During a court battle over child custody, there were a few (not sure how many) church services in which protesters standing out on Oakland Road. There were some thoughts and observations during that time which I will share.

   First a little background, I had participated in a few anti-abortion demonstrations previous to attending Word of Faith Fellowship in Spindale, NC. The group I was a part of in Charleston, SC, would hold signs along a highway and just stand without shouting at passing motorists. We would stand for a while and sometimes move to another spot. It was totally meant to be non-confrontational. I remember no incidents of violence or hostility at these protests.

    The first Sunday, in which we encountered protesters while driving to the church, we came upon them and had not been warned. Quickly the children were told not to look and put their heads down. I was driving and could not spend time looking, but I did glance toward the protesters and recognized no one. There were signs and people were shouting. As I remember, the expressions on their faces looked angry. At that time, it made me wonder “What had we done wrong?” The other thought I had was “Why do I attend a church that is being protested?” I had been a demonstrator in years past and now our group was the subject of a demonstration? Are we being persecuted because we are “right”? Those thoughts stuck with me.

    Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) was being protested by a group supposedly brought together by Shanna Muse. I say supposedly, because after I left WOFF, I found out we did not get the complete story about several things while on the inside. If any readers were in the protest group, please comment and share your thoughts at the end of this post.

    During at least one of the Sunday morning services, the doors to the sanctuary were left open and the praise team was on stage, as we all loudly sang “Throw Open Your Doors..” There was a strong “us vs. them” spirit and several members seemed on high alert. The security team was constantly watching and monitoring the protesters. I do not remember if any were reported as having come down the road to the church. The Sunday evening service time was moved back and the length shortened so we would all be gone and if they showed up at the normal time, then no WOFF members would be there except the security team. Also, if I remember right, the next Sunday morning service was moved to an earlier time and we may have just stayed home that next Sunday evening. (Had “church” at our homes..) So, WOFF members were directed when to come and go in order to avoid possibly seeing the protestors. I realize I was not fully aware of exactly what the protestor’s message was at that time. And why was that?

    The full message of the protest was not allowed to get to us or if questions came up they were answered with a canned answer of some type. Maybe the protest would have been more effective if the protesters had not been screaming and looking angry? I am not so sure, but it is a thought to consider. Since my leaving of WOFF, I have learned so much as to why these folks could have been angry. But, extreme emotional displays rarely are constructive when protestors or demonstrators gather to exercise their rights to free speech. Free speech is a right we should not ignore or discount.  

     So, when WOFF services were put back on regular service times, I wondered what changed. Why did the protesters not show again? If anyone had knowledge of that time period from the outside of WOFF, I would appreciate a comment or email and possibly a discussion of perspectives. For the most part, the majority of WOFF members were “protected” from knowing the entire situation. Remember, as WOFF members we did not have access to TV, radio or newspapers. WOFF members relied on what Jane Whaley and certain leadership members would choose to share. Talking about the whole deal between each other was discouraged as things could “get off track”. Besides, if you talked and knew more than the next person, you would be questioned- How do you know that?

    Since leaving WOFF, I have been involved in several political rallies and demonstrations, none with violence. Below is a picture taken at a large rally in Washington, D.C. I am very familiar with peaceful, effective protests.

  Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. It could very well save their life. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

      (Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, the information about WOFF is from my memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. ) This is post number 98.