With the tragedy at Northern Illinois University yesterday, many have responded by extending their hearts and prayers to the students and families affected. In the strange world we inhabit where school shootings have become eerily common, this outpouring of sympathy is what we've come to expect from the general public, particularly faith-based organizations like churches.
But not Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka.
In a press release (downloadable in pdf from their website), Westboro Baptist Church announces, "Thank God for the Shooter at Northern Illinois Univ[ersity]." The press release goes on to explain that, "God sent the Shooter," because, "God Hates Fags! & Fag-Enablers. Ergo, God hates fag-dominated Northern Illinois Univ[ersity]."
I guess this is no surprise coming from the church group that protests soldiers' funerals, and flaunts the slogan "Thank God for AIDS," and owns the URL godhatesfags.com.
At least Michael Moore is on our side.
Also, isn't Huckabee an ordained Southern Baptist minister?
By: Becki Scholl
For a limited time:

Donate $20 or more to In These Times and we'll send you a copy of Let This Radicalize You.
In this new book, longtime organizers and movement educators Mariame Kaba and Kelly Hayes examine the political lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, including the convergence of mass protest and mass formations of mutual aid. Let This Radicalize You answers the urgent question: What fuels and sustains activism and organizing when it feels like our worlds are collapsing?
We've partnered with the publisher, Haymarket Books, and 100% of your donation will go towards supporting In These Times.