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Church Group Vows To Protest Ledger's Funeral

Because of gay film role...

Wednesday 23rd Jan 2008

Church Group Vows To Protest Ledger's Funeral
...more Heath Ledger »

A church group has vowed to protest Heath Ledger’s funeral because of his starring role in the hit film, Brokeback Mountain.

Reverend Fred Phelps's from the Westboro Baptist Church has allegedly produced a flyer urging people to “picket” the actors funeral because of his involvement in the Academy Award winning flick - which tells the story of a sexual relationship between two men in the American West from 1963 to 1983.

The distasteful flyer reads: ”Yes! WBC will picket this pervert's funeral, in religious protest and warning.”

The leaflet ends with a damning statement, about the actors tragic and untimely death.

”Heath Ledger is now in hell” it conintues. “[He] has begun serving his eternal sentence there - beside which, nothing else about Heath Ledger is rerevant or consequential."

The 28-year-old actor was found dead at 3.30pm on Tuesday, at his Manhattan home.

His naked body was discovered in his bed by a housekeeper, who called 911 after failing to rouse the actor.

NYPD sources say that Ledger was in full cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived on the scene.

Tragically, attempts to administer CPR were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.


By: Diana Barbarich

Photo: WENN

Reader Comments

(40)
  • This does Christianity no favours. What sort of religion preaches hate and would picket someones funeral. Disgusting.

    by Joshua, London

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

    • we do not need these things! we just miss him, we love him. I used to see a picture that looks like him on casualpal.com, but it was the last time I see his smile.

      by hotbabe | Send Message Send Message View Profile View User's Comments

       1 year, 10 months ago

  • WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE.. HE WAS PLAYING A PART, THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED ACTING!! lOSER A** HOLES. iF THERE IS A HELL YOU JUDGEMENTAL f**KS WILL BE FIRST IN LINE TO GO THERE. MR. PHELPS YOU WILL FOR SURE ROT IN HELL WITH MEN DOING UNSPEAKABLE THINGS TO YOUR TIRED, HOLIER THEN THOU BODY.

    by LISA, Estacada, OR

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

    • What a bunch of freaks at this ignorant baptist church, get a life and move on. He played a role, He was an actor, stupid baptist people, you think he is going to hell, well Mr. Reveren Fred Phelp's you are an awfull person and a ignornat one too, that should not be running a church, two face freak! God see's eveything, so he will see your true colors, hateful person!! GET OVER IT!!! Gay people rule this world anyway!! Get use to it!!!

      by Nance, Houston, Texas

       1 year, 10 months ago

  • Fred Phelps needs to stay in Topeka and let Ledger's family and friends grieve in privacy, not ruin everything.

    by Dee, Kansas City, MO, USA

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

    • Fred needs to stay in Topeka?? Oh no, he needs to go away. Somewhere far, far away from Topeka.

      by The J, Everywhere

       1 year, 10 months ago

  • those morons!! i will hate them always for that!! religion is useless, for racists and homophobics like them. It was only a role, it had nothing to do with his own sexuality. R.I.P HEATH

    by unknown, .

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • would love to see pepper spray or tazer used on Phelps!!

    by tom, tucson az usa

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • I will have to remember to bring some toilet paper so I can properly "protest" at Phelps' funeral

    by K, A

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • It's amazing Rev. Phelps hasn't been assinated yet. Check out godhatesfags.com...

    by NATE, minneapolis, mn

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • i'm utterly disgusted by phelps narrow minded comments, heath ledger was an outstanding actor! PHELPS your living in the dark ages WEIRDO!!!! MAY I ADD ITS YOU PHELPS THAT IS GOING TO HELL! for all that vile poison that rolls off your tounge.

    by charlene, portsmouth

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • If we are each in God's hands, judging another is an act of self-delusion. It is a mistake to judge because it is impossible for anyone to know a better or faster way to transform another person's heart than the way God has chosen. Mr. Phelps does not speak for God, and demostrates his own angst with regard to his sexuality, for we are what we fear most. You Mr. Phelps fear homosexuals!

    by Joshua, Luke: 6.37

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • Uh, wait...Has Mr. Phelps looked up the definition of the word MERCY? In addition, he should understand this: An an actor in a movie role playing a gay dude = NOT REAL. Catholic priests sodomizing young boys in God's home = REAL. Someone call the HYPOCRISY and SACRILEGE police!

    by gg, San Diego, CA

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • If these idiots really do that at his funeral, then I hope someone beats the shit out of them.

    by B, Nashville, Untied States

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • The hypocrisy is simply unbelievable. A death like Heath's is nothing short of a tragedy. It is Phelps that will be in hell for his intolerance, bigotry, hatred and overwhelming stupidity. I cannot believe that someone could spew SO MUCH venom and loathing against homosexuality. My guess is that a pre-teen Phelps was rejected by an abnormal uncle for whom he secretly lusted.

