To think that playgroups/toddler groups shouldn't be churchy even if they are held in a church hall?

[ClaraDeLaNoche]

Right time for sweeping statements. When I lived in the city, the playgroups I went to were in church halls but there was never any pressure to join the church, or talk about religion. It was just a place to drink coffee while the kids played. But out in the sticks, the local church owns all the mums groups and they talk about beliefs and stuff. The play group leaders also tell holy stories.

Am working at home today and I can hear them all yahooing in the church hall. I have no doubt that they are having great fun and the kids love it.

However I don't want my kids to go because I don't like having this stuff shoved down my throat.

AIBU to want to use their toys and tea but not their opinions? I would add that it is not my religion, but I do have respect for churches that do stuff for the community, especially as "my" church (I say "my" but I hardly ever go) does nothing for the community.

great answer

I do worry about this with my church playgroup sometimes. In fact we set up an au pair group and I had to argue strongly against including a bible study time. There are homegroups for that, after all!

Now, I am a Christian, I'm all for demonstrating God's love, if someone is in trouble and wants to talk then I'll listen and probably offer to pray for them, if they ask me a questions about God/Jesus/faith I'll answer it - but I really wouldn't want people to feel excluded because they felt the 'God stuff' was too full on.

So OP - YABabitU because i's run by the church, it's clearly a playgroup with some religious element and you can't have the toys without at least accepting that, but at the same time YANBU because you feel excluded and that's not right. Perhaps you could approach the church and say you don't feel comfortable coming to the group the church runs but could you set up another group without treading on their toes (and possibly rent their space/toys)?