The Capital Times reports that in Madison on Saturday Scott Anderson will become "the first openly gay minister in a same-sex relationship ordained by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A." Like clockwork the Westboro Baptist Church has announced plans to show up and protest the proceedings.

The group, led by Fred Phelps and his daughter Margie, made headlines nationally this morning when they announced via iPhone that they planned to protest the funeral of Steve Jobs. Margie tweeted, "Westboro will picket his funeral.He had a huge platform; gave God no glory & taught sin."

Regarding Saturday's protest in Madison, WBC writes on their website "Scott Anderson has no hope of heaven, and you know it. Yet, you refuse to tell him the truth and enable him in his sin. God Hates Fags and Fag-Enablers alike -- you are all worthy of death (hell)."

A counter-protest has already been planned at the church in the form of a charity drive. Polly Shoemaker wrote on the Facebook event page, "If you want to bring a clever sign, feel free, but otherwise, I'd love it if you can come by and drop off a canned or boxed food item or 1.5 yards of 60" fun, colorful fleece for Covenant's Project Linus blanket drive."

The Anti-Defamation League has labeled Westboro Baptist Church a "hate group."

The counter protest starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S. Segoe Road.

Image from Canoe Technology.

Jesse Russell

Co-Editor

Jesse was born and raised in Connecticut, began blogging in 1997, and moved to Madison in 2003. In 2005, he co-founded dane101 along with Kristian Knutson and Shane Wealti. In addition to helping nearly a dozen contributors run this website he's helped launch various events in the city including What's Your Damage?!, the MadPubQuiz of Awesomeness, the Fire Ball Masquerade, Dane101's Freakin' Halloweekend, and more.