A mother publicly defended her pastor and church after her daughter was asked to apologize to the congregation for becoming pregnant outside of marriage.
On January 5, during a service at True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ, Pastor Bishop Terry W. Jackson addressed the situation by summoning the pregnant young woman to the front of the church. The woman apologized to the congregation, after which the pastor clarified the church’s stance on sin, stating that they do not condone it. He also informed her that a baby shower would not be held.
A video of the incident sparked widespread outrage online, with many questioning why the man responsible for the pregnancy was not held accountable or subjected to similar treatment. Critics also encouraged the young woman to seek a more supportive church environment, free from public humiliation.
In response to the backlash, the girl’s mother took to Facebook to express her support for the pastor and the church’s actions. She stated:
“To everyone that’s concerned, we greatly appreciate it. However, I do want you to know that you all are interrupting my peace and causing more damage than good.
“You are showing up disrupting my church, my beliefs, and disrespecting my pastor. I am where I want to be and where I chose to be.
“We were not forced or manipulated to stand before the congregation. My daughter willingly approached the congregation and was welcomed and embraced with open arms.
“I stand on what I’ve been taught, and I’m raising my daughter to do the same.
“I stand with my Pastor!”
Her post has further fueled the ongoing debate, with some defending her stance and others criticizing the church’s handling of the situation.
