Annie Peguero was attending a church service with her baby daughter, Autumn, when the 19-month old began to get restless. Peguero attempted to soothe the crying baby by doing what she always does when her child cries breastfeed her.
But to her surprise, a female church member promptly approached her and asked Peguero to please leave the sanctuary and go to a back room in the church. Not wanting to miss the service, Peguero declined. The unnamed woman pressed on, explaining that breastfeeding in the sanctuary might make other men or teenagers uncomfortable. She also added that the sermon was being "live-streamed" to Facebook and she wouldn't want the internet to see the commotion.
Out of embarrassment, Annie Peguero eventually decided to vacate her seat. "My rights as a mom have been violated," she said.
Facebook Video Response
Feeling thoroughly humiliated, she went home and uploaded this video to Facebook explaining what happened:
Applying the Pressure
Annie is now working with a lawyer to pressure the church to issue a statement on the matter and ultimately reverse its policy toward breastfeeding. Interestingly, Peguero (and breastfeeding mothers all across Virginia) have the law on their side.
Back in 2015, two Virginia state representatives spearheaded a bill which allows mothers to breastfeed anywhere they are "legally allowed to be". Religious institutions are not exempt from this.
Before the bill was passed, private establishments in Virginia were allowed to prohibit breastfeeding on their property as they saw fit. It appears Peguero's church was stuck in the past and never got the memo.
Are Breasts Sexual?
Aside from a short statement confirming that the church was unaware of the new breastfeeding laws, Summit Church officials have stayed quiet on the matter.
The controversy highlights a simple question: Are breasts inherently sexual?
The Summit Church and at least some of its members seem to think so. They were so worried that male churchgoers would become uncomfortable that they took the unusual step of confronting a breastfeeding mother mid-service.
Breastfeeding Rights
Annie Peguero, on the other hand, is just one of many people who advocate for a woman's right to openly breastfeed in public. Advocates argue that breastfeeding is a natural act which has, for one reason or another, become stigmatized. In their minds, breasts are not sexual objects, they've simply become sexualized in our society.
Travel to many other countries, they say, and you'll see that the rest of the world is not so prude. For whatever reason, we Americans have very different views than European societies, for example.
What do you think? Is breastfeeding in public "weird", or totally normal? Was the church right to ask Annie and her child to leave the service?
Let us know where you stand.
245 comments
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Ralph J Miller
There is a time&place for everything. Would you bring your lunch or dinner and eat it in the middle of church service...
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DJM
Are you serious?? Are you a baby?? Babies demand to be feed when they are hungry!! Breast feeding is a natural way to feed a child. All these people who have a thing against women's breasts need to grow up and start acting like adults. God created breasts for this purpose so why not use them in a church!! Absolutely Ridiculous!!
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Robert's Page
I have NOTHING against breastfeeding but the mother should have taken the baby to the back room like ask. In most churches have speakers in the back rooms for just reasons like hers.
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Minister Bill
So, you are saying Robert that somehow this woman and child were offending the church?
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Martha Range
YES! She was.
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Ben
In, a way I can agree with Robert. Worship time, exists outside of normal space time.The worshipers need to create a set of rules, that allow them to enter the theater of public worship.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for public boobs, but if boobs disrupt the groups right to worship, then she should have gone to the back, as requested. Just like if I went to a public ritual that was to be held "sky clad". I don't want to be nude in public, so, I wouldn't attend.
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Ralph J Miller
DJM. Why don't you act like a responsible adult.the sanctuary is not the place for that.especially when service is going on.breastfeeding is a private moment between mother&child.would you change your babies diaper during service. What about the young children who are in the church,you wanna expose yourself to them. "Why not use them in church" that question is absolutely ridiculous.
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Jamie Lee
The sanctuary is not the place for feeding a hungry child? You are delusional. "Breastfeeding is a private moment between mother and child" my ass. Breastfeeding is how babies and toddlers are eat. Get over it. And the fact that you can even make the comparison between changing a diaper and feeding a child is incredible. I'm pretty sure you'd eat a sandwich in public but not wipe your ass in the middle of a grocery store.
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Ralph J Miller
Jamie lee. Both of my parents are ministers with their own churches.the issue of breastfeed has never been an issue. Women leave the sanctuary to do that.Because like you said It is a private moment between a mother and child.its all in how you were raised.everybody don't need to see that,that's how i was raised,that's how i raised my kids.if your church allows that,then good for you."go get yourself a cookie and get over yourself
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Minister Bill
Jamie? I like your line. Hear, Hear! Oh, and the "butt" in public? Which country? And with folks having diabetes or hypoglycemia, eating where and as needed is NOT a choice. Are they getting booted too? Sheesh. Petty stuff, eh?
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corky nunley
you are getting a BIG AMEN from me for that spot on reply !
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Nate Collins
Well put Jamie Lee.
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Melody Haupt
You cannot be serious..do you think there were baby bottles when churches started.. they were breastfeeding in biblical times. It's the most natural thing we have. Society has made breast sexual not mother's or woman. You should be ashamed of yourself. Your narrow minded attitude is what's wrong with society today. You really need to reevaluate your Christianity and views on human nature...
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Michelle White
Yes! So very true. We are born to breastfeed children. It has been made "unnatural" by 20th century minds over-sexualing every aspect of our lives. Such a shame!
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Minister Bill
Best quote I ever heard in the line of your argument. "Clothing is social armour"! I have seen women breast feeding, if they acknowledge me at all I give them a grin a thumbs up and keep moving. Not much to see. Mom feeding child, news at NEVER>!
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Rev paul
I agree with michelle i bet when jesus was preaching the disiples did not tell nursing mothers to go behind a rock or stop feeding your child
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Chet
You are referring to two distant societal norms that far removed from each other. Yes, society may have accepted it back then but society today does not embrace it the same as it did then. We do not base our actions on "they accepted it back then", if that were the case then we could get away with a lot of ridiculous and offensive things just by referring to their acceptance in the past. In the past women were required to cover their heads and remain silent in the service, maybe we should allow that also.
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James
Ralph, WWJD? Jesus would feed the hungry! If the woman did not use a blanket to cover the entire process I would certainly agree that was not the time or place to feed in that manor. If she did cover the entire event start to finish and no bare skin (not already exposed by her attire) were exposed during the event then she did nothing wrong. The story does not mention if she used a blanket or just popped one out and stuck the child on it. parents bring crackers and cookies all the time for children to eat when they act up or to hold their children over until after the service for lunch. Adults often eat a piece of candy or mint for the same reason. so in essence that is a sandwich in a bite size form. I'm no Saint, I've let a colorful word pass my lips on occasion, but I'm more disturbed by the amount of foul language in this thread than I am about the nursing issue itself. And as mentioned elsewhere in this thread there are much worse sins being committed in Churches of all faiths all the time. Mark Twain once said, " it's a wonder Christianity has survived Christians". God is the one and only Judge. It is his job, ours is to love and forgive one another. Ralph I forgive your judgement on this poor woman. If you are sinless I'll hand you the first stone to throw at her!
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Ralph J Miller
Jim: Sorry i couldn't read your whole comment. It was too long and i have a life.
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Rev Liz
Seem Ralph can only handle so many words at once. Shame.
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Jim
Ralph I pray you have a pleasant life at that. I's too bad you weren't too busy living your full life to condemn this poor woman for doing something God created for sustaining life at it's purest stage, that of an infant.
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Minister Bill
You would say nothing if the child was sucking bottle and puking on folks, right? Wow. Did this person get up and offend people with a brazen display of flesh? Nope, not from what I have read. Even so, this is a body in Christ. Get over it. This is a natural act, a child is being fed, get over it. Diaper changing? If there is room I would let mom go for it. There is enough effort involved with raising children as it is let alone making everyone conform to a preconceived societal notion of "normal behavior" Worry about something real. Folks are starving and dieing on this planet while food is being thrown away or being allowed to rot. Simple medicines could save millions but are restricted by greed. I am alive in part because of medical insurance and acts of grace, my costs of living in the medical field are outrageous, $93,000.00 just in covered prescription costs. That is more than anyone I know makes for a living. Thankfully I fell into a great insurance program or MS and some related problems would have me dead. Seriously. Your worried about a child having dinner? Get over it.
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Paul Tocco
Ditto, DJM.
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Marijane
This baby was 19 months old with a full set of teeth and could conceivably "eat" regular meals at regular times. It wasn't a newborn or older baby who still needs liquid food to survive.
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Cindy
A breastfeeding mother should be around to feed their babies when ever that child is hungry. I nursed my oldest until he was 18 months. My mother's brother wanted to see his child breastfeed and ask his wife to nurse Hume till he got back from The war. 5 yrs later she was still nursing my uncle came home watched her nursed him and that was the last time mom said he was 5. It's the parents choice not anybody else's.
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Patty
It's normal . The church that I attend has a room that they can watch and hear the whole service and not offend anybody breast-feeding if they choose to . The little babies need to have their mothers and to be fed and they do cry if you don't like it make a nice room with the a one-way windows so they can see the service in here the service and not disturb the service if that is what you choose but do not send them out of the church . Because I might never come back because of being disrespected for needing to feed a child and I would be one of those
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Teri
Anyone who is "offended" by breastfeeding needs to be enlightened. If (men in particular) are "uncomfortable", look away...if you can. I suspect this woman who approached this mom was concerned her husband (or other men) would get aroused. In that case...GET A GRIP ON YOURSELVES! Feeding a baby (even a 19 mo old) is not a strip show.
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Veida Patience Isaac
DJM I totally agree with your statement!
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Rev paul
I totaly agree with you
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Chet
Most churches today have a back room where mothers can attend to their babies or restless childs needs. These rooms usually have speakers set up so that the mother or child care provider can continue to listen to the message while attending to the needs of the child. Without knowing whether this was an option it is not possible to who made the judgement error. Although I have met several women who breast fed their babies and some of them were a bit militant about THEIR RIGHT to breastfeed wherever they wished. That attitude is not all that Christian either.
