A heartfelt confession by TikTok user @ervincurrie7 has gone viral, drawing attention to the impact of judgmental traditions within Black church communities.
In her emotional video, the elderly woman shared her regret over hiding her pregnancies in her youth due to fear of stigma, a choice that continues to haunt her decades later.
“I was 17, pregnant, and terrified,” she recounted. She described how societal and religious condemnation of unwed mothers as “bringing bastard children” into the world left her feeling isolated.
The lack of prenatal care and emotional support during her second pregnancy, which she hid out of fear, led to her son being born prematurely.
Her message was clear: the culture of shame imposed on young women in similar situations can have long-lasting emotional consequences. “Shame on you, pastor,” she said in her video, referencing a recent incident where a young woman was publicly reprimanded in her church for being pregnant out of wedlock.
Viral Incident Rekindles Debate Over Church Practices
The video comes in the wake of a recent controversy involving a pastor in Hampton, Virginia, who publicly barred a young pregnant woman from having a baby shower. The incident, livestreamed during a Jan. 5 church service, sparked widespread outrage.
The young woman tearfully apologized to the congregation, only for the pastor to forbid celebrations of her unborn child, a stance defended by her mother but criticized by many online.
Social media users condemned the church’s actions, describing them as archaic and sexist. Critics pointed out that such practices disproportionately target women while often excusing men from accountability.
“This kind of public shaming is not rooted in love or biblical principles,” said Dr. Sonya Campbell in a Facebook post. “It perpetuates harm instead of offering healing and redemption.”
Historical Roots and Modern Reckoning
The practice of public confessions for unwed pregnancies is not new. Rooted in historical Black church traditions, it reflects broader societal stigmas around single motherhood.
In the past, some churches even restricted blessings for children born out of wedlock, reinforcing a culture of shame.
However, critics argue that these practices disproportionately burden women and fail to uphold the gospel’s core messages of love and grace. Rev. Terrence Rogers Sr. of Gethsemane Baptist Church in West Baltimore voiced his disapproval in an open letter, stating that the church should have offered encouragement rather than condemnation.
“When you declared her child would not be celebrated, I was deeply disturbed,” Rogers wrote. “If the gospel is anything, it is love, redemption, and hope for all.”
Calls for Change
The viral nature of both incidents has reignited calls for church communities to reevaluate traditions that may harm their members.
Social media users have proposed hosting a baby shower for the young woman to counteract the rejection she experienced. Others emphasized the importance of compassion, urging church leaders to prioritize support over judgment.
For @ervincurrie7, the message is deeply personal. Her story, which has resonated with thousands, is a plea for change.
“Young girls, don’t hide your truth. Talk about it. Seek support. Don’t let the shame of others define your worth or your child’s future,” she implored.
