Would you feel judged at church as a single parent?

[Fortheloveofpizza]

I’ve joined a church in my area a few months ago. I’d stopped attending in general when I moved and struggled to fit in. I’m now a single parent and take my children.

Ive really enjoyed being back but a comment made last week has unsettled me.
A lady, granted older, commented I was brave to come with no wedding band and with children out of wedlock. I now feel exposed and judged. Would you be offended if I came to your church? It’s Church of Scotland .

If she was a true Christian she wouldn't judge you. You keep going and hold your head up high. Most people will be a supportive and won't care about your personal life.

We have single parents at our church who are single parents for all kinds of reasons. I hope none feels judged.

I agree. That lady needs to be gently nudged by someone who knows her that judging people is not what jesus is about.
Her comment was unkind and not helpful. Please keep going and if you get repeated comments and feel able to please say something to someone in the church leadership.

Absolutely no judgement from me, or either of the churches I go to, both C of E.
And I'm definitely "older" too.

Absolutely no judgement from me, or either of the churches I go to, both C of E.
And I'm definitely "older" too.
Me too

Thanks everyone for reassuring me. Wasn’t a situation I thought would happen but here I am.

Are you ok? It sounds as though it's really upset you?
( Don't blame you- I thought those attitudes went out with the ark)

I bet she's the only one. Everyone else is almost certainly delighted to see you and uour children.

Wouldn't be offended at all! My pastor is very welcoming to everyone. Surely it's more important to have Christian fellowship and hear the gospel than to make someone (and their children!) feel unwelcome.

It's awful that someone has said that to you.
I would actually be inclined to look for an opportunity to mention that to the church leader because they would probably be quite upset that you've experienced this

That's un-Christian and unnecessary. I don't wear my wedding ring any more - for the simple reason that my fingers have swollen and it was a case of "take it off now or have it cut off later". And I have regularly attend both CoE and RC churches ring-less with no comment whatsoever.

Feeling a lot better after the comments here. Her comment made me paranoid but from these comments I think she’s a one off 🥰

I’m a single parent and the vicar.

Hopefully you wouldn't be judging the OP then 🤣

Perfect answer!

I have been to a few Baptisms of babies whose parents were not married and it was no problem. In some cases, the parents were still together and in other cases it was just the single mother who was there.
No problem.

@Fortheloveofpizza to anyone who is judgemental of you, I would with gentle humour ask them if they would like help removing the log from their eye? If they are a Christian, they will accept the reminder of this scripture, and would hopefully reflect on the state of their own heart. Like others who have already replied to you, there are many single parents in my church.

If I have been judged I am not aware.

I've been told "you are doing a fantastic job, bringing child to church" etc but other than that - no (negative) judgement.

I'm a single parent, child out of Wedlock, had my child baptised last weekend on my own. The priest has not once not made us feel not welcome.