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Brandon
So then churches should not have ATM machines or have bazzars or sales on their grounds yet they do. Where in scripture does it say breastfeeding is a sin? Cause I can start pointing out all kinds of things that churches do that a clearly forbidden in both the TaNaKh (old testament) and Messianic Writtings (new testament)
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Ralph J Miller
Brandon:what the hell are you talking about? When did i ever say breastfeeding was in the scripture...? Read before you speak
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Steven Catena
The mother could have easily and respectfully excused herself so as not to disrupt the service. There IS a time & place for everything. Liberalization has no home in the sanctuary of God's house.
And as far as "it's nature and natural," well so is sex and masturbating - should that part of nature be allowed at the Sunday service?
Nature also proclaims that men and women are not alike. Men are naturally taller and stronger. It's a fact of nature. Should a man be hired before a woman based on nature?
Nature again says that if you have a penis you're a man and a vagina sites you as a woman. So should we outlaw the transgender community? Or how about the entire LGBTQ community as well, it is only nature...
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Rev Liz
Are you seriously comparing feeding a baby to having sex or masturbating? That explains why YOU have an issue with it. BREASTFEEDING IS NOT SEXUAL. Unless, of course, you have no self control. Are you afraid if you see a woman breastfeed, you just might be compelled to masturbate? Hmm, I may have stumbled on to something!
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Rev. Jo-An Josephine
Very well said Rev Liz. How dare any one person compare breastfeeding to any sexual act....especially considering the Church's track record of sexual acts being committed within the sanctity of God's domain. (as per Steven Catena's comment) Breastfeeding was and still is (in many countries) THE only single thing that sustains life!! Even GOD can't keep us alive if we don't feed. Breastfeeding is NATURAL!!
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Brenda
I am dismayed as I read these comments. God made those breasts and he made them to feed our young. I breastfed two of my four children. The last one until she was 2. To hear people speak of something so natural as needing a "time and a place" is ridiculous and intolerant. Would you prefer the mother allow her child to cry and disrupt the services that way? NO. I am sick of those who claim to be "Pro Life" treating women like chattel! WE are not and feeding our children when they are hungry is not the sin! One should look in the mirror to see who is at fault here and it is NOT the breastfeeding mother!
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Veida Patience Isaac
Ralph that is a ridiculous analogy!
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
Not to mention, just from the accounts I've read, one might argue Jesus managed to do his best work around sharing meals ... (Just sayin' ...)
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Guairdean
It always amazes me that a child can turn on a TV and see the most horrendous acts of violence and no one seems to care. But let one female nipple be exposed (for some reason male nipple exposure is acceptable) and the so called adults have an apoplectic fit. I think this sums it up pretty well. http://www.bugmartini.com/comic/boob-tube/
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Marius Gabriel Burja
Do you eat in church besides mass? A basement or a private are should be designated for such a case. They can always wire in a speaker to said area. I am tired of people making a big deal out of nothing and then dumping money in the legal systems when they should be awake to avoiding conflicts. Are you getting enough attention Joseph? Your starting to chafe me with some of these topics. Common sense is being reasonable and keeping the peace. Distraction in church is annoying to everyone. Breasts are sexual when not breast feeding. Now are people to go to church topless or naked Because we are not all naked before God. Some of us do have white spiritual robes. The naked ones need to get a white clean spiritual robes. Why don't you tell them how to do that. You know I will take over soon and then I will do exactly that. So be a good brother and share the gospel. Otherwise you know what I have to do.????✌⚓????⌛??????????
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
Huzzy! Temptress! Spawn of Satan! How dare she sit among the saints, exposing herself to our godly men? To the outer darkness with you! "Expel the wicked person from among you." (1 Cor 5:13) - I say, they should follow the 'Law' as it is written, and stone her in public! (please note the sarcasm.)
Just from my personal experience and perspective, I'd wager she'll eventually come to understand she (and her infant) is much better off without them!
The problem isn't the mother breastfeeding, the problem is their irrational, emotional response to such hardliner thinking ('beliefs'), and the "naughty"/"nasty" and "sinful" attributes such ascetic fundamentalist cults attribute to our natural bodies, and anything they perceive as sexual. Their 'beliefs'/'thinking' only leads to ensuring the leverage these cults use on the innocent/gullible sheeple - GUILT and 'eternal damnation'. The REAL problem is the machismo/male dominated, sexist culture who view women as sex objects - and chattel - and the co-dependent women who want such domination in their life.
After all, it is only adherence to Holiness Cods and the (albeit errant) absolute understanding of "God's natural design and will".
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Ralph J Miller
It's not about what's naughty or nasty,but respect for the church,people around you,but most important respect for yourself.
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
The Divine is not a building, nor in a space. The Heavens alone cannot contain the Creator/Divine, not my God Concept anyway. There is nothing whatsoever disrespectful in what the mother was doing - especially to herself. The problem is this cult has a twisted perception of 'reality'.
Nurturing is not only at home in secret/privacy. Nurturing is a Community responsibility. What better greater Love for oneself, or ones infant, than to Live - not being ashamed, but celebrating our 'Natural' biological functions. What greater Love from a community as not to judge or shame the Divine Design.
Breasts are for feeding infants. Just because old white men, who should be ashamed. They have lived in sexually repressed lives and cannot control THEIR desires, there is no reason to blame others. That's their delusional 'thinking' problem, created by the fantasies/facades they live in their religious cults.
From one perspective, our society's problem is our inbred Puritanical roots and values, exacerbated by a few hundred years of convenient isolation. Our prudish forefathers could not exist side-by-side with their brothers and sisters in Europe, so they left and landed here. We forced our misguided norms on the First Nation People who were already here.
I was told all my life, "God is 'out there' begging, struggling, pining to come inside me". What I've learned is, reality is that the Divine is already a part of my Being, my Make Up, my Essence, fighting like Hell to come out. I am what makes the Sanctuary Divine, and what I do in bringing Goodness and Comfort to others is the very Work of God.
This mother was, in Essence, doing the Work of God - seeing the suffering/need, and from Human Compassion, feeding one of "God's" Children.
Sexuality, much less our bodies, are nothing to be ashamed of.
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Reverend Alia
Name one other time when the excretion of bodily fluids is acceptable in a public place.... It is not acceptable and should be done with discretion in PRIVATE! If it says 'no food or drinks during service or permitted entry', that stands for bub too. Mummy dear would be the first to call the authorities on a male for public urination in the sports field... Double standards? Yes! Another example of a woman wanting to have her cake and eat it too... If you want equality, follow the rules about bodily excretions in public like the male needing to urinate does! This is equality sweetheart... And yes, I am a female and I too would have told you to put it away and take it elsewhere. Or perhaps plan your feeding times to best suit your schedule or express into a bottle... But that would deny you your exhibitionist kicks, wouldn't it?
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
Exhibitionism? You'e part of the problem.
Actually, this is a cultural norms issue. The puritanical prudes who fled in droves to come here couldn't live in harmony with their neighbors in Europe, and they brought their extreme ascetic ideologies with them. Anywhere else in the developed/civilized world, public breasts/breast feeding are a part of life.
"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." - Jesus (John 21:15/KJV)
Apparently, 'feeding the lambs' is a command!
Also, I understand there are 'vessels to honor and dishonor'. Feeding a child is not dishonorable.
The problem is a society built by religious fanatics living lives of sexual denial adn repression, and the consequences of old men in charge who view breasts as their sexual toys.
It's a form of cognitive dissonance - they are told and think one thing, while feeling something completely different ('sexual'). They're the problem, not the mother or child.
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Teri
Bro James, you are my hero! What dont they see? And the comparisons they spew....how silly, narrow minded and utterly American! Such a hung-up society!
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Pastor Pete
"Excretion"? Milk is a secretion, specifically for the nourishment of babies, excretion is the voiding of bodily wastes, and I'd certainly agree that this would indeed be most inappropriate in a church setting, however feeding a baby is a holy act if anything is, I certainly feel more joy and wonder at the sight of a mother and child than at the dogmatic puritanical ramblings of many of the putative men of the cloth I've been bored by on countless occasions. "Exhibitionist kicks"? All is yellow to the jaundiced eye.... Where did you come from, baby dear? Out of the everywhere, into the here.... Open your eyes good sister, there are miracles all around you. Bless you, Pete
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Reverend Alia
Bro James... How very incorrect you are. I am in fact a Finnish Australian, not an American. Unlike you I do not pervert a narrow minded view of only one religion and proclaim myself of God when I am a small minded bigot... Nice way to show Gods love on a public forum dedicated to Him... To show the world your are infact a racist. Judgement will be fun for you, I'm sure! No Ascension for you! Where did I even mention the word 'sexual', and by your insistent repetition of the word it is clear where your thoughts truly lie...below your belt. It is also notable that I have a very healthy sexuality and in fact I am an exhibitionist myself and am completely left wing. I also a multi faith practitioner, Reverend, Witch, and Shaman. Did that get you going? Who is actually the small minded one here?...The difference with me and this woman is that whilst in public I follow acceptable social protocol, out of respect not only for others, but for myself too...The actual problem here is not sexuality, nor is it social protocol in an of itself. The problem is women (and I am one, and can talk on this issue unlike you) who believe that once they've had a child they are then liberated from all preconceived notions of acceptable public behaviour standards, and in their own minds elevate themselves and the need of their child above all others, acting as though they are in private, in public. I am yet to find a venue here in Australia that does not provide a mother's room to facilitate private breast feeding. Then there is the practical option of expressing to a bottle which I raised, which all of the replies so far, in the infinite wisdom below their belts, have overlooked. My main issue is actually public hygiene standards. But according to you civilised society allows for public excretions of bodily fluids! I am certainly glad to not live where you do! Although if I did I could spit in your face three times over and by your standards, that would be acceptable...
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
LOL
You're absurd! Your obsession is leading you down the wrong deluded paths of understanding, and your twisted perceptions are obscuring any Light/Good from you.
1st, I'm not Yosef. Your "pedigree" and list of self-professed credentials simply proves to me you don't know what you are, or who you want to become when you grow up. Finnish, Australian, Nubian, reincarnated Kushite, Dogon recent arrival from Sirius B - nothing changes - you're still the problem.
