Memphis pastor takes a stand against teen pregnancies - Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis pastor takes a stand against teen pregnancies

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MEMPHIS, TN -

By Jamel Major - bio | email | Facebook

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - A Memphis pastor is taking a stand, refusing to baptize a baby unless the child's parents are married.

Reverend Ralph White, the pastor of Bloomfield Full Gospel Baptist Church in Memphis, is trying to set a precedent when it comes to teen pregnancies.

"We will do it, but not in the church setting," he said. "We'll go to the home or if they want to have an event somewhere, we'll go there and do it."

White said he hopes to send a message to young fathers: step up and provide for your family.

"Biblically speaking, a man who doesn't take care of his children or family is worst than an infidel," he said.

White believes the teen pregnancy crisis is a serious issue across Shelby County.

"We're teaching, 'Hey, you should protect yourself, your body is a temple,'" he said. "Then there is this guy or young lady who is still sexually active. What message does that send?"

White said area churches need to focus directly on the pregnancy issue.

"We've stepped up when it comes to gay rights issues and all that, but there are so many other issues that we've not stepped up to the plate on," he said.

To White, that not only means preaching about abstinence, but also teaching young people about responsible sexual behavior, and he believes should be more programs in churches and communities aimed at pregnancy prevention.

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