February 21, 2011 | Online

Hackers promise to take down Westboro

The Westboro Baptist Church, known for hating gays and picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers, is (hopefully) about to have its cyber-ass kicked by a group of hackers collectively known as Anonymous. Last week, the group released an open letter warning Westboro to stop spreading hate and lies, otherwise "the damage incurred will be irreversible." 

Rev. Fred Phelps leads the Church, crashing funerals with signs like "God Hates the USA" or "Thank God for 9/11." The group is behind the website godhatesfags.com.

Anonymous is not amused. 

"We, the collective super-consciousness known as ANONYMOUS ... have long heard you issue your venomous statements of hatred, and we have witnessed your flagrant and absurd displays of inimitable bigotry and intolerant fanaticism. 

"... we have hitherto allowed you to continue preaching your benighted gospel of hatred and your theatrical exhibitions of, not only your fascist views, but your utter lack of Christ-like attributes. [But] ANONYMOUS cannot abide this behavior any longer.

"Cease and desist your protest campaign in the year 2011, return to your homes in Kansas, & close your public Web sites. Should you ignore this warning, you will meet with the vicious retaliatory arm of ANONYMOUS: We will target your public Websites, and the propaganda & detestable doctrine that you promote will be eradicated; the damage incurred will be irreversible, and neither your institution nor your congregation will ever be able to fully recover."

You can read the full letter here.

Westboro, of course, wasted no time responding ...

"Bring It!" was the reaction, posted in a flyer.

Phelps addressed his reply to "anonymous crybaby hackers" claiming "nothing will shut up these words —ever."

We're kind of glad Westboro won't back down. Let loose the hackers; that bitch is going down!

Hackers warn Westboro Church: Stop now or else [CBS News]

Westboro to Hackers: Bring It!  [The Advocate]