A video featuring Pastor Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ in Hampton, Virginia, United States, rebuking a young woman for being pregnant outside of wedlock has sparked significant controversy online.
The footage, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, shows the emotional young woman standing in the middle of the church, tearfully apologizing to the congregation.
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 publicly condemned her actions, calling the situation “out of order” and emphasizing that the church would not support celebrations like a baby shower for her pregnancy.
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.”
Jackson also added, “Thank God that God didn’t take you out of here.”
The video has led to a wave of online reactions. Many social media users have criticized the pastor, accusing him of publicly shaming the young woman, while others have defended his approach, believing it was necessary for discipline.
Journalist Jemele Hill condemned the pastor’s actions on Instagram, stating, “The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor. I hope she finds a new church home.”
Instagram commenter @blk_charleston questioned, “Why does she need people’s forgiveness? Did they die for her sins?”
Another social media user, @ Deedle, 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. You know they’re all full of sin as we all are.”
Republican Rach ❤🐘, tweeting as @patrioticmaine, expressed, “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.”
On the other hand, some defended Pastor Jackson’s stance. On X, The Watcher, tweeting as @bythebookjulie, said, “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!”
DBSSTEELER, tweeting as @dbssteeler29754, wrote, “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.”
Meanwhile, others advocated 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, tweeting as @do5925, encouraged, “Show grace, with the caveat, we all have missed the mark of godliness in our lives. Love restores.”
The church’s website outlines Jackson’s mission to follow the Lord’s guidance in spreading the gospel, administering baptism, and bringing new souls to Christ.
Although Jackson has not publicly addressed the controversy, the incident has reignited debates about how church leaders should address sensitive issues concerning their congregants.
