Thank you to everyone who participated today! Together our community came together to renounce hate and intolerance.
NEW! Hundreds in Albany counter fringe group's road show
March 4th Spotlight News Article
March 5th Times Union Article
Welcome
As you may be aware, there has already been a great deal of publicity and editorializing about a potential visit by the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka KS, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps. This is a group that travels nationwide to disrupt public gatherings. They appeared at the presidential inauguration, proclaiming President Obama as the antichrist, and have picketed funerals of service personnel who died defending our country. This group proclaims that these service persons died in vain for a country they consider immoral for its tolerance of diversity.
They are planning to picket at Albany High School on March 6 to bring their message to – as they call them-- the ‘little violent beasts” that attend classes there. (Quote taken from a Westboro Baptist Church sponsored website) Many in the greater Albany Community are already planning nonviolent responses to this group because it is our obligation to speak out against such messages of hate. No high school student needs to be subjected to this.
The Classis of Albany of the Reformed Church in America and its ecumenical and interfaith partners has initiated a response to Westboro’s presence by calling on all people of faith to take “umbrage with such messages of hate” and affirm the faith community’s belief that “God is Love.” On Friday, March 6th, people of faith are encouraged to wear armbands, buttons, labels or to carry posters proclaiming “God is Love”. For armband, button, and label designs, as well as, other downloadable graphics, click here.
In addition to the Classis’ expression against intolerance, planning for peaceful picketing on the steps of Albany City Hall on the evening of March 5th is also proceeding. This effort is being coordinated by a steering committee of several non-profit groups and educational institutions. The Rev. Tony Green of First Congregational Church in Albany is a contact for further information about picketing activities. His e-mail address is Tony@godislovealbany.org .
For a list of scheduled events please see the event calendar.
Four Reformed Churches will be holding Prayer Vigils throughout the day. For information about them, please follow the vigils link.
Let us show once again the Capital District’s unique solidarity in standing beside each other as people of faith.
(Credit: Ian Leet with additions by Bruce Cornwell).