Sarah Jakes Roberts Apologizes for Black Church’s Promotion of Harmful Messages

Bishop T.D. Jakes’ daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, took a few minutes Saturday, Oct. 8, to apologize on behalf of the Black church for perpetuating messages that have harmed people’s mental health and self-image.

“I don’t know how much it counts,” said Roberts, “but I will say that I apologize as a faith leader for the moments where you were told to just pray it away, for the moments where you were told that you’re never going to be one of the ‘good girls’ or the ‘good guys’ or you’re always going to be damaged. I apologize that you received those messages.”

Roberts said it would be “remiss” not to acknowledge church leaders’ failures in these areas, while noting that she can only speak on behalf of the Black church because she does not have experience in white churches.

Sarah Jakes Roberts appeared with her husband, Touré Roberts, in New York City Saturday at the Mental Wealth Expo, an event organized by The Breakfast Club co-host Charlamagne tha God in partnership with Mental Wealth Alliance and iHeartRadio.