New Birth’s mission: Pursue truth about Bishop Long
Maybe it’s just an ugly scam.
Maybe it’s a well-coordinated, fairly sophisticated conspiracy among several young men to shake down Bishop Eddie Long, a successful, revered leader who has built New Birth Missionary Baptist Church into a powerhouse of Christian service.
Sad as that would be, it would certainly be the better outcome. Because if the opposite proves true and the allegations against Long are valid, the tragedy deepens.
Lawsuits filed this week by three young men who entered Long’s orbit as mere boys allege truly troubling predatory behavior on the part not just of Long but of those close to him. In short, they claim that Long prostituted the faith he preached and the resources of the church he led in order to satisfy his sexual urges with those who had almost no defense against him.
The allegations include claims that Long, an outspoken critic of gay rights and gay marriage, participated in “covenant ceremonies” in which he and young male parishioners exchanged vows of commitment.
Through his attorney, the bishop strenuously denies all such charges. However, radio interviews and a news conference scheduled for Thursday were canceled, and Long apparently will not address the issue until Sunday, before his New Birth congregation.
In the meantime, Long’s attorney has described the lawsuits as an attack not just on the pastor but on New Birth and its 25,000-member congregation. Church members no doubt feel that way as well, and most have rallied to defend their leader.
If the charges prove false, New Birth is indeed a victim of injustice almost as great as that perpetrated against Long. But if the charges are correct, then New Birth served as an accomplice, witting or unwitting, in a gross betrayal of faith.
Under the circumstances, it’s possible that the truth about the alleged seductions can be established one way or the other relatively quickly. The lawsuits include multiple details of travel and gifts that can be verified or discredited. They cite witnesses who will be legally obligated to testify honestly in court to what they saw or risk charges of perjury. Photos of Long taken by the bishop in his bathroom mirror and allegedly e-mailed to the young men have already been leaked, and other material might be forthcoming.
If the truth is not established fairly soon, however, church elders should launch an independent probe of the allegations. That would be difficult for an institution such as New Birth, which bears Long’s strong and charismatic imprint. But people should never be afraid to seek the truth, especially in a situation like this.
As we all know — as Long himself has no doubt preached — none of us is immune to temptation. We also know that it is human instinct to look up to leaders, both secular and religious, in the belief that they are less vulnerable to the weaknesses that dog all of us.
The danger is that by elevating leaders in our eyes, we elevate them in their own eyes as well. To satisfy our own need to believe in someone better and stronger than we are, we turn mortals into demi-gods and then marvel when they start to act accordingly. Even on the truly humble and well-intentioned, unquestioned faith and confidence can over time have a corrosive effect.
As a young pastor in the ’60s, the late Earl Paulk had been one of the few Atlanta-area white clergy to support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his civil rights struggle. His leadership skills helped build Chapel Hill Harvester Church into an institution with national influence, politically and spiritually.
Then came his fall. Beginning in the ’90s, Paulk was hit by repeated charges of sexual coercion much like those now facing Long, devastating a congregation that believed in him.
Heros often fail us, but betrayal by a religious leader is probably felt more intensely than any other. Yeah, Mel Gibson turned out to be a jerk, but really, who cares? Yes, President Clinton tarnished his office and legacy, but most people didn’t feel that betrayal personally. With a religious leader the betrayal is intimate, in some ways as deeply felt as betrayal by a spouse or parent.
But just a year ago, speaking at Paulk’s funeral, Long himself took the opportunity to remind mourners that even leaders are not granted perfection.
“We did not, in case you didn’t know, fall down out of heaven,” Long said. “We were taken from among men so we could minister to men.”
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527 comments Add your comment
deb k
September 27th, 2010
7:32 am
I wonder why these young men waited so long to bring these allegations
Rick
September 27th, 2010
8:13 am
Seems like many of Bishop’s supporters are more concerned with him “getting thru this” than they are the truth. Even his fellow ministers seem to have no interest in knowing the truth. Now that’s interesting…
DJ
September 27th, 2010
8:53 am
There are new reports that more young men will be coming forward:
FROM OK WASSUP:
“First there was one. Then two. By Saturday night there were four. Now there are reports that as many as 30 young men are prepared to come forward in the rapidly growing sexual molestation case against Bishop Eddie Long.”
FULL STORY: http://tinyurl.com/24dya5u
Edward Calderon
September 27th, 2010
10:42 am
Pastor Long: God gave all GAY people a gift called ” GAYDAR “. I believe you fit the bill !!! Look at your mannerisms, that alone identifies you as being ” GAY “. Your behavior is only known to God , so GOOD LUCK !!!
Anat
September 27th, 2010
10:50 am
bonnybroome: homoseexuality is not a sin? says who? talk your self into it and you will find a different answer when you die.
Anat
September 27th, 2010
10:56 am
On the other hand, it’s tough economy, people need money and suing those who have them, can be a nice and easy way to get a lot of it, in addition, gay “right” people can be suspected in orchestrating this scandals. Somehow the most powerful gay opposers publicly becoming gays themselves. Do not tell me it’s a coincidence. I am not Long’s supporter, but dumb of you if you think it’s all black and white issue, there is plenty of shadows of gray. Wise up. These gay activists are really getting uglier every day. So sick of it.
nodatruth
September 27th, 2010
11:07 am
After reading all of the comments thus far, there are a lot of hurting people that don’t have an understanding of the word. While it is unfortunate that these allegations have been made, Bishop Long is a man in the flesh just like we are. Yes he should have a higher level of accountability because of his assignment to lead God’s people but he still has the same demons to fight as we all do.
