A viral video of Pastor Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ, Hampton, Virginia, publicly rebuking a young woman for being pregnant outside wedlock has sparked outrage and debate on social media. The footage, which reportedly happened on Sunday, shows the pastor instructing the visibly emotional woman to address the congregation. Standing at the centre of the church, she tearfully apologised, 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 his response, Jackson condemned her actions, describing the situation as “out of order.” He further declared that the church would not celebrate her pregnancy with events like 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.” “Thank God that God didn’t take you out of here,” the pastor said. The video has drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing the pastor of public shaming. Others supported his approach, arguing it was necessary for discipline. Social media users weighed in with diverse opinions. American journalist Jemele Hill condemned the pastor’s actions, writing on Instagram, “The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor. I hope she finds a new church home.” A commenter on Instagram, blk_charleston, wrote, “Why does she need people’s forgiveness? Did they die for her sins?” Deedle, tweeting as @VanillaDeedle, “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 ❤🐘, tweeting as @patrioticmaine, “You can condemn the sin of sex outside of marriage without condemning the individual or the innocent life she is carrying. Nothing a bout this is biblical or Christlike.” Some defended the pastor’s stance. On X, The Watcher, tweeting as @bythebookjulie,”The Pastor of True Vine is a hundred per cent correct. Sometimes it takes shaming bad choices that will effect the lives of everyone else and her future generations!” DBSSTEELER, tweeting as @dbssteeler29754, “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 importance of grace and compassion. A commenter, @spottedlamb777, tweeted, “She confessed her sin, baby is coming, it’s time to support that girl and her child.” Don Elswick, tweeting as @do5925, “Show grace, with the caveat, we all have missed the mark of godliness in our lives. Love restores.” According to the church’s website, Jackson’s vision for True Vine Apostolic Church is to follow the Lord’s guidance in teaching the gospel, administering baptism, and bringing new souls to Christ. While Jackson has not commented on the controversy, the incident has reignited discussions about how church leaders should handle sensitive matters involving congregants.
