This was originally written over 10 years ago. I found it in
my hard drive and thought it would be worth sharing with the recent news of
Phelp’s death. I don’t really remember what the genesis was for this, or who it
was written for… but I do know that at the time, my thoughts on him and his work
were quite different than they were today. As an artist, I support free speech,
even if it’s hateful. This doesn't sit well with some of my friends and
colleagues but I support it. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t agree with it, but I
support his right to share his thoughts, even if they are hateful and
ill-timed. And my views on religion have changed as well. Back then, we were
going to church and I had an active prayer life. Now, we focus on our family
and instead of sitting around talking to God in our heads. I am just happy I was able to outlive him and his hatred. Our rainbow flag is flying a little brighter today.
Here is the letter:
Dear Reverend Phelps,
I was praying to God
the other night, and asked Him to help me understand all the evils that are
currently plaguing our world. I couldn’t
understand why such a benevolent creator would put such hateful and ungodly
folks on this planet, and have them do work in His good name. Then it dawned on
me…
I immediately thanked
God for this revelation, and ended my prayer to write this letter to you. I did
some searching on the Internet, and found that in all the places that you and
your congregation gather to protest, there is a great deal of love and
outpouring of support for LGBT people and issues. Often times, there had been no support
before, but with the advent of your protests, people rally and come together,
united in their intolerance for hatred and narrow minds.
You are doing God’s
work, bringing people together to support LGBT concerns. Look at all the money the folks in Ann Arbor
raised when you were there!(see link) They couldn’t have done that without your
help. Other communities are beginning to
use this method as well… making your protest pay off for other causes. It’s a win/win situation for all the groups. You get your protest, and they get the
money. The longer you protest, the more they
make. What a great plan!
And look at Ferndale,
MI where you recently did your thing. The city really didn’t have a focus or
any kind of support for LGBT supporters.
But once you announced you were coming, groups formed, support networks
cropped up, and the whole city united against you and your message of hatred. And
just in time for the holidays. Without
you in Ferndale, this new community wouldn’t have happened. You really should have worn a bow that day,
as this was a great present to this community!
Thank you Reverend
Phelps and thanks you to your congregation as well. You are doing God’s work, spreading His love
and understanding, whether you realize it or not. I now understand why you were put on this
planet. You are the galvanizer of
communities and causes. Where you wish
to disband and protest, you instead create support and understanding. Your little message of hatred spawns a
greater message of love and Christian understanding.
Now when I pray, I
thank my God each night for you and your congregation, and ask that He support
you in your unintentional cause. You have much work to do Fred, you aren’t
getting any younger. Go out there and spread
God’s word!
God Bless you Fred!
