A recent incident involving Pastor Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ in Hampton, Virginia, has sparked widespread outrage and reignited conversations about outdated practices in church culture. On Sunday, January 5, 2025, a video surfaced showing Pastor Jackson making a young, unwed, pregnant woman stand before the congregation to apologize for her pregnancy. The video, which has since gone viral, has drawn sharp criticism online, with many calling the act humiliating and unnecessary.
This story is ongoing and developing, but it has already struck a nerve with many, particularly within the Black church community, where such practices have historical roots. Critics argue that this public shaming is a relic of an “old-school” church tradition that disproportionately targets women while rarely holding men accountable for their role in pregnancies outside of marriage.
The Practice of Public Shaming in the Church
The act of publicly rebuking women for pregnancies outside of wedlock is not new, especially in Black church culture. Historically, young women who became pregnant were often forced to stand before the congregation to confess their “sins” and seek forgiveness. This practice was seen as a way to uphold the church’s moral standards and discourage others from following the same path. However, it has long been criticized for its gendered double standard.
In these situations, the men involved in the pregnancies are almost never subjected to the same level of scrutiny or public accountability. This glaring imbalance has led many to call out the hypocrisy of such practices. As one social media user commented, “Why is it always the woman who has to apologize? Where is the man in this situation?”.
Pastor Jackson’s actions have reignited this debate, with many pointing out that the young woman in question is already facing the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy. Forcing her to apologize in front of the congregation only adds to her emotional burden and perpetuates a culture of shame.
The Backlash and Social Media Outrage
The video of the incident has drawn widespread condemnation on social media, with users expressing their anger and disappointment. Many have labeled Pastor Jackson’s actions as “cruel” and “outdated,” arguing that the church should be a place of love, support, and understanding, especially for those going through difficult times.
One particularly troubling aspect of the video is that Pastor Jackson reportedly denied the young woman a baby shower, further isolating her during what should be a time of preparation and support. Critics have called this decision heartless, emphasizing that the church should be rallying around the young woman rather than ostracizing her.
A Call for Change in Church Culture
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for change within church communities. Many argue that practices like public shaming are not only outdated but also harmful, particularly to young women who are already vulnerable. Instead of perpetuating a culture of judgment, critics say the church should focus on fostering compassion and understanding.
The Black church, in particular, has a rich history of being a source of strength and support for its members. However, incidents like this highlight the need for introspection and reform. As one commentator put it, “The church should be a place of healing, not humiliation.”
The Story is Still Developing
As of now, Pastor Terry Jackson has not publicly responded to the backlash. The story continues to unfold, and it remains to be seen whether the church will address the criticism or make changes to its practices. What is clear, however, is that this incident has struck a chord with many, sparking important conversations about accountability, gender dynamics, and the role of the church in modern society.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think public shaming has a place in today’s church culture, or is it time to leave these practices in the past? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion on social media by following @cocktailhourcatrice. For more stories like this, subscribe to my website at www.cocktailhourwcatrice.com and stay connected for updates.
Let’s continue to hold these important conversations and push for a more compassionate and equitable future for everyone.
