Pastor Publicly Rebukes Woman For Being Pregnant Out Of Wedlock
A viral video featuring Pastor Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ in Hampton, Virginia, rebuking a young woman for being pregnant outside wedlock has sparked outrage and debate on social media.
In the footage, reportedly recorded during a Sunday service, the pastor instructed the visibly emotional young woman to address the congregation.
Standing at the center of the church, she tearfully apologized, saying, “I want to apologise to everybody in here because I am pregnant. I’m sorry, y’all. I just hope that y’all forgive me. Keep on praying for me.”
In response, Pastor Jackson condemned her actions, describing the situation as “out of order.” He further stated, “If you sin, you don’t wait later to repent. We don’t condone sin. Ain’t no baby showers. That’s what you lose when you have a baby out of wedlock, ain’t nobody in this church bout to attend one.”
He added, “Thank God that God didn’t take you out of here.”
The video has drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing the pastor of public shaming.
American journalist Jemele Hill took to Instagram, writing, “The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor. I hope she finds a new church home.”
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Another Instagram commenter, blk_charleston, asked, “Why does she need people’s forgiveness? Did they die for her sins?”
On Twitter, users also expressed their disapproval. Deedle (@VanillaDeedle) wrote, “Why does she have to apologise for her sin in front of everyone in the church?? All those people sitting in those pews should be up there confessing theirs also. You know they’re all full of sin as we all are.”
Republican Rach (@patrioticmaine) tweeted, “You can condemn the sin of sex outside of marriage without condemning the individual or the innocent life she is carrying. Nothing about this is biblical or Christlike.”
Supporters of the pastor’s stance also shared their perspectives. On Twitter, The Watcher (@bythebookjulie) stated, “The Pastor of True Vine is a hundred per cent correct. Sometimes it takes shaming bad choices that will affect the lives of everyone else and her future generations!”
Similarly, DBSSTEELER (@dbssteeler29754) tweeted, “The Bishop is right. Don’t go on like there was no transgression, chastise the transgressor. 99% of what’s wrong with modern women is men letting bad behaviour go on unchecked.”
Others highlighted the need for compassion and support. A commenter, @spottedlamb777, tweeted, “She confessed her sin, baby is coming, it’s time to support that girl and her child.”
Don Elswick (@do5925) echoed this sentiment, writing, “Show grace, with the caveat, we all have missed the mark of godliness in our lives. Love restores.”
The incident has reignited discussions on how church leaders should approach sensitive issues involving congregants. While Pastor Jackson has not commented on the controversy, the church’s website emphasizes his mission to teach the gospel, administer baptism, and bring new souls to Christ.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