    by Chris, Dayton, OH

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • Even my holy-roller grandmother would disapprove, and that's saying something. The man deserves his last rights. You'll be in hell for this, Mr. Phelps.

    by B, usa

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • You shouldn't even run this story--all the Westboro idiots want is free publicity, after all. You're merely playing into their hands.

    by Trask, The Bluegrass State

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • two wrongs dont make a right. where is it in the bible you can talk bad about people, especially when there family is moorning his death? what gives you the right to judge someone for anything they did? last time i checked that was up to god. i guess everybody is entitle to there own opinio. i just cant believe that anyone would say such and thing...how UNchristian like! PEOPLE, all he did was play an Oscar winning role in a moving. he was an awesome actor and will always be remembered that way

    by troy & jen miller, jax, fl usa

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • Being a baptist myself, I am disgusted with this church and the hate that they spew. They are extremists, and have no compassion for anyone. I am disgusted by their lack of respect for Heath and for his family. I was deeply saddened to hear of his loss, and my heart goes out to his family.

    by Julie, Melbourne, FL

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • How can anyone with views like this consider themselves Christian ? This is a sickening and godless expression of hate.

    by kparigian, New York, NY

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • As a catholic and christian I find this disgusting. They should not be considered christian they are some of the worst people on earth if they do indeed do it. They should quit hinding behind there religion because they fear something

    by Adam, midland, Michigan

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • WOW. I know someone who's going to Hell and it's not Heath Ledger. Fred Phelps needs to take a long look at himself and realize how non-Christ-like his actions are. Jesus Christ would be deeply ashamed of Fred Phelps. Woody Allen said it best: "If Jesus Christ were alive today and saw all the things that were being done in his name, he'd never stop throwing up." And I'm not even Christian. I'm still in a state of shock over Phelps' actions...what a sick man.

    by Rachel, Connecticut

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • I don't think it is right for a supposed man of God to be saying such hateful things at a time when a family is mourning the loss of their son. The bible states that men look on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. The man only played a part, but he shouldn't be ostracised for it. Heath will be standing before the Lord of Glory and we are not to suppose what the Lord will say to him. Who knows, when we get there what will God say to us? We need to watch what we say now.

    by katy, cedaredge,co usa

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • How dare they try to disrupt something as sacred as a funeral? I don't know where Heath is right now, but I'm willing to bet Phelps will surely burn in hell someday.

    by anne, USA

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • If these people come to Illinois I will be arrested… murder or battery I’m not sure… we’ll have to see if “The Reverend” gets back up off the ground. By the way, what does it mean if one of these idiots gets killed? Will the congregation assume they had a secretly gay member in their midst?

    by Beck, Illinois

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • I've always thought that to be a christian you were not to judge ppl, to me it sounds like Phelps will be rotting in hell along w/ all of the other hypocrits in this world. I can not believe any God loving human being would protest at someone's funeral! That's immoral! Need I say what God will think about that! R.I.P Heath, I'll always love you! Deepest Sympathy for the Ledger Family

    by Miss014 | Send Message Send Message View Profile View User's Comments

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • Please know that not all Christians, and Baptists believe this way. This is a small and ignorant group of people who should not call themselves Christians. They are preaching hate, not love, and I know that I serve a mighty and loving God. This same man and church also protests the funerals of our military heroes and often harass the family members of military personnel. Please don't give them the power to make you upset, it only fuels them. My prayers are with the Ledger family.

    by Amanda, US

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • I was appalled to see this,these people are not truley religious if thy are planning to pickett a funeral,they should be ashamed of themselves!Them saying he is in Hell for playing a character who is gay?Its just another of the many wonderful characters he played,it is absurd and disrespectful.I havent seen or heard anything about him that would make me believe that.They think they are holier than thou,but in the end,God judges us all equally and they will be treated no different than the rest

    by terrana30 | Send Message Send Message View Profile View User's Comments

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • If those sons of bitches show up at his funeral, we will be ready to face them . Don't listen to what those cocksuckers say. The WBC are wrong and isn't a church whatsoever.

    by Sean Pultz, Stamford, CT USA

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • that's sick! I have always thought that religous people are educated people, but for Phelps religion is just a cover for an ideology and discrimination. Besides, how dumb should a person be to associate actor's role with his personality?! Heath was an outstanding actor and we will miss him terribly..

    by madara, Riga, Latvia

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • Isn't Christianity about TRYING to FOLLOW CHRIST!?? How is picketing someone's funeral FOLLOWING CHRIST?!? It isn't HIS FAMILY'S fault he chose to act as a gay cowboy, so why punish them?.. Heath Ledger isn't here to defend himself and why not picket his NY apartment? Why wait till he's dead? You cowards!! Let the family grieve in Peace cos I know if it was your son, you'd want the same opportunity, regardless of career choice..

