Fred Phelps protests New York's gay/lesbian synagogue

Jun 21 2009 8:45 am

Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, New York City's gay/lesbian synagogue, is under attack by Fred Phelps, whose Westboro Baptist Churchis a hatemongering organization known most widely for picketing the funerals of people with HIV, of Matthew Shepard, of servicemen killed in Iraq, and most recently, the funeral of Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns, the security officer killed at the National Holocaust Museum in Washington.

CBST has received warning that members of the Westboro Baptist Church are coming to protest against their congregation Sunday, June 21, at 8:45 a.m. at their location at 57 Bethune Street in the West Village. CBST staff say the group has also targeted other New York synagogues this weekend.

CBST will be holding a non-violent prayer vigil and service during the time of their protest. Those who attend are encouraged to bring a tallit and colorful signs that read:

"We are all created in God's image"
"God loves all of us"
"God made me gay"
and similar messages.

CBST is also encouraging supporters to pledge $1 or more per minute that the Westboro Baptist Church representatives are picketing the synagogue, so their presence will benefit LGBT causes. Click here for more info.