Pennsylvania Church's 'Loud Kids' Policy Goes Viral After NYT Columnist Shares It

A small Pennsylvania church has gone viral after embracing a policy that welcomes so-called 'loud kids' in worship. The memo, which originated at First Baptist Union in Mississippi, was reposted last week by Mt. Washington United Brethren Church in York, Pennsylvania. It didn't gain national attention until New York Times columnist David French shared the image on X, where it quickly amassed 1.4 million views. 'I love this so much,' French wrote in his post.

The note began with a tongue-in-cheek assurance of 'transparency and accountability' before laying out four 'comprehensive procedures regarding loud children in worship.' 'Effective immediately, if a family is considering visiting Mt. Washington Church and they have a loud kid, the following options are available: Option 1. The family should bring the kid. Option 2. The family should make sure they bring the kid. Option 3. The family is to see that the child is brought to church. Option 4. The kid is absolutely welcome and expected.'

The memo added that children's noise is not a distraction but 'evidence of life, growth, and the future of the church.' It concludes, 'If your child makes noise, you are not bothering us. You are blessing us. Policy enacted. No exceptions.' Many religious leaders and parents applauded the message as a needed correction to churches that shame tired families away from attending.

Politician Christopher Hale quoted Pope Francis, who told parents during a 2020 baptism in the Sistine Chapel: 'Let the children cry. It is a beautiful homily when a child cries in church.' Francis joked that babies aren't used to the chapel and shortened his homily so they wouldn't become uncomfortable, reminding parents that baptism is an act of justice because it imparts the Holy Spirit. Other users referenced Mark 10:14, 'let the little children come to me.'

A widely circulated line captured the same sentiment: 'If your church services aren't crying, they're dying.' A churchgoer shared his parish's own message: 'Parents, relax. Children wiggle,' adding that the 'sound of children in church is actually the sound of obedience' because it shows parents bringing their kids to worship even when it's difficult. Facebook commenters on the original Mississippi post also shared emotional stories.

One recalled a pastor being called to pray over a terminally ill newborn who suddenly began crying during the prayer. 'Every time he hears a baby cry during a sermon, he immediately thinks about what a beautiful sound it truly is,' the commenter wrote. The memo, which originated at First Baptist Union in Mississippi, was reposted last week by Mt. Washington United Brethren Church in York, Pennsylvania. Many religious leaders and parents applauded the message as a needed correction to churches that shame tired families away from attending.

Another parent said their family left a church after a pastor publicly called out a noisy baby. 'Next church we went to, the very first service there was a baby making noise and playing - not one person said anything. That's when I knew we'd found our home.' Even users who admitted to disliking loud children said they supported the spirit of the memo: 'I get very annoyed by disruptive kids… That said, I still love this.'

But others argued the viral policy goes too far, especially regarding older children. Tax Foundation senior fellow Jared Walczak wrote that while he agrees churches should welcome families, he has seen churches where children aged 6–10 'play noisily' during services while parents ignore it. 'That's distracting for other worshippers,' he said, 'and it's also bad for the kids, because they're being taught that church isn't really all that important.'

Other users were more blunt. 'If your kid is disrupting a social gathering: get them to stop. If they won't stop, take them outside,' one wrote. Another added: 'Adults need to show them when and where it is appropriate to act this way. Church, weddings, restaurants, any formal gatherings are NOT an appropriate place.' Tax Foundation senior fellow Jared Walczak wrote that unruly children may serve as a distraction to worshippers.

Some X users argued the viral policy goes too far, especially regarding older children. Some argued that failing to teach boundaries contributes to broader cultural decline. 'At what point did society decide kids shouldn't be held accountable for anything at all?' one user asked. Several pointed out that some worshippers come to church 'at the end of their rope,' needing to hear the sermon without interruption.

Others said reverence in worship must be preserved: 'Mass is beautiful… the sounds of children can be lovely, but screaming and tantruming is not appropriate.' Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet, a father of three, said the viral memo confuses tolerance for occasional noise with embracing chaos. 'Children should be taught to be respectful of mixed spaces like movies, restaurants, and church. It's called good parenting.'

A third group argued that modern churches already have practical solutions, including cry rooms, soundproof family lounges, or children's Sunday School, and urged parents to use them when appropriate. Mt. Washington UB Church Pastor Alan Harbold told Fox News Digital he is 'thrilled' the policy is drawing national attention. A third group argued that modern churches already have practical solutions - including cry rooms, soundproof family lounges, or children's Sunday School.

'Some detractors said parents should make sure their children are quiet… and we would wholeheartedly agree,' Harbold said. 'But the most important part is getting the kids to church in the first place. We want to welcome families without fear of being 'annoying.' At First Baptist Union in Mississippi, where the memo originated, Senior Pastor Michael Wilbanks said he posted it to reassure embarrassed young parents. 'There are mothers who get really embarrassed when their children cry,' he said. 'We wanted to let them know they are welcomed and we love them.'