Church displays disturbing messages

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Wednesday, members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church came to Hampton Roads. They stood outside several local military installations carrying signs and chanting anti-American songs. Including the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, where they were met by a small group of protesters with a message of their own.

Less than a mile from the facility that treats wounded Sailors and Marines, the group from Westboro Baptist Church stood on a street corner carrying controversial signs.

A passing motorist told WAVY.com that the display disturbed him.

"We're out here saying that a doomed America is relying upon the strength of it's military. That's a mistake," explained WBC Member, Margie Phelps.

Their contempt lies, not only with the military, but the nation as a whole. And they say God is on their side.

Protesters could be heard singing: "God hates America, the dying soldiers' home."

"God is no longer blessing America, he is cursing America. And where you find it is in the face of the violent military brute," Phelps continued.

That's a slap in the face to Jennifer Randall, who has family members in the military, "We have so many young people over there dying everyday so they can stand and do stuff like that."

A small group of counter protesters challenged not only the message from the Kansas-based group, but their faith as well.

Sandie Garren who opposes the WBC said, "These people do not represent us as Christians. This is not Christianity and God does not hate anybody."

"That's why it's important to stand against messages of intolerance and bigotry," explained another opposed the the WBC.

Most people just drove right by.