I am sending you one of my HUGE hugs - hope it helps a little.  I do feel for the situation that you find yourself in but you do need to protect yourself.

Brightest Blessings

Sarah

What is appropriate in one person's mind could easily be inappropriate in another's. It seems, from what little you've told, that the priest and alter boys don't feel that the way in which they are touching you is wrong in any way. However, if it makes you feel badly, that's all that matters. They should respect your request not to touch you if that's what you want. I mean...even if you don't want to shake someone's hand, no one should make you. If someone doesn't want to be patted on the shoulder, back, or arm...no one should do it. Your body is your own to decide what feels appropriate or comfortable to you. You say that they are touching you in some sort of groping way. How odd (one would think) for ALL of them to assult you in that way. I mean, do you feel they're trying to initiate you into some secret orgy society in the church? If so, talk to others in the church. Perhaps they've done this to others and they've been too embarrassed to talk about it. ?

Another thing to think about though, if they aren't 'actually' groping you, say they're only giving you a Christian hug (I don't know what they're doing)...   Is there something in your past that is making you feel overly protective of your person? MAYBE you were molested as a child? Maybe you're transfering burried feelings from some recollection of your youth (or forgotten but subconsciously recalled event).

You don't have to answer me. I'm just posing questions for you to ponder privately, if you wish. It may be healing for you to think on EXACTLY what it is that they're doing that is making you uncomfortable. Are they actually touching you on your private regions, or is the way they touch you non-sexual but brings up some bad memory (tangible or intangible)? PERHAPS there is some transference going on. It could even be as "simple" as severe teasing/bullying you were subjected to as a youth. Was your voice more gentle or your frame more slender than other boys when you were growing up, causing your peers to tease you in a way that makes you feel people think you are gay. (You mentioned that you are not...as if that's a point you are used to having to make. Most non-defensive people don't feel the need to say what they are not - as a general rule.)

No matter what the case, though, tell them one last time, in a down-to-business, matter-of-fact way that you do not want to be touched. Not in any way, not at any time. Take a friend/witness/tape recorder with you when you tell them. That way, if they ever touch you again...in ANY way...you have proof that you are (at the very least) being disrespected at the church. At that time you will have to decide if you are going to press charges, report it to the higher-ups, or find a new church.

In the meantime, cyber-hugs and healing prayers are sent your way. God bless you and keep you safe.

Kate

Very impressive response!

Evie

Thank you, Evie.

I studied the ministy in my church; that, along with using other tools I've learned to use (psychic readings, clairvoyance, dream interpretation, etc.), and a history of my own abuse makes me feel comfortable talking about/dealing with these kinds of issues.

I feel for this young man! Whether they have been purposefully abusing him, or he's transfering burried issues onto them, the point is...HE TOLD THEM TO STOP TOUCHING HIM AND THEY DIDN'T STOP. That's what's making him feel abused and disrespected. It good that he's taking an active role in protecting his body-mind-spirit. Something IS damaged - that is evidenced in the fact that he felt he had to yell at them. Whether it is new damage caused by them or it is old damage being brought to the surface . . . there is work for this young man to do. The damage needs to be looked at and repaired. The place to start is to get them to keep their hands to themselves (no touching, no Christian hugs, nothing). THEN he has to figure out what step two is: go to counseling, do regression work (with a skilled facilitator), talk to someone at the church...  

Thank you for giving people a place to ask for help--be it hugs, prayers, or advice. That is very kind of you.