OSHSF ... is merely a newly forming Divine Community (The Divine Order of Saint Harvey of San Francisco) who refuse to acquiescing power/authority to religious/spiritual oppressors and the tyranny of bigots. "Hope will never be silent!" - Harvey Milk.
I'm not sure where you pulled child sacrifice from, but you're definitely entertaining, to say the least.
My comment "amen, brother!" was sarcastic (read my earlier condemnation of women temping the saints in the sanctuary).
Lastly, since I don't believe in the fantasies of a Utopian "Rapture"/"Resurrection of the Dead"/"Grand Ascension" of all 'the "true" believers' - there is no scientific proof of any afterlife - I am afforded the opportunity to focus on this one life we know we have and it becomes more about living better with others, less about me and the associated fear of some eternal damnation or the riches I'm setting up for myself.
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." - Philip K. Dick (16 December 1928 – 2 March 1982)
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Reverend Alia
My Dear Pastor Pete, I welcome your input regarding my comment. Spoken with not a trace of racism, nor bigotry. Bravo Pastor Pete. I will say that I, nor the dictionary, agree with your seperate definitions of the words excretion and secretion as being specific to the body part from which they emanate. The following has been cut and pasted from dictionary.com.... "secretion [si-kree-shuh n] noun (in a cell or gland) the act or process of separating, elaborating, and releasing a substance that fulfills some function within the organism or undergoes excretion. the product of this act or process." As you can now see, the two debated words are actually part and parcel of the same process of bodily fluid production, regardless of the body part from which they originate. The secretion is the bodily fluid itself, excretion is the act of releasing it from the body. I should also stipulate that I am an open faith practitioner, and in no way do I equate this to a religious issue. It is more of a social issue which people then apply a perversion of religious doctrine to, in order to suit their own needs and justify their own behaviour. Needless to say, such feeble attempts at self justification are lies which are scoffed at by our Lord, who is the Truth. My main issue with this is actually public safety and hygiene. Not too make fun but whilst spilt milk shan't be wept for, one can indeed slip on it and fall, resulting in injury. Also, there is equal risk of transmitting illness and/or disease (not specifically sexual but inclusive of) via breast milk as there is via sexual fluids or saliva. Being why babies of either hepatitis or HIV positive mothers are not only given anti viral meds in utero and after birth, but why they are also denied their mother's breast milk upon medical instruction. Not to mention those individuals so unfortunate as to have a genuine physical allergy to the proteins in breast milk. Yes, it is rare but does that individual not hold equal rights to the breast feeding mother? Should that person's health be put at risk due to another's less than diligent planning skills regarding their itinerary and bub's feeding schedule? Should we all be put at risk, even of the common flu, by a woman's poor preperational skills? As a side note, as I have always been careful with exposure to bodily fluids, my eyes are not jaundiced as I have not contracted hepatitis. My eyes are in fact wide open with sparkling clarity and abundant love and hope... Meditation will do that for a soul. Perhaps you should try it rather than those boring sermons you mentioned. Many Thanks and Many Blessings to you my Brother in Faith
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Reverend Alia
And by the way Teri, your beloved Bro Jane's is on here under two different aliases... Look him up under Bro Yosef to see if you still would call him a hero... Look at his pic! Also there's the 'OSHSF'... One golden post of his is below in which his name remains Bro James, he says 'Amen Brother' to a man orientated post written by Bernard Moleman in which all women's breasts are described as unholy works of the devil designed to tempt 'good men'... This 'person' clearly lacks integrity as does any one that would call this two faced adversary a 'hero'... You are aware that it is a false member of the ULC? He cares about the rights if a child? Then why join an 'elitist social group' that is actually an Occult organisation which practises child sacrifice! (That's right 'brother', you didn't fool me) I'm sure you didn't see his other posts prior to describing him as a hero, did you? I'd sincerely hope not! I will prey you find your own voice in this, as well as develop the ability to research those whom you chose to support prior to expressing you allegiance to their school of thought, else you may find yourself looking a little silly on a public forum. Again. God Bless you in your learning's regarding this...
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Pastor Pete
I believe this may be some misunderstanding brought about by the fact that I'm English, in many cases the Ozford differs from Webster's, here the semantic weight of the word "excrete" falls heavily on the side of implying such secretions are allied to faeces and urine (note different spelling), I hope you would understand my objection under such circumstances. Not at all implying that you have had hepatitis sister, or indeed that your eyes are jaundiced, this is an old saying here, in other words it's easy to become cynical, which can affect one's outlook.... Filial greetings to you dear sister
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Teri
Reverend Alia, I suspect you are overthinking a bit. My putting hero status on Bro James had to do with his comment, under which I posted. Also, I dont know how you came to the conclusion that he is Bro Yosef, but to say he involved in child sacrifice is libelous and should he suffer any ill effects as a result of that comment...you could be in a world of hurtin'. You might wish to back of with the judgements and proclamations you make. It isnt very Christ-like and is illegal. Thanks ever so much for trying to save me from this cretin, but I am a big girl and can handle myself. Blessings back atcha!
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biblical scholar
Cover all breasts! They are tools of the devil designed to tempt good men into UNHOLY lusts!
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
Amen, Brother!
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Gia Madonna
Amen, let's not forget there are some men who are battling with lust issues so let's "keep 'em covered" when in service. Shame on that church for not providing a "nursery" equipped with a simple A/V option. A speaker...A monitor, can be done with a simple cable. Its a shame that church doesn't offer a private place when they are aware the congregants are new moms. Don't blame the mother ... Simply accommodate your parishioners ....Or is that church along to pay out on a law suit for violating a nursing mothers human rights???? Seems obvious what decision should be made. God bless us all!
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Ralph J Miller
The function of the church is for people to come together as a group to worship&praise God.Not cater to everyone's personal needs.if your unhappy with the way your church does things simply find another church that fits your needs
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Sam
Maybe it's time to start taxing churches if they can't protect the human rights of a mother or other for that matter. All people deserve and should expect and be treated with love, respect and dignity particularly when they attend a church. Again, breast feeding is a natural act. Women's breast are not sexual objects, it's the sinner who views them as such. The person who projects their own lust and discust onto others because they have not dealt with their own issues. These people need to stop hiding and get help. God bless you all.
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Ralph J Miller
Sam: It's not up to you It's up to each individual church and what their policies &guidelines are.your free to choose any church that fits your needs. It's not about you... The world owes you nothing.... And if you feel so strongly about it,quit your crying and start your own chruch
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Sam
Haha Ralph. Indeed some men have larger breast then women. You don't seem to Understand Period. So enough of the bantering. Go ahead if you like and if it will feed your ego, then get in the last word/shot if you like. Enough said. God Bless you.
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Teri
Ralph, that is exactly what I have done. It is called "I dont go to church anymore". I can, and do commune with my God on a daily and often hourly basis.....no 4-walls needed. I have love in my heart and gratitude for my many blessings. My life is much happier and more fulfilled now. I hope this young lady finds her best way, and soon.
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Rev paul
While i can agree that there are some men that are battling lust issues does that mean in churches that does not have private rooms for mothers to breast feed thier babies they should not breast feed in church to my way of thinking for to do that you punish the mom and baby
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Sam
My point Ralph, Is that if churches can't abide by the simple policies that are based in love, respect and human dignity then maybe it's time to tax them and hold them accountable. I understand if a man or woman was showing their genitals then yes, they can be removed. Breast feeding a child is a human right. Just like water is a human right. If churches can't come from a position of love and exceptance, then I say TAX them. It's not about me. It's about respect love and dignity to all people. Take your hate,and lust and pay TAES ??❤️
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Ralph J Miller
If the church has a policy on not breastfeeding in public, then why break the rules unless your trying to cause trouble. Did she even ask the church if that was acceptable. Policies and rules are put in place for a reason.it's not about hate and lust.it's about following the rules.if you can't abide by rules they have a place for people like that
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Sam
When rules, policies, laws etc are discriminatory, outdated and barbaric and especially for churches or any organization that is faith based, then Tax them, fine them or sue them.
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Ralph J Miller
Sam:i still hearing you crying,wah wah wah. Life isn't always going to be easy. Go put your big boy pants on and get over it.
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Sam
Ralph, with all due respect, it seems like you didn't get enough of mummy's breast. And let your boys breath. Nothing wrong with baggy pants. ??
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Ralph J Miller
Sorry Sam: I don't understand stupidity. You must have been breastfeed by your father
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Joseph E Knopick
Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentary Army is marching in to control your lives. Next week it'll be Dancing! Oh wait they'll also cover your head. Be careful, any divination will get you publically flogged!
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Pastor Pete
Among the things Cromwell banned: Music Dancing Christmas celebrations Maypoles Pies (a pagan pleasure) ?
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Ben
Lust issues? That's on the man, not anyone else.
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Kanumommy
True. The man who cannot control himself should be confined in a room, not a nursing mother. The problem people should not be running the show. What are you going to say to an African-American person who wants to attend a mainly white church? " oh, sorry, JimBob over there still has some racism issues. Your being here might upset him." The "people with issues " don't have any more rights than anyone else. What better place to learn to control your darn self than in a church?
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Ben
Are you mad?
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Pastor Pete
Aaaaah, I love the smell of sarcasm in the morning, smells like victory! ?
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Reed A Mathis
The Victorian era is long gone. Babies need breast feeding. Only Playboy Magazine turned breast into an absurd fetish.
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Joseph E Knopick
Do you often read Playboy in service?
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Miranda Allison Young
In the church which I attend there is a special room for children who are not old enough to sit through the service. It also provides a place for mothers to breastfeed their babies. There is an intercom so the mothers cannot miss the service. This should be the situation in all churches.
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Guairdean
"This should be the situation in all churches." No, the situation in all churches should be that all are welcome, not that all are welcome except those who make us a little uncomfortable. No woman should be told that she should feel shame for nursing her child. No woman should be told that her body is something that is sinful. No woman should have to leave the sanctuary to nurse her child just because a man might be a little uncomfortable about it. If he's uncomfortable about something that natural, it's his problem and not hers. Maybe he should be the one to leave. More importantly, if a man looks at a woman nursing her child and has any sexual thoughts, he should hang his head in shame and pray for forgiveness.
