Ask Amy: Racy Instagram postings alarm family friend
Dear Amy: I am so tired of staying home. I was happy when my state relaxed some of the COVID-19 mandates, which meant that our church could open up again. However, I am disappointed and angry with my church's reaction to the remaining mandates.
Ninety-five percent of the congregation do not wear face masks. There is no social distancing. People are sitting close, hugging, and shaking hands.
My spouse and I feel like outcasts. We sit by ourselves in a separate room and watch the service on TV. That's not "church.”
We have seen negative comments congregants have posted on Facebook, such as, "Wearing a face mask does not help," "Stop wearing underwear on your face,” and, from our minister, "If I see you wearing a face mask, I'll laugh at you."
We are naturally very uncomfortable with such talk and dangerous behavior.
We're not sure how to deal with all this. I want to report them to protect the innocent kids and those of us who are compliant. What do you think?
— Justified Anger
Dear Justified: You need to find another church. Your pastor’s comments alone are — shameful, to say the least.
Additionally, depending on what denomination you are, you should contact the district or regional governing body of the church to share your concerns. Send a link to the church’s Facebook page (or screengrab these comments), and ask the district to do something about it.
But definitely find another church. Unfortunately, the spiritual toxicity unleashed by some in this congregation will likely outlast the pandemic.
Dear Amy: A reader recently took you to task, insisting that it is a wife’s duty to assume total responsibility for the care of her elderly husband, who has dementia. You had suggested that the adult daughter should be more helpful.
You answered: "I hope you warn your spouse."
Be careful with that razor, lady! You are sharp.
— A Fan
Dear Fan: Perhaps I should arm my readers with a styptic pencil.
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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
