Subtle Racial Profiling in Church: When Prayer Sends the Wrong Message

I remember being at a church for a prayer night, and the pastor publicly prayed against unplanned pregnancies. This pastor prayed for unplanned pregnancies not to occur. On the surface, it might seem well-meaning—but there were a few things that didn’t sit right with me.

First, this was a mostly Black church with mostly Black attendees that night. Praying against unplanned pregnancies in that context carries an underlying stereotype: it assumes that Black girls and women are somehow more likely to face this issue. Even if unintended, it’s a subtle form of racial profiling.

Second, the messaging itself about pregnancy is problematic. By framing unplanned pregnancy as something to be “prayed against,” it can send the message that pregnancy outside a planned context is shameful or wrong, even say if a woman is married. But pregnancy is not a sin—even when it’s unplanned. Life unfolds in ways we don’t always anticipate, and God has a plan for every situation.

Finally, this type of public prayer can create pressure or guilt for those in the congregation who might already be facing an unexpected pregnancy. It could make someone feel judged, condemned, or spiritually excluded. That’s the opposite of what a place of worship should do.

A more thoughtful approach could focus on praying for guidance, protection, and wisdom, rather than against pregnancy itself. A prayer could focus on supporting life, resources, and care—without framing certain groups as inherently “at risk.”

The lesson here is that even in spaces meant for love and spiritual care, messaging matters. Words have power, and subtle biases—especially racial ones—can show up in unexpected ways. Churches, pastors, and prayer leaders should reflect on how their words impact those who are listening, ensuring that their prayers lift people up rather than make them feel judged or excluded. Lastly that public prayer was also a subtle form of control, trying to control is a form of manipulation, and ultimately no one can control God’s plans, he gives free will, let’s remember that! Me personally, I could care less about what someone else does, including getting pregnant unplanned or not! Also in this message, what about those struggling with infertility? they’d probably gladly take a pregnancy, including if it’s unplanned