Two of Phelps' granddaughters leave Westboro church

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two granddaughters of the founder of a Topeka anti-gay church have left the group and apologized for any hurt they caused others.

Megan Phelps-Roper and her sister, Grace Phelps-Roper, are the granddaughters of Fred Phelps, whose Westboro Baptist Church is known for protesting at funerals for service members and gay people and at other events. They are the daughters of Shirley Phelps-Roper, a prominent spokeswoman for the group.

The Kansas City Star reports (http://bit.ly/V11qbQ ) the two left the church last November but posted a statement on social media Wednesday explaining their decision. They say they still love their family and have not decided what to do next.

Steve Drain, a spokesman for the church, says the sisters have rejected the Lord and are headed for hell.