A video showing an unwed teenager in the US apologising to her church congregation for being pregnant has gone viral, igniting widespread debate on social media.
The clip, shared on Instagram by media personality and journalist Jemele Hill, originates from the True Vine Apostolic Church in Hampton, VA, led by Bishop Terry Jackson and First Lady Sister Paulette Jackson.
Hill captioned the post, saying, “A Virginia pastor made a teenage girl stand up before the congregation to apologize for being pregnant. I have a lot of thoughts, but I’m going to let y’all have it. The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor. I hope she finds a new church home.”
In the video, the visibly emotional teenager stands before a full congregation, stating, “I want to apologize to everybody in here because I am pregnant… I’m sorry y’all. I just hope that y’all all forgive me.”
The congregation responded with applause as she concluded her remarks by requesting prayers, after which the pastor returned to the podium.
The pastor addressed the congregation, saying, “If you sin, you don’t wait till the baby comes to repent… She already knows what time it is. We ain’t gon’ condone your sin now… Ain’t no baby showers going on, that’s what you lose out on. When you have a baby out of wedlock, you don’t get a baby shower, and nobody at this church should attend one.”
The clip has sparked condemnation, with many supporting the girl and criticising the church’s public shaming.
Among the voices of support is television host Sunny Hostin, who commented, “I will host the baby shower. Pls contact me sweetheart. Your baby will be celebrated and loved.”As the video gained traction online, a woman claiming to be the baby’s grandmother responded to the backlash, defending the church and the family’s actions. (Vanguard)