First, my prayers for comfort and healing go out to the family of Smiths Station Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland. I mean that sincerely. 

That said, it seems that the following has been of major concern to both the general public and among clergy:

“outing”

“people being allowed to be who they are”

“space for people to be who they are”

“being a Republican/Conservative”

“free speech in the media”

“Christianity”

So here we go forgetting women and children as victims …..again. The sufferings of women and children-whether they struggle with identity and sexuality or not-matter.

Victims

Trans Activists Mourn Alabama Mayor Who Committed Suicide After Being Outed As A Crossdresser Who Fantasized About Murdering Woman

This is a terrible and tragic situation—one with many victims.

But amid the broader discussion, I wish we heard more concern for the safety of children and women. That priority feels noticeably absent.

From what I’ve read, it appears that Pastor Mayor Copeland allegedly wrote a fictional piece where a real-life woman from the town was cast as a character.
Disturbingly, this fictional character—clearly modeled after a real woman—was described as someone the main character wanted to murder.

For any woman to discover that she’s been the subject of such a violent fantasy—especially written by someone in a position of power and trust—
isn’t just unsettling. It’s terrifying.

We know that some of history’s most dangerous individuals began by fantasizing about violence. Writing it. Obsessing over it.
And too often, people dismissed those early signs—until it was too late.

So I find myself asking:

• Is this woman okay?

• How is she holding up emotionally, mentally, physically?

• Is she receiving support and protection?

• Are local authorities taking her safety seriously—especially if Pastor Copeland has “followers” or admirers?

Because no woman should have to live with that kind of fear alone.
And no one should be expected to dismiss it as “just fiction.”

When Expression Crosses the Line: Protecting Women and Children Matters

According to what I’ve read, it appears that real children from the town were depicted in inappropriate and disturbing memes—shared publicly online.

Let’s be honest:
Shame is a heavy burden, especially when it’s placed on the wrong shoulders.

Yes, people have the right to express themselves.
That includes women—who should always feel safe to live, speak, and create freely.

And yes, ideally, Pastor Mayor Copeland could have sought help before crossing any lines.
But from what’s publicly available, it seems he chose to express himself on large platforms, in deeply troubling ways.
He made his choices.

But here’s the truth that should never get lost:

Women and children are people too.
We have the right to make our own choices.
We have the right to live free from being objectified, harmed, or used for anyone else’s gratification.

We are not props.
We are not punchlines.
We are not here to satisfy fantasies or fetishes—online or offline.

Women and children are sacred.

We carry purpose.
We carry beauty.
We carry value far beyond any of that mess.

And hear this clearly:

• It is not hateful to expect safety for women and children.

• It is not unloving to draw a firm line around what’s harmful.

• It is not un-Christian to say, “This is wrong.”

Protecting women and children from acts of sexual deviance is Christian love.
Ending harm against women and children is Christian love.

Sometimes, bringing the truth into the light is the only way healing and justice can begin.

And for the sake of the ones most vulnerable, we must be willing to do just that.

**Update**

 

New information continues to come to light in this tragedy.