LITHONIA, Ga. (AP) — The pastor of a Georgia megachurch accused of luring young men into sexual relationships says “I’ll be here next week” for church services.
Bishop Eddie Long told a congregation of thousands Sunday that services were held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church each week, and that he planned to preside the next week.
Long says he realized people had been waiting on him to speak since four young men filed lawsuits accusing him of luring them into the relationships with gifts and travel.
Long came onto the stage amid wild cheers and shouts of, “We love you bishop!” He entered the massive, 10,000-seat cathedral with his wife, Vanessa.
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Online:
New Birth Missionary Baptist: http://www.newbirth.org/
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
LITHONIA, Ga. (AP) — Sunday’s services at a Georgia megachurch will give its famed pastor the chance to address the congregation for the first time about allegations that he lured young men into sexual relationships with gifts and travel.
Bishop Eddie Long is scheduled to speak at services at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, several days after lawsuits were filed accusing him of exploiting his authority to push four former members into trysts when they were 17 or 18 years old.
About 100 people waited at the doors of the church more than an hour before the first service. Some held signs of support, while others prayed for their embattled leader. A small group sang the hymn “White as Snow” while outside.
People began filling the 10,000-seat sanctuary shortly before 7 a.m. Some headed to the altar and fell to their knees in prayer. From her seat, a woman could be heard thanking God for the controversy.
Members in their seats clapped and swayed as the service began, with several people with microphones singing on stage. Later in the service, hundreds began dancing and chanting, “Jesus, Jesus.” A small group of young people held Apple iPads high over their heads, with the screens scrolling white letters against a black background reading, “It’s time to praise him.”
Thousands were in attendance and had been on their feet for more than half an hour as they waited for Long to speak to them.
The lawsuits claim Long — who is an outspoken opponent of gay marriage — lured the four into sexual relationships with gifts including cars, cash and travel.
Long, a married father of four, has denied the allegations through his lawyer but has not spoken publicly about them.
Over the past 20 years, Long became one of the most powerful independent church leaders in the country. He led New Birth as it grew from a suburban Atlanta congregation of 150 to a 25,000-member powerhouse with a $50 million cathedral and a roster of parishioners that includes athletes, entertainers and politicians.
He flashed his prosperity by wearing diamonds and platinum jewelry, while building strong political ties and a close relationship with the family of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The 2006 funeral for King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, was held at New Birth. Their daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, is also a pastor at Long’s church.
Bernice King took the stage at the first of Sunday’s services.
Three of the young men who filed lawsuits this week live in Georgia, while the other was a member of a satellite church in Charlotte, N.C., run by Long.
Two of the plaintiffs were once members of a youth program called the LongFellows Youth Academy, which teaches teenage boys lessons on financial discipline and sexual control. In their lawsuits, the men say Long used the program to groom them for sexual relationships and lured them into trysts with cars, jewelry and cash.
The other two plaintiffs make similar claims that Long served as a mentor, gave them gifts, then convinced them to engage in sexual acts.
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Online:
New Birth Missionary Baptist: http://www.newbirth.org/
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Comments (59)
Desma
Posted on September 27, 2010 at 10:40amJust the fact that he gives himself a title such as “Bishop”, says a great deal. The “office of a bishop” was added in by man in the bible. It is not from the teachings of Christ or the apostles. Religeous men who loves those titles in front of their names (pride of life) become idols that God has to tear down and destroy so people look to Christ and not to man. Jesus said, “call no man Father and no man teacher for you have one Father in heaven and you are all bretheran”, so, what does organized religeon ressurect again, a defunct religeous hierarchy that are hirelings that twist the word and preach tithing.
Report Post »Just as our government is being exposed, the system of religeon needs a good cleaning up. These men who love to stand up in front and lie and twist the word of God to get their paycheck make me sick.
Greg the Great
Posted on September 27, 2010 at 9:24amLong looks gay.
Report Post »Ch
Posted on September 27, 2010 at 8:49amSorry to say it but his body language says it all…he is guilty of sodomy…which he preaches against.
Report Post »historypaper
Posted on September 27, 2010 at 8:16amIts clear that he did nothing wrong. Those people that want to destroy the healthy black churhes get it wrong again. They want a socialist state not some court case and jail time.
