Date: Sat, 5 Feb 1994 16:27:35 -0500 From: Andy Lang Subject: Churches Witness Against Hate in Topeka ----------------------------------------------------------------- CHURCHES WITNESS AGAINST HATE IN TOPEKA by Kelly Boyte Peters United Church News (United Church of Christ) January/February 1994, p. 3 "The city's under a state of siege," says Charles Erb, pastor of First Congregational UCC in Topeka, Kan. A small group of protesters from a Baptist church in Topeka, mostly family members of pastor Fred Phelps, have wreaked havoc on the city. Phelps and his group have picketed churches for two years, preaching a message of hatred and violence. According to Erb, this group has picketed the funerals of Topeka residents who died of AIDS, carrying 7-foot placards with such slogans as "God Hates Fags" and "Fags Burn in Hell." "It's demoralizing for everybody," says Erb. The group led by Phelps targets churches which he believes to be "pro-homosexual," as well as those churches which contain members against whom he holds personal grudges. In September, more than 24 of Topeka's ministers and religious leaders held a press conference and presented a declaration in response to the environment of hatred and violence. Five UCC clergy were among the signers of the declaration: Charles Erb and Rebecca Erb of First Congregational UCC, Don Miller and Kathryn Timpany of Central Congregational UCC and Ron Eslinger of Topeka UCC. UCC members signing the declaration included Dorothy G. Berry of Ecumenical Consulting Associates, Mike Obenauer of Seabrook UCC and Dennis Johnson of Seaman UCC. St. David's Episcopal Church has been picketed every Sunday for two years and now finds its Saturday evening service a target as well. The protesters are anything but silent. Worshippers are subjected to verbal abuse and cannot avoid looking at the picketer's offensive signs. In a sign of solidarity, members of the neighboring First Congregational UCC have joined with others to be "Witnesses" to the truth of God's love. The volunteer "Witnesses" carry placards with such messages as "God's Love Speaks Loudest." They do not engage in dialogue with the protesters but their silent presence is both supportive to St. David's members and an effort to reclaim their corner for God. Efforts are being made to petition the city commission for an ordinance to restrict picketing around worship time but have so far proven unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Phelps shows no sign of giving up. After the clergy press conference, he held his own news conference, calling his clergy critics "a bunch of backsliding, hypocritical, homosexual preachers not yet out of the closet." A September protest at a Lutheran church turned violent and ended with the Lutheran pastor physically assaulted. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Andy Lang (216) 736-2215 office United Church of Christ (216) 295-8280 home Office of Communication (216) 736-2223 fax 700 Prospect Avenue East ANDY LANG EcuNet Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1100 langa@ucc.org Internet