Protesters Picket Gate Outside Lily Dale On Saturday
By Robert RizzutoArticle Photos
LILY DALE - What began as a peaceful, sunny day in Lily Dale took an interesting turn when about a dozen protesters showed up outside the gates to exercise their constitutional rights.
They weren't demonstrating based on the second amendment, but they did shoot harsh words toward the tourists and staff at the spiritual community.
"The true God damns all false prophets to hell for all of eternity," a pre-pubescent boy yelled toward the gates. "Repent now for your own salvation!"
The group held signs quoting Bible verses while another read "Harry Potter will damn you to hell."
According to the group's leader, a man who only identified himself as John, the group travels throughout the country to protest various people and events spanning everything from gay pride and equal rights rallies to spiritual and religious events that don't jive with their beliefs.
"We came up here from South Florida and even though the words might seem harsh, we are here because we care about every soul inside that compound," he said. "We are believing, born-again Christians- conservative Baptists."
The group was engaged by two youths from inside Lily Dale, who began debating with the protesters.
"What gives you the right to attack these people for what they believe?" the boy said. "Are you a priest?"
The youths continued on with counterpoints to the group's statements but eventually gave up on debate and returned to Lily Dale. At that point, the group returned to yelling at vehicles entering and exiting the gates. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department was called to the scene before 2 p.m., but left after it was determined that the group was within its constitutional right to assemble.
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John68
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06-30-09 1:07 PM
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Why don't they spend their time and resources being good examples like helping the sick, homeless, elderly instead of shouting their rhetoric at passing cars. This is such a good example of the definition of fanatic.
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danyay
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06-29-09 8:51 AM
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At least this protest makes sense, unlike the scumbags that protest soldiers' funerals.
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justsomegirl
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06-28-09 8:03 PM
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I guess when people look at their Bibles they see different things. Some see love, hope, and helping thy neighbors. Others get harassment, hate, and damnation out of it. I can't say I've seen many people persuaded by someone screaming at them with an offensive sign. Of course they have a right to assemble. I'd hate for them to lose that. But just because you can doesn't mean it's good for your cause.
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Richard70
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06-28-09 7:31 PM
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I look now and see tyranny and incompetence from people who pass themselves off as Christian people. They say both God and the holy son Jesus love all, yet lo and behold that these "followers" are oppressing their own will upon other people and their beliefs. They say God doesn't want intellectuals like those at Lily Dale, yet they contradict themselves. Are you absolutely sure that God, who is patient, loving to all, and compassionate, does not want spiritual beings; or is it those that USE the lord's holy and sacred name for their OWN personal gain not wanting these spiritual beings. Seeing as God is always watching, as loving as he is, he would feel SHAME for these followers who oppose their own will and belief on others. It is these type of people that suppress others' will that create chaos and destruction within the world.
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shebear
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06-28-09 7:06 PM
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The protesting "Christians" are a good example of why I no longer belong to any church. After many years of service in Christian churches serving God the best way I knew how, I grew to realize that God's love is not conditional. When I think if Jesus' qualities, I realize he practiced Faith, Patience, Understanding, Tolerance and Unconditional Love. Were John and his followers doing the same?
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Eileen
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06-28-09 2:10 PM
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I would love to have these people read the principles of a Spiritualist Church. Maybe they would find it in their hearts to change their judgemental negative actions. Let's all pray for their spiritual growth. Amen
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NYNana
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06-28-09 11:23 AM
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Lily Dale has been around for 130 years, these people arent going to change it. The grounds are very beautiful and serene and I have always enjoyed spending time there, especially in the fall. As for these protesters from Florida, go back to Florida and protest till the cows come home. Your group is the EXACT reason why I left the Baptist church as soon as I was old enough to stand up to my parents. And this *John* who would only give his first name, if you believe is something so fiercely, why not own it and identify yourself? Sleezebags all! They may have the right to protest and I believe in the right to assemble but I also have the right to disagree with the cowards who will not identify themselves and to express my disgust at these nomads traveling the country to shove their will down other people's throats and not have the guts to own it.
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NFBLONDIE
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06-28-09 10:10 AM
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GET A REAL LIFE
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StowFairy
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06-28-09 9:21 AM
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I disagree with the message, but defend their right to deliver it.
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GIZMO7
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06-28-09 12:44 AM
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GOOD GOOD GOOD GOD BLESS FOR DOING THAT
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