Outrage as US Pastor Publicly Rebukes Woman for Pregnancy Outside Wedlock
A video of Pastor Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ, Hampton, Virginia, has sparked widespread debate after he publicly admonished a young woman for being pregnant outside of marriage.
The footage, which went viral, shows the pastor directing the emotional woman to address the congregation. Standing tearfully at the center of the church, she said, “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 called her actions “out of order” and declared that the church would not celebrate her pregnancy with events such as a baby shower.
“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,” Jackson said, adding, “Thank God that God didn’t take you out of here.”
The incident has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with many accusing the pastor of shaming the woman.
Journalist Jemele Hill wrote on Instagram, “The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor. I hope she finds a new church home.”
Another commenter, blk_charleston, questioned the need for forgiveness, writing, “Why does she need people’s forgiveness? Did they die for her sins?”
Deedle (@VanillaDeedle) tweeted, “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. We are all full of sin.”
Others, however, supported the pastor’s stance, praising his emphasis on discipline.
“The Pastor of True Vine is 100% correct. Sometimes it takes shaming bad choices to prevent future mistakes,” tweeted @bythebookjulie.
Another user, @dbssteeler29754, added, “The Bishop is right. Don’t act like there was no transgression. Chastise the transgressor.”
Calls for grace and compassion also emerged. One commenter, @spottedlamb777, tweeted, “She confessed her sin. The baby is coming. It’s time to support that girl and her child.”
Pastor Jackson’s vision for True Vine Apostolic Church, according to the church’s website, includes teaching the gospel, administering baptism, and bringing new souls to Christ. However, this incident has reignited discussions about the balance between discipline and compassion in faith communities.
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