Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Radio 4,14 mins

Why I was picketing churches at age five

PM

Available for over a year

Westboro Baptist Church was founded in 1955 by Fred Phelps and mainly comprises of members of the Phelps family who wave their banners at events like the funerals of soldiers or of people who've died of AIDS. Eight years ago, Louis Theroux made a documentary about the family entitled: "The Most Hated Family in America." PM interviews Megan Phelps-Roper, the grandaughter of Fred Phelps. She grew up in the Westboro Church and played an active part in its activities. But three years ago at the age of 26, she walked out. She describes her formative years.

Programme Website
More episodes