Report Post »mtnclimberjim
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 10:52pmTake a polygraph test. Thing is you gotta take in English and ebonics. Now that was funny.
Report Post »icesk8rgirl96
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 9:21pmI’m not sure what to think about this…
Report Post »everythinguknowiswrong
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:46pmLiving in Texas, it never ceases to amaze me how anyone can open up a building, call themselves a minister, and open a church. However, what amazes me more is how many people they attract. Look at the Osteens who spent 75 million dollars renovating The Summit in Houston; Kerry Shook and Fellowship of the Woodlands; numerous gigantic ones in Dallas. Many are not affiliated with any mainstream branch of religion at all, saying they are non-denominational, or are only loosely affiliated with some minor branch of pentacostal church. Some seem fairly mainstream christian protestant, some are sugar-coated, some are conservative, some are liberal, other just have wackos at the pulpit.
Report Post »However, what really amazes me the most is how willing people are to donate their money to what i refer to as One-Man Churches. And while some of these pastor’s hearts may have been in the right place at one time, i think in the end the only God they serve comes in the form checks and credit card transfers. Unless these charasmatic leaders have cultivated family members to take their place (Osteen, Roberts), when the pastors of these one-man churches die or are lead away in handcuffs to jail, they leave giant cathedrals behind while misled parishoners nurse a heavy heart or broken pride. As easy as it is to get disillusioned with traditional, institutional churches, i don’t think the one-man church trend is the answer. It seems too often parishioners elevate their leader, often to the point that it might be difficult to figure out exactly who they are worshipping. Finally, just because you agree with what someone says, doesn’t mean you should feel a biblical obligation to give him 10% of your money, does it?
Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 8:06pmPaul said that in the latter days, people would pay to have ministers say what the want to hear.. called it itching ears. The early Apostles knew what we would be facing. For those who have eyes will see and ears will hear.
Report Post »Greg the Great
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:25pmA Shakedown from the downLow?
Report Post »EastCarowick
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:25pmThis pastor talks like a guilty politician.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:48pmGuilty or not, this is one reason I never liked Mega-Churches, they tend to end up being about personalities than the Word
Report Post »RESTORATION1787
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:49pmThis just isn’t confined to mega churches. I attended Catholic high school in the late 70s. It wasn’t until a few years ago that the dirty laundry of molestation had come out. There were criminal prosecutions.
Report Post »This can happen in small or large religious institutions. I’ll wait for the jury before I can label guilty.
LoneRanger
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:26pmHello America – time to wake up. Over 75% of homosexuals are the product of sexual misconduct at an early age. Read their stories and decide for yourself (link to cut and paste http://www.parentsofgaychildren.org/uploads/Famous__gays__with_SSA_-_Revolution_of_Love_VII.pdf).
You must protect your children, grandchildren, and those of your friends and neighbors. Visit http://www.endcensorship.com and http://www.preventhomosexuality.com, read, learn, then share with others. It is a shame the “gay” activists push their agenda with no regard what damage is done to children.
There is no reason to be angry with the “gay” community. These fine folks have been sold a ill bill of goods brainwashed by the liberal left and organizations like PFLAG, GLSNN, and Family Equality Council.
All citizens have an obligation to learn what Same Sex Attraction is. All citizens have an obligation to protect the innocense of children. And all you Baby Boomers, it is time to realize how we too have been sold an ill bill of goods and it shows in our children. If you are a Baby Boomer, go to http://www.prageruniversity.com, take some 5 minute classes and then pass it along to your children.
We must leave this country just as nice or nicer than we found it.
Report Post »ILoveGlenn
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:34pmChristians, be very careful because in the end of days, there will be false prophets, and wolves wearing the sheep’s skin. But you must be wise and aware of your leaders. Know the ultimate destination is to get salvation. And we‘ll get it from God’s grace and through acceptance of Jesus, and not an earthly entity. ( Note that I did not Mention any names of pastors or bishops)
Report Post »rocktruth
Posted on September 27, 2010 at 3:12amYes. We must trust and love God, and limit our trust in people.
Blessed is that person who makes the LORD his trust,
And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Psalm 40:4
Also in Hosea 10:12-13 the bible gives an example between trusting in God vs Men(including our self)
12 Sow for yourselves righteousness;
Reap in mercy;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the LORD,
Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
13 You have plowed wickedness;
You have reaped iniquity.
