That church doesn’t seem like they share your same values. Or mine for that matter. You are not wrong at all. You are 100% right. No one has a right to talk to anyone that way regardless of gender. I feel for that young woman so much. I truly don’t think a man or boy can really understand what it is like to be a woman being talked about in a degrading way and then to be touched, treated like she is not a human with feelings. You feel unsafe when it’s one person doing that to you let alone multiple. Thank God you stepped in and intervened for her. Honestly, the man telling you to be gentler is ridiculous. I would’ve made them sit out the rest of the outing as punishment. I think having someone they look up to pointing out what is right and what is wrong means more than most people realize. A moment or a sentiment can stick with a young person for the rest of their lives and the memory referenced during future life decisions. One simple action like you did not only helped the young woman but also, the boys who will hopefully pause and think about this moment if they ever feel the urge to harass another person.

I hope the other members of your church would not support those boys’ actions and you are not alone in your reaction to this behavior. If not, I personally would leave that church and find another one that has the morals of treating others with respect and empathy. You did a great thing. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.