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Ralph J Miller
Your absolutely right,women should breastfeed in church when they feel the need to. Do that in front of all the guys standing there with their wives. Do that in front of all the male children who are going to stare (because thats what young boys do)but please, don't be uncomfortable. Countine putting on your show till your done.cause thats what you want ,ATTENTION ! As a parent myself,I'm not going to tell my kids to look away,because as you say"It's natural "
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Guairdean
Do you teach your daughters to feel ashamed if their ankle shows? There are countries where a woman's body must be entirely covered and the sight of an ankle has all the young men, and most of the old men, staring. Do you teach your sons that a woman that shows any part of her body is sinful and must be punished? This, sadly, is true in many countries today. At one time around the world, a mother nursing her child was normal and natural. No one, including young boys, stared. People only stare because society has sexualised the sight of a woman’s breasts. Anything forbidden becomes keenly interesting to the young. Remove the taboo, and you remove the problem. When they stare, educate them. Don't force a woman to feel shame because you're too lazy to talk to your children and explain what's normal and natural.
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Ralph J Miller
I will tell my kids that it's natural.but i will not tell them to look away.when your in public people are always watching. If your feeling ashamed,go someplace in private out of public view
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Teri
Ralph, if a little boy stares at a nursing mother, this is a perfect "teachable moment". "Honey, remember when Bella had her puppies....she fed her puppies the same way. That is why all mammals have breasts". A simple normalization of the process would go a long way to enlighten our wayward population. But no, instead we have to make a big deal and become right-fighters.
Some of this audience just need to be right. Have your way. But you WILL be uncomfortable from time to time because women will continue to feed their babies whether you like it or not.
And to the party who said mothers should go into a bathroom to feed their babies....PUL-EEEZE! Shall I bring your meal to the toilet for you?
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Rev. Jo-An Josephine
Nicely said Teri. I agree with this statement 100%. It truly is all about "the normalization"...Many many moons ago it was just as "inconceivable" that a man bare his chest in public. Now, it is quite the norm, just as many moons ago it WAS the norm to see a woman breastfeed, and not....Let's make a huge deal of it.
For shame...Breastfeeding is NATURAL, it it our perceptions of such that isn't so natural.
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Lauren
Just as a matter of interest, some mothers have a medical reason to nurse their babies anywhere and anytime.
Both my children struggled with failure to thrive and poor latch. My toddler daughter has several food allergies that I have to carry an epi pen for. Her reaction to food has stymied her desire to eat real food (she won't drink any cows milk or formula, either) and have left us struggling in a multitude of ways - including sleep (she is almost 2 and still wakes three to four times per night from hunger. I haven't had a good nights sleep in 2 years).
Both of my children have been in positions where they needed to spend HOURS attached to my breasts, either for physiological sustenance or for comfort from medical issues. Sometimes, there's no feeding her in a separate room and then returning to what I was doing - she simply wants to nurse for too long. A rambunctious toddler, my daughter rips my nursing cover off in 5 seconds flat.
It is an extremely emotionally trying time in my life. I go to church for a release - to experience the grace of Jesus telling me that everything is going to be ok.
I have had to nurse my daughter at church three times in the last month, without a cover.
If someone had asked me to leave church, during this very trying time in my life, it probably would have broken me. Sitting in a nursery watching the service on a tv screen is not the same.
Thank god my church isn't like that.
Annie is a friend of mine, and I am devastated that this happened to her.
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Rev. Jo-An Josephine
Lauren, what FRESH perception you demonstrate here. Thank you for sharing. I send love and healing thoughts to your baby. Stay strong and keep believing.
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Joseph E Knopick
No, you should not separate families. Granted in ultra orthodox men are on one side, women and children on the other...But they are all together in service. An infant cries, it is natural and normal.
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Carla C Kerr
Miranda, It is not the situation in many churches and people are being ridiculous about something that is as natural as breathing. Why does everything have to have a sexual connotation? If men get that uncomfortable around a woman breastfeeding in a church, where are their supposed christian values? It appears to be all in the mind of the beholder. God help us!
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eric k
Amen
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Francisco
TOTALLY ABSURD‼️ Please, please send those neanderthals back to the Jurassic Park era‼️ There they'll find other dinosaurs that will agree with their archaic retire beliefs.
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Sam
Another example of the church projecting their unnatural discomfort with natural expressions of love. Loving your child and breastfeeding is a natural act of life. Same as same sex love. intresting how those who shout loud against these things tend to be the most hyprocytical. This is a natural act that the church deems sexual in some way. It's shameful.
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eric k
Wow the audacity of that church, I mean really this is not the dark ages
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Pastor Pete
Oh my goodness! All is yellow to the jaundiced eye.
The mother and the sleeping babe, Hush'd, I study them long and long.
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Pastor Pete
What better place to hold such a perfect love? I'm appalled, absolutely appalled.
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Joseph E Knopick
A result of the repression we've suffered as a nation from controlling religions like Puritanism of the 17th CENTURY. A decent compromised would have been to offer a small cover, like a lace shawl. I agree this mom has every right to be upset.
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Joseph E Knopick
Okay, I commented before I watched her video. She has an issue with covering. okay. I understand. She also fed her daughter while filming. It was quick and really unintrusive. Yet this woman has average sized breasts. Quick out, quick back in. No one but that nosy woman at the church saw anything. My one concern here is, What about a woman with large breasts? May not be so quick and simple. I also understand why the church has this "policy". Modesty.
"We wouldn't want...[person]...to be uncomfortable." - mistake! The pastor's wife did not take care of the discomfort of the woman who did breast feed in the service. At the same time, How many of you would have attended this church if watching the live stream this morning and caught a glimpse of the mother in service listening and feeding her child? This would appeal to many as a family friendly caring church.
EL Shaddai - a Name of God: The God of the nursing mother. God of the Breast.
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Teri
Funny story, Joseph,
I once (45 yrs ago) worked in a restaurant where during a slow time, a large breasted woman and a toddler came in. When the kid fussed, she "whipped it out" stood up, got the kid out of the highchair and sat down to feed the kid. The kid wanted nothing of it and fussed to get away. The mom stood up...boob bared, put the kid back in the highchair, sat down and tucked herself back in. She did this 3 times. To a disinterested kid.
Five yrs later, I visited this same place to show off my new baby. Also at an off time...sat way in the back with my back to the center...so I was facing the back wall. I fed my baby (see my method below) and a table of 3 women (over my right shoulder) complained. The cashier said I should take him to the bathroom (which was always filthier than the Metro at rush hour). Seems no matter what you do there are going to be malcontents.
Back to this this woman....as in the film, I imagine she pulled her breast over the neckline. She could have lifted her shirt (which is how I did things when feeding) and the shirt would have offered ample "modesty" to calm the Puritans. She didnt...but still, I dont recall seeing any nipple. This woman did not "flash titty"...she simply fed her baby. Can we all just let this topic go, now!
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Joseph E Knopick
Thank you.
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Joseph E Knopick
Why is there a "baby room"?
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Guairdean
It's there because there are times when a crying baby just can't be comforted quickly. A crying infant can be taken to the baby room and comforted while the rest of the family, and the congregation, attends services in peace.
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Joseph E Knopick
Yet Can you honestly say that it is truly the command of God that all people are to be in his presence accept for the children?
Acts 16:31 English Standard Version (ESV)
31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
When it says your household, that is INCLUSIVE of every member of your household, Parents, children, servants, servants spouses, servants children, guardsmen, guardsmen's families, slaves, (Roman Empire), Everyone. And in the text above, the whole house would also be baptized together. If this is the case when would a family that does things together suddenly when being apart of the most important aspect of their lives, WORSHIPING and PRAYING to God, they would find a need to separate Children/infants from their parents?
Maybe a changing room, or a sitting room if the infant needs a space...like in feeding...but why would you separate her from her mom in the first place?
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Laura
If you watch her video, Annie P. states her child was in the childcare room while she, the mom, attended the service. As much as we love our children, we, as parents, understand that our babies don't always belong in adult settings. Annie then says she received a text stating her daughter was crying. Annie went to the childcare room and realized her daughter was hungry. At this point Annie made the choice to RETURN TO THE SANCTUARY WITH HER CHILD. Does she have the legal right to breastfeed her child in a church sanctuary during a service? Yes, she does. Are people flipping out over her breast ridiculous? Yes. HOWEVER....I would be annoyed if I was unable to follow the service because a child was crying or being burped. Also, the child in question is 19 months old, not a starving infant. What ever happened to being thoughtful of other people?
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Pastor Pete
Er, Matthew 9:14 I believe....
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Pastor Pete
Sorry, 19:14. Slip of the digits...
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Joseph E Knopick
Er...ah..yes...Matthew 19:14English Standard Version (ESV)
14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." - Jesus (John 21:15/KJV)
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Joseph E Knopick
out of context but effectively yes.
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Rev paul
Amen
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Huong&Danielle!
At least have the deceny to cover up.
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Paul Tocco
This is an issue in 2017? Hahaha, only fundamentalists, perverters of The Word would make it one. If this happened during the Sermon on the Mount do you think an Apostle would ask the lady to sit behind a rock? The real issue are the ones that are "uncomfortable" with this. To those people I suggest professional counseling.
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
Precisely!
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Minister Evie
I think the problem is two fold. A woman should be able to breast feed a child when needed. Most are very considerate and discrete about feeding their child. (I breast fed, so I know the challenges) no one should try and make them feel embarrassed or awkward about doing a natural thing. The church should have supported her. The problem is a lot of principles seem out of wack in the world we live in. The over sexualising of everything! There is already a double standard with nudity but I won't get into that here. I feel the church should have set the example. Yes maybe the person complaining would have left. This is their free choice. You can't please all the people all the time! I feel sorry for the person who complained that they are so out of touch with such an essential part of child rearing. They could have sat somewhere else discreetly if they felt uncomfortable watching.
