Cautious couple feel like outcasts at congregation
I am so tired of staying home. I was happy when my state relaxed some of the COVID-19 mandates, which meant that our church could open up again. However, I am disappointed and angry with my church’s reaction to the remaining mandates.
Ninety-five percent of the congregation do not wear face masks. There is no social distancing. People are sitting close, hugging, and shaking hands.
My spouse and I feel like outcasts. We sit by ourselves in a separate room and watch the service on TV. That’s not “church.”
We have seen negative comments congregants have posted on Facebook, such as, “Wearing a face mask does not help,” “Stop wearing underwear on your face,” and, from our minister, “If I see you wearing a face mask, I’ll laugh at you.”
We are naturally very uncomfortable with such talk and dangerous behavior.
We’re not sure how to deal with all this. I want to report them to protect the innocent kids and those of us who are compliant. What do you think?
— Justified Anger
ikAR JUSTImIki » You need to find another church. Your pastor’s comments alone are — shameful, to say the least.
Additionally, depending on what denomination you are, you should contact the district or regional governing body of the church to share your concerns. Send a link to the church’s Facebook page (or screengrab these comments), and ask the district to do something about it.
But definitely find another church. Unfortunately, the spiritual toxicity unleashed by some in this congregation will likely outlast the pandemic.
ikAR AMY » Responding to the question from “Let it Be,” who didn’t want to reach out to his estranged father - boy, could I relate.
I finally forced myself to reach out to the father who had abandoned me, and while I don’t think either of us were completely satisfied with our father/ daughter relationship, as you3 said, “reconciliation is its own reward.”
Our relationship may have been a bit awkward or painful at times, but it was also rewarding. My dad was able to have a “baggage-free” relationship with my daughter that he greatly enjoyed. And for me, that was wonderful to watch.
I’m glad I chose to be the grown-up and reached out.