Did anyone else in the congregation see any of this happening? I would have felt it was my christian duty to talk to these parents and help them do a better job with their children.
This is child abuse. It should be reported. If you saw this happening in a child care setting or regularly in a play group or another parents home you would report it. Why is it OK because it happened in church?
Some others possibly saw, but I was right next to it. It's not ok because it happened in a church, it's not ok at all. I don't think I'd report it but given I don't have children of my own I feel awkward and out of place saying something. I know my dad has given firm talking to's to other people who have done similar. But given he is a 50+ year old man who's raised kids he probably has a lot more constructive things to say other than my awkward stutters.

Omg that is disgusting, I don't think I would have been able to hold my tongue. This seems very different to say, seeing a mum or dad at the end of their patience for the day and giving the kid a smack or something.....seems like its his choice of discipline. Was he hitting the baby too? Mind u when it comes to discipline a 2 year old is like a baby too
Yep that's my point, it seemed like normal disciplining methods. It was a struggle not to say something, I think if he'd have looked at my face it would have said enough. It scares me what he might do in the privacy of his home

I might speak to someone of authority at church, I feel uncomfortable mentioning names but he/she might know who I'm talking about... surely everybody else has witnessed it! Too bad the first person that comes to mind for talking to about this is the guys MIL!