phelps and Margie's son Jacob were arrested for trespassing, disorderly conduct and failure to obey after disregarding a police officer's order during an attempted protest. She also goes into details about the lives of other church members, including the Pastor, Fred Phelps, his daughter and main mouth-piece for the church, Shirley Phelps-Roper, Margie Phelps, Megan Phelps and Jael Phelps just to name a few. [27], The WBC is known for its anti-homosexual rhetoric. [132][133], On December 11, 2010, the day of the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards, a group called Line of Love planned to have about 200 protesters on the north side of West Edenton Street in Raleigh, North Carolina, while 10 Westboro members picketed on the south side of the street, two blocks away from the funeral. She made it sound like she’s with her husband for practical reasons and nothing else. In March 2013, the house was nicknamed the "Equality House" as it was painted the colors of the gay pride flag. The prosecution claimed the demonstration was not intended as political speech, but as an incitement to violence, and that Phelps-Roper's conduct might also constitute child abuse. Betty Joan Schurle-Phelps Lawyer at Phelps Chartered Born 1952 Wife of Fred W. Phelps, Jr 3600 SW Holly Lane Topeka, KS 66604 Phone: 785-273-0438 Home: 785-272-4135 Work: 785-296-3195 Brent D. Roper-Phelps Human Resources Lawyer for NAIC Employee at Foot Locker Born 1963 Husband of Shirley Lynn Phelps-Roper 3640 SW Churchill Topeka, KS 66604 On May 29, 2006, President George W. Bush with great symbolic significance, signed the bill into law at a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Through keeping the protests non-violent and acquiring the proper permits, the WBC avoids legal trouble. I wish I would have asked her about the documentary, or about how she feels having started a family. [85], On April 15, 2013, the WBC posted a press release to its Twitter account in which it thanked God for that day's Boston Marathon bombing, and announced its plan to "picket the funeral of those killed". Megan Phelps Roper’s Marital Life: Husband. Castel Gandolfo. Hier sollte eine Beschreibung angezeigt werden, diese Seite lässt dies jedoch nicht zu. She has been making a film about her experiences and notes that three of her siblings have also left the WBC. baby daniel played by bèau bell 2016-2017 and currently played by kyzo-drè 2017- Daniel "Dan" Sanders was the husband of Nikki Sullivan. The group consists primarily of members of Phelps's extended family. [72], In May 2010, Westboro picketed the funeral of heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio in Los Angeles, saying it believed the singer worshipped Satan. [121], In 1999, inspired by the murder of Matthew Shepard the previous year, Michael Moore organized a protest against homophobia for his television show The Awful Truth. [210][212][213], Evangelist pastor Jerry Falwell Sr. referred to Fred Phelps as "a first-class nut". People Projects Discussions Surnames ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: A statue stands in the gardens of the Pontifical residence of Castelgandolfo on February 20, 2013 in Rome, Italy. [166] On October 31, 2007, WBC, Fred Phelps, Shirley Phelps-Roper and Rebecca Phelps-Davis were found liable for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Sisters from infamous 'God Hates Gays' Westboro Baptist Church apologize for the 'hurt' they caused after leaving the family church. [12], Lauren Drain, another former member of the WBC who was excommunicated in 2008, released an autobiography titled Banished in March 2013. Phelps wants to move the team to Miami, but in order to get out of Cleveland, the team has to perform really bad. [174] On March 30, 2010, the appeals court ordered Albert Snyder to pay the WBC's court costs of over $16,000, a move Snyder's attorneys referred to as "adding insult to injury". “Go show it to Mum,” I said, waving him on. The book documents her years in the WBC and what lead up to her decision to leave and eventual departure. [55][92][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120] The Patriot Guard Riders is a motorcyclist group composed mostly of veterans who attend the funerals of members of the U.S. Armed Forces at the invitation of the deceased's family. [38] They picketed the funeral of the Muslim man's wife the following week. Jacob Phelps. Elsie's rich husband -- Monk calls him 'Soapy Sam' Character description. TOPEKA Editor's note: This story was first published Nov. 19, 2011. [90][91] On June 18, 2016, members picketed after the attack, but around 200 people blocked view of the picketing. The defense contended that the child's actions were protected speech, and that the state law is unconstitutional. Counter-protesting against the group, they suggest, gives them attention and incentive that they do not deserve; and a more effective response against Phelps would be to ignore his family and congregation completely. Since then, she worries about the hurt she has caused her family, but one relative told her that no one thinks about her or misses her. Allen declared Phelps-Roper's vocal condemnation of strangers having sexual congress outside of marriage to be hypocritical as she was guilty of the same thing. [179] On May 28, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, joined by 42 other Senators, filed an amicus brief in support of Snyder with the Supreme Court. [21][22][23] For example, the firm sued the city of Topeka several times in the 1990s,[21] and received $16,500 in legal fees for a court case won against a marine's bereaved father. [253], The headquarters of the Westboro Baptist Church with the sign "godhatesamerica.com". Blagojevich signs 'Let Them rest in Peace Act' allowing families to peacefully grieve fallen soldiers: New law makes protesting within 200 feet (61 m) of a funeral or memorial service a crime", "House OKs Ban on Funeral Protests; Leaders Hope to Have Measure to President by Memorial Day". [4] After Westboro was established, Phelps broke ties with East Side to become independent of any Baptist denomination. [252] Louis returned for a third documentary, Surviving America's Most Hated Family, in 2019. They had believed Phelps-Roper's house was that of the pastor, and wanted to retaliate against Westboro's anti-gay protests at Washburn University. [82] CBS News and The Washington Post noted the irony in the fact Margie used an iPhone to create the tweet. While the messages are widely condemned, it always ensures its protests are legal in nature. Ex-Westboro Baptist Church Member Grace Phelps-Roper Regularly Attends Synagogue Shabbat Services. On May 23, 2006, the state of Michigan banned any intentional disruption of funerals within 500 feet (150 m) of the ceremony. Libby Phelps Alvarez has left the church and now lives in Lawrence with her husband, Logan Alvarez.