You have eaten the fruit of lies,
Because you trusted in your own way,
In the multitude of your mighty men.
Let God be true and every man a liar.
Report Post »p51d007
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:31pmUnlike liberals, until adjudicated in a court, I’m not going to come down on him like liberals do when a conservative person is charged with something like this. Anyone can make an allegation such as this, no matter how vile, is just that. One persons word against another. Until all the FACTS (something liberals never want) come out in this case, leave the poor guy alone. I have no personal use for any “mega church”, but, freedom OF religion is just that. If someone wants to attend one of these churches, that is their right.
Report Post »If, and I say if this guy is guilty, he’ll be put away for a long long time, but even if he is found not guilty, some will always say “he got away with it”, and his reputation will still be damaged.
Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:41pmThank you. I can tell you are a true Christian unlike so many here who are condemning someone without the facts. God help us.
Report Post »Rayofwhite
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:12pmAdd your comments
Report Post »Rayofwhite
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:05pmDo we really have to even ask if this guy is guilty, I mean come on just look at him and as far as his congregation is concerned they‘re black he’s black he could murder someone in front of them and they would still say he was innocent. Barak Obama syndrome over and over again. I hope the crucify this filthy child molesting poser he’s just another black Jim Bakker.
Report Post »ILoveGlenn
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:48pmI was wondering why you would conclude he is guilty, even without the facts. You say “…come on just look at him and as far as his congregation is concerned they‘re black he’s black.” Does it mean he is already guilty because he’s black? I’m not sure if that is what you mean. But the fact is that our court system well determine. All in all, the truth will set you free.
Report Post »RESTORATION1787
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 3:57pmSounds like the Church in a Christian sense is crumbling with scandles worldwide. Whether he is guilty or not still depends on the outcome. The world is turning upside down.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 3:12pmUnited States of America. That‘s a typo I’m compelled to fix.
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 3:01pmSo far four boys have come forward with allegations. This number of complaints is, de facto, a conviction.
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
broker0101
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 3:07pmThankfully, in the United States of American, sentences are not handed down based on “de facto” convictions.
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:22pmOkpuklot…. I dont follow your analogy.
Report Post »So are you saying the preacher IS innocent? Or are you saying the virgin Mary was not a virgin?
Your analogy was REALLY poorly used since, well, Mary was a virgin.
Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:07pmJJ COOLAY is unfamiliar with sarcasm, “So are you saying the preacher IS innocent? Or are you saying the virgin Mary was not a virgin? Your analogy was REALLY poorly used since, well, Mary was a virgin.”
I am writing Mary is virgin just as I am a virgin. Ask our daughter, she will verify I am a virgin.
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
ron the veteran
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 9:18pmlookin guilty dont help him eather. 4 people just dont lie about something like that. it takes a lot of guts to come forward with this.
Report Post »Desert Dweller
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 2:59pmHmmm. So is it a highhanded bluff or Truth in wolves clothing?
Lets see. This gentleman combines religion with politics. Has much money (and apparently the jewelry show for it). And has power-player connections. So if he did the things accused of it is highly unlikely that anything will happen to him. If on the other hand the 4 young men are lying (though I find that difficult to believe, I mean if it were 1 or 2 but 4 and in different places) just to get “stuff” they have the public sympathy on their side and again it is likely to be swept under the rug.
Honestly don’t care about his religion, politics, history or skin color. More interested that he will not step back and deal with this issue quietly.
Political ploy/distraction? An attempt at extortion? Or simply bad judgment? I would love to see the “truth” here but fear said truth will be tweaked to fit.
Report Post »NoName22
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:03pmWhy the pastor adorns himself with jewelry is beyond me.
Jesus lived a simple life, in terms of MATERIALITY. He lived a difficult life in terms of faith. Difficult not because he struggled with his faith, but because of those who rigorously opposed him.
When you got a preacher, pastor, imam, spending believer’s money on jewelry, nice cars, and material things, you know to stop giving to him and go make a sandwich for a homeless person.
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:09pmNONAME: FWIW, Jesus looked on the inner man, not his/her exterior. Let the courts sort it out. If he is quilty, I would hope the congregation would reject him totally.
Report Post »NoName22
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:48pmI wasn’t talking about the accusations that are being directed toward him. I’m talking about how he dresses himself.