I send a prayer for all involved that this is resolved in the best possible way.
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Rev. John
Normal:
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Mark
People forget that it is your right as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of others.
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Anne 'Arie
Although breastfeeding is most definitely a normal thing, women who do it in public places then fight over it are troublemakers. People have breast fed their babies since the beginning of time but even animals don't find the busiest places to feed their young. It only became an issue when women started fighting for their "right" to breastfeed in public. Whether or not they have any such right is negligible. As for the "church" aspect of this particular equation, church-goers are notoriously judgemental and I think this particular woman knew that it was going to create controversy. I would be more disturbed about the day care people sending text messages to the middle of the church service. Kids cry and day care people deal with it. It leads me to believe it may have been a conspiracy to create dissent, as so many staged events often are. But then, I admit I'm suspicious, and judgemental from my own perspectives, just like everyone else. As for whether or not breasts are "sexual," that, too, is one of life's mysteries that people must solve individually.
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Teri
Conspiracy? You think that she and the caregiver conspired to stir up a controversy?? Seriously? And 9/11 was an inside job, right?
No...it didnt start when women started fighting for their "right" to breastfeed in public. It started when commercial baby foods became popular (greed over normalcy). Here is an interesting article that explains things very well. I hope those who think this woman is wrong will read it.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/history/2015/05/how_public_breast_feeding_became_taboo_in_america.html
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Kevin Eggerth
Assuming this was an innocent intending mom lacking in modesty for the setting. In the face of correction she chose not to learn and conform to the expectations established by the church leaders. This is called rebellion. She is now choosing to further rebell by involving legal aid as a weapon of force. According to her Facebook page it is clear to me that her life has been very negatively marked by offense and rebellion. Friends she needs a good church service that preaches on offense. Half her life problems wouldn't be there if she wasn't sinfully rebellious and easily offended.
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Elizabeth Bailey
Thank you for your opinion. I wonder who died and made you God?
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Clyde Hodge
Fascinating. So you don't believe women have rights. Do we stone these rebellious women? This is not rebellion against God, and the folks who want to oppress a child of God have no authority over her, therefore the "rebelliousness" comes from the concept that men must control women. If one needs that, there are plenty Theocracies one can move to. Remember what Jesus said, "Let no man come between you and God." That includes elders, aldermen, blue noses, preachers, priests or any other busybody in the church who interfere with that personal relationship. You can't rebel against busybodies and control freaks; one can only pray for them.
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Mark
There is a lot that comes into play here. Was she trying to be discreet or flopping them out to prove a point? Is the church being ridiculious and she was being discreet or the people was uncomfortable because she was just laying it all out there for the whole church to see? Common sense folks, common sense.....
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Teri
The video showed her nursing her daughter....I did not see any "flop"...just getting it into the girl's mouth. No nipple....AND she had her hand over the area between her breast and the child's mouth. Such a non-issue. I think she was discreet.
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Jim D.
Unbelievable! Again, another issue that is simple to deal with. Breastfeeding is fine. No big deal. If the sight of a naked breast causes you to come undone, there is something seriously wrong with you.
Now, that being said, in spite of the law that says breastfeeding is allowed in public, the church is private property. If the uptight chuckle-heads that run the church don't want breastfeeding there, then either stay and comply, or leave and find a church that allows breastfeeding in the open.
You're not going to change the minds and hearts of these backwards nitwits any more than you can change the spin of the earth. Eventually they will die out like all dinosaurs do. Leave them alone and go to a church where you are welcome, and let people know what you are doing. Like-minded folks will follow you. Leave the rest in the dust and don't waste your time fighting them.
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Terry
As a woman who used to breastfeed my sons in public i was very careful about how I did it. There is a major difference between discreetly putting your child under your shirt and feeding them and just plopping it out anywhere. It is about respect for others as well as oneself. My mother always said,"My rights end where the other guy's nose begins."
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Jim D.
I guess that would make sense if you were shoving your boob under the other guy's nose. ;-)
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Kim
Breastfeeding is a wonderful, nature loving experience, that somewhere down the line someone had the thought to say it was sexual. Crazy to say it is any else, but a god given miracle to women that we can produce food for our babies.
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Teri
Kim...this article explains when/how that happened. Sad but true!
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/history/2015/05/how_public_breast_feeding_became_taboo_in_america.html
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Bro. James the Apostate, OSHSF
Excellent comment/perspective - obviously, someone managed to capitalize on it!
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Len Rudnick
Pseudo Christians continue to make rules contrary to Jesus' philosophy and teaching. Of course, according to their ignorant interpretations, Mary should never have been allowed into a house of worship. Now those morons are trying to run our country. GOD really needs to have mercy on America.
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kenneth bruun-olsen
That anybody was 'Offended' by this says More about the Parishioner than the Act. Breastfeeding should be Admired and Applauded rather than condemned. There has been a long history of making the female body a Sexual Trademark which has over time denigrated its purpose as The Life Giving Es sense for a child.
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Azri
the way i see it..according to Christianity. God made adam and then eve, so. god made women with breast's to FEED the children.
therefore by your own holy book, women were made the way they were for that purpose, and now? it's bad? thats some amazing insane troll logic there.
here's a thought, why not raise boys to be men who aren't assholes about a biological function & can check their own instinctive reactions to stimuli? guys aren't dogs and thus can choose how to act. i mean really... it's just like Islamic societies making women cover up head to toe. INSANE!!
makes me REAL happy i'm a PAGAN!! natural things come naturally to different people and thats ok..
if the other woman was offended? SHE should have left the sanctuary..might could be she was getting a lil to happy seeing another womens breasts..just saying..makes you wonder..
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Leesa kriege
Growing up, the church I attended had a nursery. Babies and toddlers did not attend services and disrupt others. We had volunteers who watched them for the brief time they were separated from their parents. Sermons should not be interrupted for any reason that could be considered distracting or avoidable.
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Joel
If a woman chooses to breast feed in public that's ok but she is not allowed to get mad when men stare at her. That is just as natural as her act of breast feeding. After all women started the natural act of men staring at breast when they fed use in public by sticking our face on their got.
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Teri
I dont recall this issue having to do with a man staring. And why is it some men seem to have a hard time controlling themselves?
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Minister R Sepeda
We should respect ourselves and the (house of the Lord) church. Times have change over the years. Women use to were maternity clothes now they don't. Lots of us go to church as if though we are going to a party, swimming, cell phones ringing & yes even texting in church. There should be a place in the church where women can breast feed or even yet cover their breast or better yet put breast milk in a bottle.
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SherSmith
Breast feeding is great. I really don't see how Annie's or Autumn's rights were violated. Annie had the right to continue to feed Autumn(that is her good right) but in more of a private setting(that is other folks good right). I feel that it is uncomfortable for some to see this and consideration should be for all. As for missing the sermon, perhaps the a "family room" could have the sermon streamed to that room. It is a very emotional debate, I've found. At nineteen months, the mother may be more soothing than feeding. Either or everyone should be considered here.
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Suzanne Yates
There is a time and place for everything and she obviously wants to be seen. It's easy to cover and no one else sees you or excuse yourself and go to a room designed for it.
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Jeff Drew
I have no problem with public breast feeding. I also have no problem if a church doesn't allow it. Just as a business has the right to restrict certain behaviors on their premises. Those who argue that it's natural, hence a church has no right to ban it, might not say the same for sex in the pews, which is also a natural act. It's not our business to say where the line must be drawn.
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Ralph J Miller
Maybe she should have asked what the church's policy was on that issue. She could have saved herself a lot of embarrassment. Sometimes it's better to ask ,than to assume
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Travis Wilbur
The only reason nudity is a taboo is because Adam and Eve were ashamed of their nakedness and covered themselves up. And God gave them animal skins to wear. I don't recall a single other part in the Bible where God himself decrees nudity to be sinful, outside of individual characters being ashamed to be nude. Israelites frequently ran around naked (Job, David, etc.). All too often, we take on the Islamic viewpoint that women showing their bodies is sinful and tempting to men. Yet, we never give masculine self-control a second thought. Heaven forbid we control our own sexual urges or comfort, when we can just dictate what women do or wear.
As a result, we have villified nudity as a society to where we believe it to be immoral. Yet, in third-world countries, and even Asian or European countries, nudity and sexuality are acceptable or commonplace. It ain't no thang.
Breastfeeding is a natural function of motherhood. God made us that way, so it MUST be good. Nudity is our natural state; God made Adam and Eve nude, so THAT must be good. No doubt if nudity were to be common and acceptable enough in a society, it would lose its sexual appeal, like in Africa or South America.
If I were ever to start a congregation, breastfeeding would be acceptable. People can learn to control their sexual urges and sensibilities. I think that church elders have a right to operate their congregation the way they choose, but should communicate the expectations to their patron, rather than expect them to assume or guess.
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elizabeth scott
Breastfeeding is normal and expected, but where is the decency in doing it, we should be decent about what we do and how to do it, no one needs to see your breast in feeding your child, go in the bathroom, or another area of the church for comfort and privacy for mom and child, just do things in decency
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Bob Anderson
Fascinating that the topic of a woman breastfeeding her child has drawn such attention...a hundred responses and counting...yet true religious topics draw much fewer...and less fervor. Which, to me proves that those who boast the most about their religious beliefs and condemn others who won't follow them are the true bigots and enemies of Christian thought. Focus on your own sins...your own transgressions and leave others to their own..
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Sherise
Breastfeeding in public, private, church, parks, and anywhere else should not be criticized. I am a Mother and I breastfeed my children in a wrap which was a personal decision. However, if I had chosen to do it without a wrap it's not something that should be looked upon in a shameful way at all. God doesn't care about such things it's the people in the congregation and on this message board that do sadly. I do not believe that she should have been kicked out of church for providing sustenance for her child. We live in a time where Church for a lot of people is becoming more obsolete and people really need to find better things to focus on.The society we live in will never be completely happy with any decision that people make. So God Bless her for showing up at church and feeding her child when it was hungry.
