WBC To Protest Clouse Children's Funeral

Mennonites are very peaceful, but extremely private in their interaction with the world outside of their own community. I've contaced the Mennonite Service Committee and asked if counter protesting is appropriately in line with Mennonite teaching. They, in turn, are contacting the Bishops in that area to inquire. I should have an answer soon. While it's understandable that people are enraged as well as outraged, we caution you to act instead of react. Wall of Peace will honor the decision of the Mennonite Bishops in PA as soon as we get a reply.~Kate 2 p.m. 3/11/11.

UPDATE ON CLOUSE CHILDREN FUNERAL- 4 p.m.

According to the Mennonite Church Elders, visitation will be held at the reception center from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday and again on Tuesday 10 to 11 a.m .The actual service for the children will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Perry Mennonite Reception Center in Elliottsburg,365 Montour Road. The Elders are requesting that the family's dignity be honored at both the visitation and service,and that any outsiders who are gathering to counter protest* NOT ENGAGE WBC IN ANY MANNER*. The Perry County Sheriff's Department will be on the scene. NO MOTORCYCLES OR OTHER NOISE MAKING DEVICES. Please follow instructions as you form the Wall of Peace.~Kate

PS-An FYI folks: Some Mennonite congregations require head coverings such as hats for the gents and a scarf for the ladies for their services.

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TOPEKA, KANSAS

Showing no discernible limit to their insensitivity, and seemingly eager to puff out their chests in the wake of their recent Supreme Court victory, the Westboro Baptist Church issued a press release stating they plan to protest at the funeral of the seven Clouse children killed in a tragic fire in Perry County this week. The release is full of bluster over their Supreme Court victory and claims the fire was a result of God's wrath for Pennsylvania. After all, isn't that where the man who sued them for protesting his son's funeral and inititiated a landmark free speech case resides? The release is replete with misinformation about the circumstances of the fire, claiming Mr.Clouse was asleep in his truck during the fire.

Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot has notified the State Police of Westboro's announcement and says there will be a police presence at the funerals. He also says he cannot fathom why the Westboro Baptists would want to protest. ."This is a family that's Christian in their beliefs and certainly shouldn't conflict with the beliefs of the Westboro Baptist Church," said Chenot.

The Clouse family is making funeral arrangements today for the seven children lost in the fire Tuesday night.

http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-westboro-protest-pe...%20http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-westboro-protest-perry-fire-funeral,0,5116994.story