In a viral clip, an unwed teenager is forced to apologize to her church congregation for her pregnancy, causing online debate. Shared on Instagram by media personality and journalist Jemele Hill, the video comes from the True Vine Apostolic Church in Hampton, VA., led by Bishop Terry Jackson and First Lady Sister Paulette Jackson.
“A Virginia pastor made a teenage girl stand up before the congregation to apologize for being pregnant,” details Hill in her caption. “I have a lot of thoughts but I’m going to let y’all have it. But I’ll just say this: The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor . I hope she finds a new church home.”
In the clip, a young girl stands in front of full pews emotionally announcing, “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 church members rise to their feet and clapped after she ended with a request for prayer as the pastor returns to the podium.