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Colleen McAllister
While I firmly believe that breastfeeding is natural, in my church the mothers tend to be discrete and feed their babies in the nursery. Why did she choose to take the child into the sanctuary where even a bottle would be disruptive? Common courtesy should come before personal wants. This was not a tiny baby, and our the US culture is not comfortable with it. Send should have stayed in the nursery to nurse.
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angel
Taking a dump is a natural thing, but it doesn't mean we want to watch you do it! Breastfeeding is the same thing. I don't want to see some woman whip her boobs out. Back in the day, women would at least cover up and move to a more private area, now their screaming because they want their boobs to hang out while at a restaurant. It's a distraction. If you want to feed your baby, then feed your baby, but have a little discretion and think about other people. People go to church to listen to the preacher, not watch you bare it all to the world.
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Rev Liz
Poor, delusional angel722! There might be a medication for that...you might wish to talk to your psychologist.
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Elizabeth Bailey
Wasn't it Jesus who said something like, "do not suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven?" Anyone who does not accept the Kingdom of Heaven as a little child shall not enter therein... Breastfeeding is a normal, natural, beautiful bond between mother and baby, so necessary and so loving. To say it might offend a man by doing so in the Sanctuary tells me that man needs some love and attitude adjustment about what Jesus said. It says to me that the women of that Church need an attitude adjustment about what is good and pure and holy, and about Jesus' teachings. Don't be the first ones to cast stones and don't be so quick to talk about a twig in someone's eye while you still have a log in your own eye. The future of that Church is in peril, too, if they're not welcoming young adults and families into their flock. Soon there will be the eight octogenarians in the back three pews wondering why young people don't attend Church services anymore.... but, by gum, there are no disruptions in their Church! No pitter patter of little feet, no "Mommy, I don't want to take a nap," during prayer, no hideous disruptions like a baby who is getting rocked to sleep, no wiggly little boys wondering if the fish are biting down by the brook- there's only the wheezing, grunting, nose-blowing and flatulence of the old leftovers in the back pews...
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Apostle Dr. C.N. Turrell
Why do you think there is a baby room. This is where you do what have to do with a baby. In most Assemblies the service is on loud speakers there. One should respect the rules of where you are, and stop trying to change things. Baby rooms are there for a purpose.
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Fred
You have to be a moron to find feeding a child any wear wrong . It's to bad we live in a world full of morons . Any attempt to try to educate people with views like that is hopeless . Personally persons how fear a nippy or are upset by a child feeding must have some type of mental illness . I would be very worried about people like that being left unsupervised around children . There views are twisted one can not know what demented thoughts brought them to this state of abnormal behavior . They seem to have a desire to harm children by denying the mothers right and obligation to feed them and keep them alive and well . They also demonstrate a fear of women and seem to be unable to control them self's should they see a human breast . This we should all question people like this need treatment and should be watch closely for no normal person could say they are stable ,
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Pastor Pete
Goodness, what a controversy! Do remember brethren, ultimately this is a matter of opinion, let's not descend into squabbling, we have bigger fish to fry. My main concern is that the baby is fed.... Love light and peace all round.
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John Owens
Most women are very modest about it. It's not as if they reveal both breasts, put one in the baby's mouth, and parade around in front of everyone. Breasts are made for this very reason, and God has equipped the female of our species to bear and nurture babies. Anyone who thinks it is wrong is ill-informed or incredibly perverse.
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Dave
If churches are going to do this, then perhaps it's time to remove their tax-exempt status.
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Ben
Under normal circumstances, I'm all for public breastfeeding. I'm sure that if was in some pagan circle, none of my fellow pagans would've cared if a mom whipped out a boob, for any reason, but especially would be okay with breast-feeding. But, this is a church, it is the way it is, it's community has rules. She was asked to do that out of site, and churches have that right.. Miss Self-entitled needs to get over herself.
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Cliff
There are a few people writing on this page that are showing their very human prejudices and limitations. Everyone needs to remember that breastfeeding is a wonderful thing created by God! I am pretty sure that God would not have thrown the woman out of His church, and would rather have embraced the fact that she was doing a very loving act just as He had planned. We can go to church and speak the words, but what is really needed is to practice what we preach. To truly understand God and His message, we need to rise above our human limitations and prejudices and feel the teachings of Jesus, of God. This woman was not being selfish, as one person wrote, this woman was actually standing up for what God had created. At that moment in time, she was a stronger messenger for God than even the Minister. The Minister could have embraced God's message at that moment. What a great opportunity the Minister missed to teach a wonderful lesson to the congregation. There really is no argument to fight or debate about when you lower your human prejudices and look at it through the eyes of God. God is all loving. That is what we need to become.
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Clyde Hodge
Feeding a child is a blessing, not a sin. Only twisted people are aghast at seeing someone else feeding one's child. Breast feeding is the Creator's best food for a child, not a sin, not an exceptional act. It is God's design. Although sometimes children truly need special formula, bottle feeding is unnatural and astoundingly inferior to natural breast feeding. Time we start respecting mothers' right to feed their child naturally, and tell those blue nose control-freaks to mind their own business, and if a man gets embarrassed (sexually excited) at the act, it's his fault, his sin, his neurotic monster he has to face like a man.
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Gail Adams
Her rights were in no way violated. She was given the option to use another area to a child that should be bottled fed. She refused making a big fuss and had to be asked to vacate the premises which should have happened. Decency and order is always in order.
When children become fussy ? for whatever reason during service it has always been the customary thing to leave the sanctuary to avoid disturbing service to feed them, talk to them about misbehaving or whatever.
She is a greedy liar ? looking to make money from a issue where she was given a choice which she declined and obviously became disruptive.
Put that child not infant on a bottle ? She had outgrown your tiddy ?
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Rev Liz
Well, aren't we a harsh, judgmental one? Somebody pee in your Cheerios, today?
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The Doctor
I see you either did nae read the article or do nae comprehend laws. She was entirely within her legal right to feed there, asking her to leave or move was an act of lawlessness in the eyes of our society and the divine nature of woman.
What part of a woman may feed anywhere she is allowed to be legally hard for you to grasp? Sadly by your obvious hate and anger you certainly damn yourself in the eyes of the divine. I shall pray for you but I suspect the powers that be have already put your name on the list of the eternally damned.
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Sherise
The Equity Act of 2010 protects breastfeeding Mothers. So yes, her rights were violated. Opinions are like a**holes and everyone has one. However, there are laws in place that protect women who choose to breastfeed in Public vs Private. That is indeed a fact.
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elizabeth scott
For this to be a christian fellowship log there are so much hatred and malice going the ministers as well as other readers need Jesus, I don't want any more part of this blog, and will pray for all, if the woman is not going to your church leave her alone, only if you all don't have faults cast the first stone.
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Pastor Pete
For the nth time, this is not a solely Christian church, some of us are if different faiths!
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Ben
Agreed, I'm a witch. But, the situation did happen in a Christian church.
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Pastor Pete
Absolutely sister, this was in response to this being described as a "Christian fellowship" Blessed be, Pete.
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Ben
That'd be brother, but thank you. B.B.
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Pastor Pete
My apologies brother, these threads can become quite confusing, a merry belated Beltane to you...
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Kanumommy
Lol. Pope Francis encouraged women to continue to breastfeed during a baptism ceremony at which he was officiating. Maybe we should have a separate room for offended males.
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Sherise
Lol I agree and might I add not just for males but any offended persons. By the tone on this board it's not just the males who appear to be offended by the naturalness of breastfeeding a child/baby/toddler etc... ;)
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Ben
How is any straight guy offended?
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Kanumommy
Bet they took her tithe, though. Lol. But it seems she has left this church. I think I will start a women-only service. Maybe a women's only church. No Men allowed. Breastfeed all you want. It seems we should go to extreme gender segregation anyway if the sight of a breastfeeding female will cause anyone with a Y chromosome to go astray from their religion. (Used to be the sight of an ankle.)
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Irie
I breast fed both my children. I am a modest person. I preferred a semi private space to do this, a stairwell, a church office. In a restaurant, I would use a bathroom if it had a sitting area, sometimes I would go to the car or sometimes I would wouldn't go anywhere and throw a blanket over myself and the baby. I didn't got to high end restaurants when my kids were that young.
In a quiet place, the sucking sound is very distracting. I remember when I was a college student, a mother was nursing a baby in a quiet restaurant. In my young and inexperienced years, I thought those sounds were obscene and it made me uncomfortable especially since there were males in my group, they kept trying to look over at the nursing woman. It was very awkward and sexually charged. the society we're in. I think nursing women should practice some modesty, truthfully.
A 19 month old child is a toddler and not a baby. It seems like this mother could have fed the child some Cheerios or a cracker and the baby/toddler probably would have been equally placated by that in place of the breast. If not, the mother should have taken her large baby to a semi private place and breast fed him/her. That is a considerate and mindful thing to do
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Dennis
1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
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Ruth
Breastfeeding is a natural but have respect for yourself and others around you. Just throw a blanket over the baby and yourself. Thank you
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The Doctor
First things first, the woman had the law on her side. 2nd thing feeding is not a private moment, its not sacred its simply a natural thing that occurs when and where it occurs. In animals sure it is often in solitude specifically because a female with babies is vulnerable. a human woman should absolutely feel safe enough in her church that if her babe needs a feeding so be it.
I watched and read many articles about events about the international women day, and while I certainly as a male will admit I appreciate the sight of a well shaped female from head to toe do not for a minute think nor feel a woman walks this world to be objectified.
A woman who wishes to walk topless should not have to put up with cat calls nor be made to feel as if she has done something wrong. Whats next putting face veils on them because their mouth is too enticing and sexual? Thats what certain cultures say and I disagree heavily with such views.
I see plenty of out of shape men with larger moobs then some womans breasts and yet they can walk shirtless even though the sight of of such a out of shape individual is actually most unappealing to see and can even make me sick with disgust and contempt for not treating the divine gift of existence seriously enough to take care of their physical health.
