Tucson Angels Will Protect Funerals



Members of Westboro Baptist Chuch

Yesterday I wrote about the plans of Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church to picket the funerals of the Tucson shooting victims. The church has gained notoriety in recent years for protesting the funerals of soldiers killed in combat, gays and people who died from AIDS.
 This morning I am happy to report that an army of angels will be protecting the mourners from viewing the signs of the protesters.  Tucson residents are gearing up to counter the church's attack with an "angel action," in which some residents will wear 8-by-10 foot "angel wings" to shield mourners from the picketers. Local businesses and residents are donating materials and money to build the angel wings. I can visualize real angels from Heaven standing arm-in-arm with these residents as they protect the mourners from evil.  When the Light comes in the dark has to go.
The Arizona Legislature moved quickly to block plans by the Westboro Baptist Church to protest funerals of the Tucson shooting victims, in a bill passed on January 11, 2011. The bill states that there should be no picketing within 300 feet of the property line of any residence, cemetery, funeral home, church, synagogue or other establishment during, or within one hour before of after a funeral or burial service. People who violate the law will be guilty of a Class I Misdemeanor.
 It is a sad state of affairs that a law like this is required to protect people who are mourning the death of loved ones from the protests of "church" members.  There is something wrong with this picture.  My thoughts and prayers are with the shooting victim's families during these difficult days.  May the Lord bless them and keep them.