"The act of leaving Westboro is as weird as the church itself. Sometimes it’s described as a shunning process, but that’s not entirely apt. It is, in the eyes of the remaining members, a sort of death, but it’s a gentle one, because the carcass isn’t just dumped or ignored."
If that doesn't catch your attention, know this:
Megan Phelps-Roper, granddaughter of Fred Phelps, has left Westboro Baptist. So have other young people. Lauren Drain, Grace (Megan's sister), Libby Phelps Alvarez.
Readers, I cried when I read this article . And, trust me, I don't cry that often. I'm sitting here at work, wiping my eyes after one of those spluttering, blubbery cries. I need to wipe my nose.
I've written a lot about Westboro Baptist here, including a piece where I wished for the day that the grandchildren of the Phelps asshole, Fred, would jump ship. My wishes are coming true. These are beautiful children and deserve much better than the hatred and ridicule that is spewed at them when they shout out their hateful message. That hatred, toward them, is as undeserved as yelling at a cashier, blaming them for a dented soup can you found on the grocery shelf.
These kids were brainwashed from birth. I know. I was one of them. Not part of Westboro, bit a hateful fundamentalist, shunning everyone but those in my club.
As I've said before, I don't care about the adults that raised them. They can rot in an earthly hell, for all I care. I only care about their children. Those that have a future when they leave.
And now they can realize it.
I love you, kids. Thank you for thinking and them moving with those thoughts. There is hope for the world at last.