Report Post »NoName22
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 2:53pmWhy are all Christianity mega stories about sexual misconduct and all Islam mega stories about how Muslims are stereotyped as terrorists?
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:18pmSo true.
Report Post »elizzyj1
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 2:52pmDidn’t Oprah do a show on this? Apparently it’s very prominent in the black community (according to Oprah) to have happily married men get together – in groups even – and have sex with eachother or sexual relations. It’s called “on the down-low”. It was interesting to hear these men talk about it and how they didn’t consider themselves gay at all…I was shocked they were on the Oprah show talking about it!! But they all admitted that it was very actively engaged in in the black community among men.
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:17pmSeriously?
Report Post »What the heck?
nono524
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 2:37pmThe Truth shall set you free!
Report Post »Doctor_Harvey
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 2:36pmLet me see if I’ve got this right: There are FOUR fellows accusing this clown of sexual abuse and twenty-five thousand of his brainwashed practitioners are CHEERING him on and supporting him? Just how ignorant are his (sheep) followers? Next thing we know this crowd will be yelling “Jihad, Jihad!”
Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:36pmAnother e4xample of fokks here jumping to conclusions??? Innocent until proven quilty. God help America IF even Constitutionalists hate the Bill of Rights.
Report Post »Danglinbags
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 1:53pmA ploy from the right to keep attention off O’Donnell…
Report Post »elizzyj1
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 2:48pmBROKER0101 – why don’t you bring it up a level…we don’t like DANGLINGBAGS, But to go to his vile level is not worthy of this forum.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 3:02pmELIZZY, Nah, I think I’ll decline your advice. Thanks anyway.
Report Post »RobR
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:01pmDear DB, I have a simple request….could you please brush those danglin bags away from in front of your eyes once in a while? I believe, if you could bring yourself to do so, you’d see there is a wonderful world right in front of you………..not to mention what they must smell like.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 1:53pmOk, Lefties, apply The Template. Bishop Long is an Homosexual, African American, Baptist Bishop. Let’s see, that’s (possible) Victim (depending on his politics), Definite Victim, and Fundamentalist, Extremist Oppressor. Do you attack or defend?
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 1:57pmOh, there it is, Bishop Long is a staunch Social Conservative. That settles it, the Left will Attack the homosexual viscously.
Report Post »ron the veteran
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 9:10pmi wonder how his congragation feels about all his gold and diamonds hes wearing. after all its their money hes useing to buy hisself all those shiny bobbles. I hope God has a very special place in hell for the likes of him. i wonder how many mouths can be fed with his gold and diamonds? i hear he gave expensive gifts to the kids he molested. how can any of you continue to go to that church and give him your money? if you ask me your all guilty of helping him to molest little boys. shame on you who go to that church, a pox on your houses.
postscript
Posted on September 26, 2010 at 10:18pmTo Ron the Veteran…
First, I believe these allegations will be decided in court.
Maybe you were led to believe he was guilty by this recent ABC news headline?…
SEX ABUSE PASTOR Long Faces Media… ( is ABC ALLEGING him in this headline, or like you, already finding him guilty)? http://abcnews.go.com/US/pastor-eddie-long-defends-press/story?id=11730094
or maybe this from the The Washington Post?
The question of sexuality in black churches is “an incredibly vexed” issue, said Eddie Glaude, a professor of theology and African American studies at Princeton. “We have to use this moment as an occasion to talk about the relationship between our commitment to Christ and the reality that we are sexual beings.
How about the fact that one of the accusers broke into his office and stoled his Ipad and Iphone before the lawsuits were filed? Is it possible that someone then could… plant… something into the Ipad?
Report Post »He may be guilty, I don’t know. BUT, shouldn’t he have his day in court BEFORE the MEDIA (and you) destroy him?
skytrout72
Posted on September 27, 2010 at 1:14amAnother typical Charlie Rangle attitude, different crime but same mentality. The rules don’t apply to these people. I wonder if he offered them a ride in one of his two Bentleys.
Report Post »steve-o-con
Posted on September 27, 2010 at 8:34am@Ron the Veteran – innocent until proven guilty. Do you have some information no one else has? I bet not. Reserve your judgements until you get the facts. Oh yeah, and while you’re at it, sell all of your possessions and give the money to the poor since you‘re so judgemental of another person’s possessions.
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