Intent matters and this woman's was to feed her child as she is meant to, while being a part of her spiritual community. When they asked her to leave the group it was a failing on them all and imo taints that church to the point it needs to be torn down and the land sanctified before another is built upon it by the hands of those who failed this woman and tainted their faith with closed minded ignorance.
Stay strong mothers one and all.
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Kanumommy
I keep wondering why women keep giving some churches their time and money....smh. Looks like this one isn't anymore. Good for her. Kick the nursing mother out so that men who cannot control themselves can stay in. Jesus didn't say " Suffer the dirty minds come unto me."
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Ben
Agreed. Other then the Mary worshipers out there, why would any woman follow the Patriarch? The entire religion is skewed against them. They're such second rate citizens, that they can't even reach any real positions with in the clergy.
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Dana Boyer
I am mortified that this is still a discussion. In an effort to minimize the importance or the need for feeding the baby they make the whole conversation about where the milk originates. Who are we to question to dynamics of the human body, for what we know today, was GOD's way of assuring we could feed our offspring. Let's focus on creating an environment of love and inclusion. My body parts are not yours for discussion. But don't fret your body parts are not MINE for discussion. Your end of the lesson.
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Ben
Great I just realized three are 2 Ben's in this discussion.
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Pastor Pete
Three are two? How many are three? Confusing.... ?
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Ben
My apologies ... auto correct issue. Should read: "Great I just realized there are 2 Ben’s in this discussion."
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Pastor Pete
No need for apologies old boy, that autocorrect eh? Knew what you meant, tiny joke, can't help it, I'm English, hope all is well with you ?
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Ben
Cheers!
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Joshua Hansen
I'm not a parent nor will I be, however my only opinion on this matter is I do believe there should be a time when a child is not breast fed anymore. I'm not sure of the proper age on that but the breastfeeding period should not be a problem. Are breasts sexual? Now a days yes if you're the one bothered then you leave. If you say you have a right to be there then so does the breastfeeding mother
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David Bartlett
I know people who think feet are sex organs. If you ban any activity that involves a body part some person could find sexual, then ban the species.
As for the age limit for weening a baby, I think that should be left up to the mother. Generally most child psychologists tend to recommend letting the baby ween itself in it's own time and that seems to be somewhere around a year or so.
Some cultures don't ween their babies for quite some time after that. Chinese royalty were weened as teens and there are records of some east Asian cultures weening upper class well into adulthood. European royalty in medieval times often weened children after their preteen years. There are cultures today that wait until school age to ween children.
My grandmother, her mother and so on going back a few dozen generations were healers and midwives. According to my great grandmother who birthed more babies than all the doctors in her county combined, babies should be weened when they are ready to be weened. I know that is vague but I think she meant to be vague leaving the matter up to the mother to judge. I don't think there should be a legal constraint on the issue.
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Dwayne Crandall
I feel as a Christian man that it is her right, however I feel it violates many Christians religious rights if she is attractive and showing her breast. That is because it may give them sinful thoughts that they are trying to refrain from. She is causing some men and boys to think sinfully. Do not covet thy neighbors wife. "You shall not covet" means that we should banish our desires for whatever does not belong to us. Never having enough money is regarded as a symptom of the love of money. Obedience to the tenth commandment requires that envy be banished from the human heart. Exodus 20:14King James Version (KJV) 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. Also thoughts of adultery could be a problem for some men that are also trying to lead a good clean Christian life. Everyone is a sinner already by nature so why allow this woman to affect so many others in this way? Isn't it from a religious aspect more respectful for her as one individual to cover up or go to another room so she is not causing men and maybe even some women to have sinful thoughts and desires? I think it is totally appropriate for a church to ask a mother to cover or go to another room that has the sermon on a speaker for the mother to hear. It would be difficult for some men and teenage boys to concentrate on the sermon about God and the Bible when she is causing them to lose concentration by trying to control the sinful desire to look at her or think about her sexually. Maybe even remind them of thoughts of naked women that they may have seen as a sinner at one time or another.
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Sam
Women are not responsible for men's desires. It's about time that you so called Christian men grow up and take responsibility for your behaviour and thoughts. Stop guilt tripping the people around you for your lack of control. It's shameful to watch people like yourself who want to control everything around in order that you may live without temptation. An apple pie is tempting, ban that from your home as well. Good counselling and meditation can help you. But for the love of God, please please stop blaming external forces for your own weakness.
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Dwayne Crandall
That is how Christian men take responsibility for their behavior and thoughts. No one is trying to guilt anyone. They are just respectfully asking them to cover up or go elsewhere. There is no reason why she shouldn't be kind enough to respect the feelings of other church members around her. Where I go to church the women wear scarves or hats on their heads to cover themselves because the bible tells us to do this. They also go to the nursery to breastfeed and listen to the sermon on a speaker.
Genesis 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
Leviticus 18:6 None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord.
Leviticus 18:7 The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Leviticus 18:8 The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness.
Leviticus 18:9 The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
Leviticus 18:10 The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness.
Leviticus 18:11 The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Leviticus 18:12 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman.
Leviticus 18:13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman.
Leviticus 18:14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
Leviticus 18:15 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Leviticus 18:16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness.
Leviticus 18:17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
Oh and this explains head coverings from the New testament 1 Corinthians 11:3-10King James Version (KJV) 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
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Sherise
Enough already. Taking quotes out of the bible or whatever book you have does not make it so. The law protects breastfeeding mothers and if some men can't take it for what it is than they should remove themselves into the back room where there is a speaker. This topic is gaining way too much attention to all who want to pick and choose quotes and try to substantiate crazy claims. Her child was hungry and she fed her.
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Sam
Like I said, grow up. Stop being a shameless hypocrite. Hiding behind bible verses and using them as a weapon of hate. Change your attitude man and while your at it, change your clothes. Leviticus 19:19
And thank you Teri and Sherise-
Sherise
No need to say thank you Sam :) but since you did you're welcome.
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Teri
Sam, this is the best reply yet! Thank you!
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Dwayne Crandall
That is your choice to ignore the word of God. I'm not hiding behind the word, The word is part of the armor of God. I can't believe you can call me a hypocrite for simply asking people to be respectful in church. You can explain that one on judgement day. I will explain my being a hypocrite. We will see how that will work out for each of us. I have nothing to fear because God knows I believe his word, that I am trying to obey it and I am helping spread his word. I hope you will find your way someday. I know what path I am on and where it is going. Do you? I am not on here to argue or cause hate. I don't hate you. I am taking time out of my day to respond because I care.
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Sam
keep telling yourself that. Your response is the same way terrorist interpret the Karan. To meet their own needs. There are peace loving Muslims who disagree. When you follow words written and interpret by men so many many years ago and only follow those words when it suits you, make you a hater and a hyprocytical so called Christian. We see it here and in churches and in politics. Perhaps it's time for the bible to be rewritten by women. Come on man, times have changed, stop living in the dark ages. If you truly care, then you would be more empathetic rather then hide behind old barbaric verses. Freedom of religion is one thing, but when it disrespects and excludes then it's a tool for control and hate. When you truly love yourself and can truly love others for who they are. Then you have found God. God bless you and all those who blindly follow words that are old and outdated.
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Dwayne Crandall
It almost sounds as though you hate Christians. Also you can't just go and change the bible to suit your own desires.
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Sam
I would love to read a bible that has been interpret by a woman. No I don't hate Chritians, nice come back. It's Christian hate that I don't like. Or any faith that uses people's hard working tax $$$ to exclude, shame and hate. May you find love
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Dwayne Crandall
It wasn't meant to be a comeback. I just wanted to point out how you sound with what you wrote. I never intended to argue.
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Kanumommy
It used to be women were told to cover up their ankles because the sight of it would cause a man to have sexual thoughts. Men will have sexual thought about women no matter what. Maybe they should just have separate services for men. They obviously cannot control themselves. Or better yet, when a woman gives birth, she ( and her work for the church and her money) are excused for the duration of her childbearing years. You can do a lot for your family putting that tithe in the bank instead of in the collection plate.
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James
The Muslim religion does just what you suggest. They make women wear burkas and keep completely covered and are not allowed to be in certain places or take part in select activities to prevent men from being tantalized by the sight of their skin, hair and or presence. It is LAW!
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David Bartlett
There is a Roman Catholic church/shrine in St. Augustine Florida with a prominent statue depicting the Virgin Mary breast feeding baby Jesus. This is not unique. There are several of these shrines/churches around the world. While it is uncommon to see women breast feeding in a church, it is not unheard of. So, if breasts are sex organs than mothers who are breast feeding are molesting/sexually assaulting their babies. If you can't arrest and charge such a woman with that crime then she is doing nothing wrong. That said, each church makes up it's own rules and if they ban people who have tattoos or who wear red garments or whatever then they can ban breast feeding. Many churches also ban food and beverages. I would like to also say that I'd much rather a woman breast feed her baby in a church than let the baby scream.
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David Bartlett
I would like to add that I work in a restaurant. While it doesn't happen regularly, we have had women breast feed in our dining room. They are almost always discrete. On only one occasion has someone complained. The person complaining was an elderly gentleman who told us if we didn't kick the woman out for being "disgusting" he would call the police. I kicked him out since state law grants women the right to breast feed in public places.
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Stephen Craig Horne
Utah is the nosy capital of the world. Especielly provo which lies in utah county. If you are doing something everybody has got to know about it. Without fail if somebody masturbates, somebody in the mormon establishment finds out about it and they get indefinite suspension from church. Exercising the 1st amendment in church(saying any word you please)is prohibited in church. I would say that breast feeding would be the same as freedom of expression however i know and the people punishing them know damn well that they are not in any way trying to display themselves like those ladies in the titie bars.
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John Owens
Isn't this another proof that women are women and men are not? I mean, I only say that because some of you seem a little unclear about that.
It's a normal thing. Most women are very demure about how they do it anyway.
I agree the church should not bother a mom for breast feeding her baby
It's not a sin, It feeds the child... Is it your kid? no? then leave her alone...
Is eating a sin? Is being a mother a sin? Uncomfortable maybe but so is a colonoscopy.but kicking out someone who is there to hear about JESUS, not a position I want to take
Do you eat in church? A nearly 2 year old can wait. If not, she should have followed the advice and go out of the sanctuary.
