A group that has protested several times in Jefferson City and around the country over various issues has announced plans to return to town.
Members of the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church issued a news release last week saying they plan to protest at five Jefferson City churches starting at 8:45 a.m. and concluding around 11 a.m. Sunday.
The churches are Concord Baptist on West Truman Boulevard; Capital West Christian and Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ, both on Fairgrounds Road; Bible Baptist Church on Country Club Drive; and the Cathedral of St. Joseph on West Main Street.
Westboro officials said these churches were chosen because they are preaching what they believe are false doctrines - that God loves everyone and God is not sovereign - as well as the preachers of these churches not preaching "boldly against sin."
Westboro has a national reputation for protesting at soldiers' funerals and for its inflammatory anti-LGBT messages.
Leaders of the Jefferson City churches said they have been aware for several days of the potential Westboro protests and have strived to take precautions if they do show up Sunday.
"From what we know of them, this is just their normal practice," said the Rev. Ken Harland of Capital West Christian Church. "One of our members who works with other religious organizations across the country said their members go to several locations at one time."
The Westboro website indicates members also plan to protest Sunday in Florida.
"They are just out to disrupt, and they know what to do on the outside," Harland said. "It doesn't fit with what a church should be doing."
This is the second time in two years Westboro members have planned to picket at Concord.
"These people are off the radar on what the Bible teaches," Pastor Monte Shinkle said. "We love God. We love people. We don't agree with everybody, but we proclaim the love of God for all. And I think it's an embarrassment that they can use Baptist in their church name."
Jefferson City Police Chief Roger Schroeder advised churchgoers to take the protests in stride.
"Regardless of their message, they do cooperate with us," Schroeder said. "Sometimes counter protests can lead to problems, and we have urged the leaders of these churches to please not provoke anything.
"The best thing is to ignore them because they thrive on attention. If they don't get it, then it's peaceful and they go home."
Schroeder said the police department will have a discreet presence at all five churches to protect all parties involved.
"We do recognize their First Amendment rights, and we strive to protect those rights," he said.