    by Lois T, Sydney, Australia

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • The sooner a meteorite lands on a church full of those dimwits, the better.

    by Bob, Melbourne, Australia

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • F**KTHE CHURCH! Let this man rest in peace you brain washed haters! Go worship your fake god Jesus you sick fucks, and let this poor soul rest. I'm against the church for many reasons but this one is tops on my list! Most of these guys who hate gays so much normally are closet homosexuals who can't admit their own real self to them self's so they tear others down. Heath wasn't gay he was acting in a movie! Grow up, and leave him alone!

    by ThaJackaL, 305/MIAMI, USA

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • I HATE THE F****** CHURCH FOR MANY REASONS, AND THEY JUST ADDED TO THEM! F*** THE CHURCH, F*** RELIGION, AND F*** ANYONE WHO'S BRAIN WASHED BY THEIR BULLSHIT LIES! JESUS IS A F*** CHARACTER MADE UP TO BRAIN WASH THE WEAK! HA THERE I SAID IT! THE TRUTH REVEALED! YOU DUMB F*** SHOULD SEEK THERAPY INSTEAD OF DOING THIS TO HEATH! HE PLAYED A ROLE IN A MOVIE YOU F****! LET THE MANS SOUL REST IN PEACE! F*** MAN HOW CAN SO CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD BE SO EVIL!?

    by ThaJackaL | Send Message Send Message View Profile View User's Comments

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • If you too dislike what this "church" is doing, consider helping some of the many other people they terrorize at funerals. Consider joining the Patriot Guard Riders. The Patriot Guard attends funerals of deceased military personnel at the request of the family and will "shield" the family from these idiots if needed so the family can't see them. It is a very moving experience to know that you've helped someone through what may be the most difficult moment of their life. ww

    by Hi there, missouri

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • I can say that being a Christian myself, I believe that they are damning God and our lord for such hatred. God and jesus should not and will not be a blanket for such hatred amoung our fellow man. They need to stop calling themselves Christians and say what they really are! Stop damning our God and Jesus!!

    by Kyla, Texas

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • Religious fanatics are the worst and they claim to be peaceful people? Please! Look at the church how they keep it hush hush when priests molests altar boys. Bunch on hypocrites. I agree with the other poster. Heath Ledger was an actor and a very good one for accepting a role like that. If these religious morons are so clueless, they should take a look at their own lives. I bet ya, half are wife beaters, child molesters, and marry their own brothers and sisters, etc. Let Heath rest in peace!

    by Sally, New York, NY, USA

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • How can a person have so much hate in himself? Heath was an excellent actor and a great and lovely person. Protesting his funeral is not normal and only foolish and envy people can do that. We all should respect him for what he did for his life, and how good he acted (not lot of, especially, young people act like he did). Let Heath leave in peace and surrounded with love. We'll miss him so much. God, don't let them ruin his last day among us. Rest In Peace Heath. We'll love you forever!

    by Lara, Serbia

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • How can a person have so much hate in himself? Heath was an excellent actor and a great and lovely person. Protesting his funeral is not normal and only foolish and envy people can do that. We all should respect him for what he did for his life, and how good he acted (not lot of, especially, young people act like he did). Let Heath leave in peace and surrounded with love. We'll miss him so much. God, don't let them ruin his last day among us. Rest In Peace Heath. We'll love you forever!

    by Lara | Send Message Send Message View Profile View User's Comments

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • omg they f*ckin weirdos how disrespectful

    by zoe, new york

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • There are only 70 protesting members of Phelps Church. Come on fans there must be at leat 7,000 or should that be 70,000? If they want to protest lets show them how it's done. Kick their &^%$$ back to Topeka. How dare they hurt the family in this manner! Heath is long gone......the funeral is about his family and those left behind. How can a 2 year old daughter defend herself.? We need to preserve his memory for his daughters sake. Get your boots on guys cause us Aussies won't sit by and wat

    by Frances Cantrill, Australia

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • Would all you people who keep saying that Rev. Phelps should go back to Topeka tell me what the citizens of Topeka HAVE EVER DONE TO YOU??????? Tag! You're It! You keep him!!!!!!!!!

    by The J, Everywhere

     1 year, 10 months ago

    [reply]

  • I find outrageous all the gossips about Heather Ledger, who has the right to judge Mr. Ledger? On the other hand, the despicable criticism for his role of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain makes me sick and tire; by the way, what can anyone say about Collin Farrell playing the role of Alexander the Great and killing his best friend and lover? You have the well-known English actor Jude Law who acted as the perverse son of the Marquis of Queensberry who had seduced Oscar Wilde? They were acting.

    by Metternich | Send Message Send Message View Profile View User's Comments

     1 year, 9 months ago

    [reply]

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