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Ep1. The Beginning

Megan Phelps-Roper reads from her unflinching memoir about being raised in the homophobic Westboro Baptist Church, and how she came to put its hateful doctrines behind her.

Megan Phelps-Roper reads from her unflinching memoir about what it was like to be raised in Topeka, Kansas in the Westboro Baptist Church – the religious sect aggressive in its homophobia and antisemitism, and notorious for picketing the funerals of American soldiers and rejoicing in the world’s worst disasters. From the age of five Megan was protesting daily, believing that she was doing God's work. Aged 26, Megan came to a realisation. Westboro’s teachings were a monstrous lie and she knew that she must leave, and turn her back on her family, her church — her entire world - and start over. In this episode, we hear how it all began.

Abridged by Sara Davies
Produced by Elizabeth Allard

Release date:

1 month left to listen

15 minutes

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How I escaped the notorious Westboro Baptist Church

How I escaped the notorious Westboro Baptist Church

Megan Phelps-Roper describes growing up in the Westboro Baptist Church & how she left.