How would you respond after being accused of staring at church?

[smahala1991]

Yesterday I got met at the church by a sheriff's deputy and the pastor (wasn't in any trouble), one of the worshippers complained that I was staring at them and their family. I don't even remember why or even staring at anyone since I really don't like eye contact (I'm a neurodivergent person). It made me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed, so after Sunday school I left and went home. My brother wants to call the church and cuss them out, which I really wanna let it go because I don't see it as a big deal for that kinda fuss. However I don't think l will return. How would you respond if you were in my situation?

Updates

10 d

It's a Baptist Church if that helps the situation

[jennifer_bloom]

I have been kicked out of churches and treated like a worthless criminal in churches I did not get removed from because I had a different interpretation of the bible than the church leader. I got banned from church birthday parties that all the other members were invited to because I said God cured me of incurable diseases and they said I told lies about God to get attention. Jesus said the church leaders would hate and persecute the church apostles and prophets and saints, because the Jewish leaders hated and persecuted the Christian apostles and prophets. The bible actually says if you do not have any enemies it is a sign your personality is fake and you are going to go to hell after you die. Because the bible says good people always have enemies. I mean Jesus and God have enemies.

[TrueConfection]

That’s pretty serious. I think you should contact the pastor and ask to meet with him regarding the “incident”. Let him know you didn’t intend to stare and tell him the same thing you stated here. Give him a chance to explain why it was perceived the way it was so you can avoid any future conflict or embarrassment. Then ask for his advice on how to smooth things over with the other family.

[Anonymous]

See, i'm kind of an a**hole. So i'd respond, "i'm sorry, but there was a demon sitting on your head stroking your hair through most of the service. I was trying to ascertain whether the demon joined you at church today or whether you carpooled here together".

I don't know why that person said that. I have my suspicions. But i would be be completely calm and try to make them look as silly as they TRIED to make you look.

The good news is you probably handled it the right way. Let God deal with the things they do. Unfortunately i can't be so forgiving.

[strateguy632]

i would apologize and say i won't stare at little girls anymore.

[strateguy632]

the question is not about standing outside a church staring at it.

[smahala1991]

The person was an adult.

[strateguy632]

oh then she needs to apologize to you. make a 3 way meeting with her and pastor and say she is overeacting.

[msc545]

First of all, most importantly, do not shout at anybody. Second, explain your neurodivergence to the pastor, and hopefully he will understand. If he doesn't understand, find a new church.

[msc545]

I want to point out that staring is not illegal, and you cannot be arrested for it.

[Anonymous]

Go at a different time next Sunday