Oh it makes me so sad to read about this. What a terrible job they have done at loving you!!
I think there are two very different issues here (as you pointed out)- the first is the question whether a church should baptise a child from a family that is not a current active member- thats just one of those tricky theological minefields that you should not take personally, I guess that the letter you got was just standard protocol for them, decided for whatever reason. There are lots of churches that will baptise your child no questions asked, and if thats what feels right for you then someone can definitely make that happen.
But the much bigger issue is how unwelcome and unsupported they have made you feel. Maybe they have just failed in your case and are usually very good at this, but either way, they've hurt you and missed a big opportunity to show you God's love. So sad. Do you think there might be another congregation in your area that you could look into? (depends I guess how much you are attached to your denomination) maybe one with more families? I can imagine it would be hard to feel part of a community of over 70s even if they were trying harder!! Maybe this is the chance to find a really great, encouraging Christian community that will give you and your family all the support and encouragement that a Church should, and get you feeling excited about it again!
I have been so blessed by my church family, I really pray that you can find something similar.
thats terrible! if u cant rely on your church, who can you rely on?
if it were me id be finding another church and explain the situation to them. i hope little J gets to be baptised
Well in my opinion this church is not doing much of a job of showing Jesus' love! At my church, if you are away for more than a couple of weeks, someone (of not the pastor himself) rings you to see if everything is okay.
I'd be looking for a more loving church myself and having your child baptised there.
That does not send a warm feeling at all about the congregration..
Both DH and I have christian upbringings and beliefs, and are not regular church goers, and haven't actually been in the last few years.. However the priest at our local church had no issues baptizing either of our children.
Hope you manage to sort through it and get your DD baptized as your heart desires.
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