Westboro Baptist Church, a controversial church that makes a name for itself in protesting funerals of fallen soldiers and spreading hateful messages in the name of ‘God’, is back in the news.
Michael Sam, an openly gay football player, who is eligible for the 2014 NFL Draft came out via Twitter on February 9 and has been met with nothing, but love and acceptance. From his former university, to celebrities, the NFL, and the general public, support has washed over Sam like water over a burning desert, speaking for the time we live in.
To reveal oneself in such a personal manner, especially when you’re on a grand stage, as Sam is, is surely a terrifying prospect, but the world has shown him the kindness and respect he deserves as a human being.
However, the Westboro Baptist Church opposes the messages of love that are being expressed and took the University of Missouri to let their voice be heard.
According to The Huffington Post, Sam was at his alma mater to join Missouri's Cotton Bowl champion team while they accepted the Cotton Bowl trophy during the Missouri v. Tennessee basketball game.
When Westboro arrived, they were met by a human wall, which blocked their entrance. Despite the resistance with which they were met, Westboro called the event a ‘great picket’, according to Fox Sports.
The Westboro Baptist Church is a group that protests notable events, including funerals of soldiers, celebrities or individuals of any religion that is not their own to spread messages of anti-gay hatred. The church is not affiliated with any Baptist denomination and the Baptist World Alliance and Southern Baptist Convention have denounced them many times over the years.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
