A video of Pastor Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ in Hampton, Virginia, rebuking a young woman for being pregnant outside wedlock has gone viral, sparking widespread debate on social media.
The video, reportedly filmed during a Sunday service, shows the pastor instructing the visibly emotional woman to apologise to the congregation. Standing at the center of the church, she tearfully 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 his response, Pastor Jackson condemned her actions, calling the situation “out of order.” He further 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,” Jackson said, adding, “Thank God that God didn’t take you out of here.”
The incident has drawn sharp criticism online. Journalist Jemele Hill wrote, “The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor. I hope she finds a new church.” Other critics questioned why she needed to apologise publicly, arguing that everyone in the church had their own sins to address.
Some, however, supported the pastor’s stance, stating that public discipline is necessary. One commenter on X (formerly Twitter), @bythebookjulie, wrote, “Sometimes it takes shaming bad choices to set people on the right path.” Others advocated for compassion and grace. A commenter, @spottedlamb777, said, “She confessed her sin, baby is coming, it’s time to support that girl and her child.”
The controversy has reignited discussions about the role of church leaders in addressing sensitive issues among congregants. While Pastor Jackson has not commented on the matter, the incident highlights differing views on balancing discipline with grace in religious spaces.
