A teenage girl was recently compelled to publicly apologize for her pregnancy at True Vine Apostolic Church in Hampton, Virginia. The incident, captured on video and shared widely online, has drawn sharp criticism and prompted broader discussions about shame and accountability within religious communities.
The video, originally posted by journalist Jemele Hill, shows the visibly emotional girl standing before the congregation. “I want to apologize to everybody in here because I am pregnant,” she says tearfully. “I’m sorry y’all. I just hope that y’all all forgive me.” After her remarks, the congregation applauded, and she requested prayers as she stepped away from the podium.
The church’s pastor, Bishop Terry Jackson, then addressed the congregation, making his position clear. “If you sin, you don’t wait till the baby come to repent,” he said. “We ain’t gon’ condone your sin now… Ain’t no baby showers going on. That’s what you lose out …