Protestors from Westboro Baptist Church gathered on Rosecrans last Sunday, Oct. 16 across from The Rock church. The anti-gay, anti-semitic Kansas organization has drawn national attention from gathering at funerals of fallen soldiers and church services. (Photo by Ricky Page)

A small but tempestuous group of the Westboro Baptist Church picketers continued to spread their mantra of “God Hates Fags” Oct. 18 outside of The Rock Church.

The religious group from Topeka, Kan. desires to “engage in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth,” according to the organization’s Web site.

The group came to San Diego Oct. 16 to picket a total of 29 locations throughout the area. The protest at San Diego High School was overshadowed by a larger anti-protest, which included the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance.

Ricky Page, Save Ministries pastor at The Rock Church, was present for the protesting on Rosecrans Street and said that it was only in the evening that any sort of “ruckus” was made, with anti-protestors swarming the Westboro group and both factions singing songs supporting their respective causes.

“I think that [the Westboro church group] likes [the conflict],” said Page. “It’s part of their shtick.”

The protests outside of the church were reminiscent of protests held a year ago by members of the gay-lesbian community in objection to Proposition 8, which The Rock supported.

“We did not take a stance on homosexuality; we took a strong stance on marriage,” said Page. “Our message is not hate, but love and acceptance. Our doors are open to everyone. Our hope is that the scum of the earth, like murderers, drug dealers and gangbangers, will come fill it.”

Pamela Davis, the head of public relations for The Rock, noted how the protestors had young children with them holding signs of God’s hatred and condemnation.

“That is just not the message that we preach at all,” said Davis.

Page said protesting is essentially an ineffective practice that is a “poor reflection of Christ” and that is “detrimental to the kingdom.” The Westboro Baptist protestors probably don’t see things the same way, he said.

“I think those people think that they are doing something good with all of their heart, in some sick way,” Page said. “It’s sad because they are very misguided.”

–Amy Smith, News editor