This day in WND History: May 24

Catholics threaten to 'wage war' over Antichrist sign

May 24, 2002: Catholics opposed to a controversial billboard proclaiming the pope is the Antichrist were angry to discover the sign's owner – Outdoor Media Dimensions – failed to remove it after an Oregon man's yearlong contract ended.

The New York-based Catholic League said it was told by a company spokesman the sign would be taken down upon expiration of the contract.

"He's double-crossed us," said Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League. "I'm going to give him an ultimatum – one more month [that the sign remains] and we'll wage war on him. The jig is up!"

Larry Weathers, the Oregon barber behind the placard reading, "The POPE Is The ANTICHRIST, Free Proof," wasn't backing down and hoped to continue broadcasting his message to those driving along Interstate 5 near Medford, Ore., for a few months longer.

TRENDING: Caught red-handed

"The only way that it's coming down is if it's forced down," Weathers said. "Rome is gonna get enflamed again."

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