This is for Ben...."a nearly 2 year old can wait". ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Something tells me you have not spent sufficient time with a fussy or hungry toddler. You know not of what you speak!
Who actually eats in church during the service..it is rude and inconsiderate to others who are trying to listen to the service...you should either eat before or after the service.
I agree not a stance i would want to take ethier
This child should be drinking whole milk now for the nutrients she needs. This mom is being selfish and not wanting to let go of that bonding for herself. Give that almost 2 year old a sippy cup with milk or juice. Quit being selfish and respect others.
Shame on you! Human breast milk has more nutrients for human babies than cows milk could ever have. Breasts are on women to nourish babies, not to be the sexual objects that prudes have made them, and God created this perfect feeding system.
Whole milk is needed the first 2 years for the fats needed for brain development. In non-breastfed children. Any child on mother's milk has a huge advantage. Sounds more like you are uncomfortable with the idea of a woman feeding her child (the way God intended) in a church. Look the other way.
Deborah and Teri already stated the issue clearly. Let mom and the child do the right thing. Share and eat respectively. Oh, or, are you ashamed of the body in "Christ"? The lords image offends you? Life is a representation of the Holy Spirit. Some folks have too much free time to worry about the wrong things. Breast feeding is natural. Get over it.
Wole milk is for cows not human babies dummy.
i disagree Maria Johnson. The Mother, child and congregation were there to hear the word of God. Her child was hungry and she tried to feed her child. It's none of your business how old the child is or isn't. Matthew 19:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
If people had a problem with her breastfeeding, then that is a problem within themselves. It is not dirty, disrespectful or obscene for a Mother to breastfeed.
Maybe if the people that were bothered so much, spent more time paying attention to the reason they were there in the first place, there never would have been a problem.
It's not a sin, however, it is disrespectful.
When I was breastfeeding my babies I would put a blanket over my shoulder and sit in a back room. I could still hear the sermon. To me it was a bonding moment with my child and I had no desire to disturb or embarrass others in the congregation. She should have used better manners and considered that there would be members that would not appreciate her actions.
Finally a voice of reason. I have no qualms with breast feeding in public as long as the breast is being covered up and not visible to others. This woman was very disrespectful and the church made the right decision to kick her out. She's a trouble maker and her risque behavior wasn't appreciated.
Yes, Ben...breastfeeding is "risque" behavior. Says the man who thinks a "nearly 2 year old can wait". Methinks you need to leave the conversation. You dont make any sense, whatsoever.
Teri, Ben strikes me as the kind of guy who can be an uncle, but not a dad. Just saying.
Why does only her rights matter and nobody's else matters is their something wrong with this action , I breastfeed to of my baby's and I never had to disrespect other church members just to to breastfeed my baby's, this is very sad that this lady doesn't respect her neighoursor even love her neighborsas GOD said to Love them I think every women that believes that nothing is wrong with breastfeeding their baby in public should go in front of this lady's husband and.her child and breastfeed their baby and see how she feels about it after her husband has seen all these women breast and her child .
I just would like to point out the Jesus Christ was breast feed. So it is not sinful in anyway
I doubt his mother did so in the manor this disrespectful woman did - out in the public for all to see her boobs. The Jews back then were a lot more like the Muslims so this liberal take on the matter doesn't hold any water in your argument.
I'll bet she did nurse in public. Lol....apparently the early church was very "liberal". You can find icons of Mary nursing Jesus with nipple showing and all. Not to mention later on in Renaissance paintings. All hung in churches. Colonial women here nursed in public. In fact, there are many photos of women openly nursing their babies in 1930's America. This fear of breastfeeding is recent.
It's funny too, that men can expose their nipples with no repercussions, but boy...let a woman feed a baby without a blanket smothering the child and all holy hell breaks loose. Ah, that darned patriarchal thing....still rearing it's ugly head.
FreeTheNipple !
Your right about that
Exactly!!! All these people cry that it's their right. It's gotten out of hand. No wonder we have a country full of entitled crybabies.
Breast feeding is only dirty and shameful if we make it that way
And leave it to humans to make it dirty and shameful. Breasts were made for feeding children, It is just a happy coincidence that they make sex a bit more fun. I dont think you'd ever see an ape go nuts over a mother ape feeding her baby. America needs to lighten up!
http://images.agoramedia.com/ugcphotoservice/100/2016/1/12/47106793/27c558f8-eb57-4c7a-ba06-728a4c1a7a2d.jpg
I agree with you Teri why is it that ppl get worked up about this if you women need to feed the child I don't know much how long a mother should breast feed her child. Maybe the church should have a place for mom's to feed the baby. Or here's a thought y are men looking at what she's doing keep your eyes facing forward. If it bothers ppl maybe they should leave the church.
JUST ASK YOURSELVES WHEN DO WE STOP BEING WHAT WE REALLY ARE? CREATING A BIG CONTROVERSY OUT OF A POOR JUDGEMENT. THE LADY WAS ASKED POLITELY TO MOVE TO A BACK ROOM TO CONTINUE BREASTFEEDING. SHE WANTED TO "HEAR THE SERMON" AND TREAT HER CHILD LIKE A THING - BREASTFEEDING WITHOUT GIVING THE CHILD THE RIGHT MOTHERLY ATTENTION- . HOW ABOUT WHEN A CHILD GOES NO. 2, THE SERMON IS GOING ON, AND BECAUSE YOU WANT TO HEAR THE SERMON YOU DECIDE TO CHANGE THE CHILD RIGHT THERE. ARE WE BEING SELFISH? OR JUST WITH A POOR JUDGEMENT? DO NOT ACUSE ANYONE, JUST THINK ABOUT YOUR OWN SELF - HOW WILL YOU REACT? ARE YOU GOING TO SHOW OFF YOUR INNATE EDUCATION OR ARE YOU GOING TO GET YOUR WAY EVEN IF WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND IS GOOD FOR THE REST OF THE ONES THAT ARE PRESENT. GOING NO. 2 IS VERY NORMAL.
This makes no sense.
The only poor judgement was from the church member interferring with her legal right to feed her child.
Here here amen
What?
Writing in capital letters is acknowledged to infer shouting. Not only does your reply not make sense but it is tantamount to bullying. I breast fed in public in the 70's (no - I was never a hippy) and no one minded as I was modest whilst doing it. Mothers sometimes brought there younger children to educate them by talking to me. That I think is the problem ... Lack of education in the people who are getting upset also they are ashamed of their own bodies with narrow; immature emotions. Perhaps the woman who asked the mum to go out of the room was worried that her husband would sexualise (English spelling!!) the matter and was jealous. So petty, She should grow up really.
Thank you, so true I breastfeed my baby's with out having to show my breast to anybody at church or in public , I think she just wanted to show her breasts to men, sad.
Breast feeding is natural and necessary, but there is no reason to try to create dissention for the sole purpose of making a spectacle of yourself. The baby could have been fed before or after the service. This woman is clearly trying to bring attention to herself, and there is nothing moral about creating provocative situations solely to point out a sense of 'I do what I want, when I want to'. This is not a feminist issue, anymore than me urinating in a jug at church because I do not want to get up to leave the service for a few minutes. This leftist idiocy has to stop.
I agree. This woman was using breastfeeding to create a disturbance. She would be uncomfortable if a man pulled out his business in church and proceeded to urinate in a bottle as you say. She has no sense of MODESTY (which is a trait desired in a Godly woman.)
You're right Martha. This was not a godly woman. She was just trying to make waves and get attention which she succeeded at doing.
The assessment of anyone else's level of "godliness" is not yours to make good sister. The rest is opinion, which you have a perfect right to. I would say however that this level of tolerance is contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
26 years ago when I attended Mass with infants, women reluctantly moved to the back or to a separate room for this. it's not a sin, however, I just opted out of going to church or staying home. small kids cannot sit still and breast fed ones eat a lot. so why even attend? OR find a sitter with plenty of milk in the fridge, go to church with your spouse, and stop off at IHOP, and have a wonderful quiet moment together!
I don't see this as a religious issue whatsoever. We shouldn't even need laws about this. A mother should be able to breast feed covered or uncovered in any place she is allowed to go as a woman and a citizen of this country. She should be the ONLY person to decide when, where (including church), or how long her child should breastfeed. And in all my years defending this I have yet to meet a MAN that was against this. I'm not saying they don't exist, I'm sure they do. It seems it's predominately another woman who has issue with this which is something I struggle to understand. And to those of you who feel an almost two year old should be getting cows milk out of a sippy cup, what gives you the right to tell someone else what they should do? God gave mother's breasts for a reason, and those breasts can produce milk for an extended period for a reason. I say this is no ones business and applaud this mother for her outrage and for posting online. Love and light to you Annie Peguero and baby Autumn.
The simple solution is she should have pumped her breasts and put the milk in a sippy cup or a bottle...why are these women who want their babies to have breastmilk so eager to force others who to be subjective to them breastfeeding their children in public when they can easily put the breastmilk in a bottle...they are just too laxy to pump and too cheap to buy a breast pump...It is a distraction and a child that age should be weined from the breast and the bottle
The child was in the childcare room from what I read in all of the posts..why didnt she just breastfeed the child there instead of interrupting the service by bringing the child to the adult service...most childcare rooms have a speaker system in the room so a person can hear the service...Most people would leave the adult service if their child was being fussy, comfort and feed the child out of respect not bring a fussy child out of childcare to feed in the adult service to disrupt the service
Childcare room? I have never heard of that. Every church I have ever attended has the entire family sit in the pews together. Occasionally a crying baby will be taken back to the rear of the sanctuary. But then I was raised Catholic and the parents and entire family are required to attend mass weekly and that means the baby too. Technically you are not in attendance if you are not in the sanctuary. I have also attended Episcopal, Congregational, Baptist and Unitarian services and while I am unaware of attendance rules in those denominations I can say with certainty that children were in attendance and none of them had "childcare rooms." If your children are not welcome in the sanctuary then why would you belong to that church?