Anti-Gay Church to Protest at Elmbrook Church

An anti-gay church that has a reputation for picketing funerals of military members who were killed in action is coming to southeastern Wisconsin and plans to protest at area churches.

Westboro Baptist Church in 2011 pledged to increase its protests after it was determined they could picket military funerals under the First Amendment. The group pickets military funerals with anti-gay messages as it believes that military deaths are God's punishment for homosexuality in the United States.

The Westboro Baptist Church’s website states it will be at the mega-church from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sunday. services on Sundays are 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

"WBC will picket the dog-kennel masquerading as a church known as Elmbrook Church in religious protest and warning," the group said. "These phony preachers lie about God's word in order to fill the pews and collect more money."

Other protests in the Milwaukee area on Sunday (unless otherwise indicated) include:

• Hales Corners Lutheran
• Basilica of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee
• Grace Lutheran in Milwaukee
• Christian Faith Fellowship Church of God, Milwaukee
• Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist, Milwaukee
• Miller Park (July 4)
• Dane County Courthouse (July 6)
• Wisconsin Capitol (July 6)

Christine Jacobs at Oak Creek Assembly of God told WTMJ4 that the Westboro group’s goal is to upset people. “The Bible says we are to live in peace with everyone, that we are to do everything in love,” she told the TV station.

An Elmbrook church-goer told WISN 12 that Elmbrook’s message “is that we should be showing love towards people that maybe don't agree with us.”