Former Westboro Pastor Fred Phelps is ‘On the Edge of Death’

Russ Jones | Christian Press | Updated: Mar 17, 2014

Former Westboro Pastor Fred Phelps is ‘On the Edge of Death’

The Topeka-Capitol Journal reports Pastor Fred Phelps Sr., founder of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church, is in a Kansas hospice facility.

Phelps and members of his Topeka church are known for their anti-gay position, picketing military funerals, LGBT gatherings and various other events.

Nate Phelps, one of Fred's estranged children, confirmed his father’s failed condition on his personal Facebook Saturday night. Nate is the sixth of thirteen children.

"I've learned that my father, Fred Phelps, Sr., pastor of the "God Hates Fags" Westboro Baptist Church, was ex-communicated from the "church" back in August of 2013. He is now on the edge of death at Midland Hospice house in Topeka, Kansas.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Terribly ironic that his devotion to his god ends this way. Destroyed by the monster he made.

I feel sad for all the hurt he's caused so many. I feel sad for those who will lose the grandfather and father they loved. And I'm bitterly angry that my family is blocking the family members who left from seeing him, and saying their good-byes."

Nate, who states on his Facebook page he is a secular humanist and LGBT advocate, broke free of his father’s influence on his eighteenth birthday 37 years ago.

In a twist of irony, some anticipate picketing Phelps own funeral seeking retribution.

As the news broke, those familiar with Westboro Baptist Church took to various social media sites with the following comments:

“Fred ‪#‎Phelps, pastor of gay-hating ‪#‎Westboro church is close to death. I extend him compassion despite his hate of us.”

“I think every gay community should send him flowers, Fred ‪#‎Phelps on his death bed, after a lifetime of hatred, surrounded by some of the gayest flowers from every ‪#‎LGBT community around the world. ‪#‎WestboroBaptist.”

“Mr Phelps might hear from God, ‘You are forgiven, son.’ We don't know what happen in Mr Phelp's heart between he and God. He possibly also said, ‘forgive me Lord,’ and my Father would not only forgive him, but He would forget his sins.”

“Let's try to do something constructive instead of bashing the Phelps family the way they've bashed gays, Jews, atheists, and everyone else over the years.”

Publication Date: March 17, 2014.



Former Westboro Pastor Fred Phelps is ‘On the Edge of Death’