Hippie
September 27th, 2010
12:10 pm
If this were truly a shakedown, we’d never have heard about it. Who goes to the media, asks for a jury trial and suspiciously asks for no specific dollar amounts in the FOUR lawsuits if they are only after money? And no reputable lawyer these days would take a case knowing they were going to lose or that it was a scam. Such thinking reeks of desperation to continue to believe this man is who he says he is despite evidence to the contrary.
Finally, if this were the shakedown the defense would have us believe, the shakedown would have taken place under a gag order, a confidentiality agreement and an undisclosed sum of money changing hands without public knowledge. No one interested in money publicly humiliates the target, THEN asks for money.
Hippie
September 27th, 2010
12:11 pm
Anat, these are not gay activists. These are four boys (and counting) who were underage and members of the congregation. I mean, really. Maybe if people had listened to the boys BEFORE there would have been no need for lawsuits.
A john
September 27th, 2010
12:15 pm
JimmyZATL, I agree and I have said this from the beginning. These young men broke into a office, his office from which I understand has a laptop computer and other items. But, the steal his IPhone. Think people and get away from the hate for one moment. They took this Iphone to get the pictures off and they returned the key to the desk. They were on a mission and this I know. These pictures could be for his wife. I have pictures only for my spouse to see on my Phone.
A john
September 27th, 2010
12:20 pm
I live in Atlanta and know other young people from New Birth and all of these boys are facebook friends who have questionable conversations on facebook. I know that some other young people from New Birth know of these young men character. This was well planned by these young men and I know this.
MO
September 27th, 2010
12:44 pm
If these allegations are true, which knowing the legel system as I do, (BJ Bernstein would not proceed to litigation if she did not have what is considered a winnable case, put her reputation and law career on the line if she did not have creditable evidence) it is highly unlikely that the suits would have been filed, I blame the PARENTS of these boys,
Too often we hear that black boys living in single female parents household, need a ROLE model, so Mom will seek despeartely anything walking to give her son a ROLE model, without holding the ABSENT USELESS SPERM DONORS of these sons accountable for being the MALE ROLE MODELS IN THEIR SONS lives. Had these absent sperm donors acted like real men, these young and impressionable boys would have not been easy prey for the predator.
If when the fatal attraction started with their sons, the unwarranted expensive gifts and trips started flowing in,moving into expensive apartments they had confronted the mighty Biship Long, and gotten in his face, their sons would not now be confused as to what their sexual identities are, think about the years of psychological work that is going to have to take place to balance these young men out. No wonder the great mighty Bishop Long needed body guards, the coward that he is, was too afaird that some real father would have beaten the stuff out of him, when he found out what Long was doing to his son.
Back to the mothers, too often I hear black women who are mothers, have too casual an attitude about raising their sons to be strong independent men. They are looking for someone to take on the responsibility of raising their sons, and provide for them too. Maybe as the investigation progresses, it will be revealed that the mothers involved in this litigation, were equally as complict and negligent as the witnesses and elders of New Birth Missionary Church, by their silences, by allowing these lavish and expensive gifts/trips to be heaped on their sons. Black women you need to assume responsibility for these children you brign into the world and turn over to ROLE MODELS without supervision and accountability. How hard was it to ask, Why my son is getting all of this, what does spiritual son mean and what does my son have to do to be a spiritual son?
g bone
September 27th, 2010
1:00 pm
brainwashed
KRH
September 27th, 2010
1:16 pm
Jay, how can the elders of New Birth initiate an independant investigation? They do not exist. In 1994, Long abolished the church board. He is God in his New Birth (Cult) Kingdom. It is ashame. But, that is what happens in cults of personality.
Mel
September 27th, 2010
2:15 pm
The young men who burglarized Long’s office seemed to know what they were looking for. They stole a master key and could have taken anything — audio/visual equipment, computers, instruments — you know, the normal things that thieves break into a church and steal. So if this was a shakedown, as some followers are alleging, how did these men know that Long had an iPhone stashed in his office, an iPhone with personal pictures that could be miscontrued as something prurient for a shakedown attempt?
I keep wondering why Long keeps an extra iPhone locked up in his office. Is that normal? Or is it normal for someone who is hiding something from a spouse? If it was his personal phone, why is it locked up in his office on the weekend and if it’s a second phone (i.e. work phone), why would there be personal photos of him — in muscle shirts, in a bathroom — on a work phone?
Maybe there are perfectly reasonable explanations for this, but it seems a little weird.
And please note: Long initially denied that he *coerced* these men into a relationship. Someone with a legal background reading between the lines might note that he didn’t deny having a relationship — just coercing the men into the relationships. His whole “sermon” yesterday was the classic public manipulation, a not-so-artful attempt at delivering what appears to be a denial without really denying anything.
Something tells me he’s treading water, hoping nothing more damning comes out. Haggard did it, Tiger did it, Kobe did it. They always dance around the truth until the evidence pins them to the wall and they can’t lie/manipulate anymore.
?
September 27th, 2010
6:27 pm
I have no opinion on Long’s guilt right now, to me there’s just not enough info to come down on either side. I did want to say I’m worn out with people taking a statement made only for the court of law (innocent until proven guilty) out of context. We all have the right to have opinions about an accused persons guilt or innocence based on ANY information as long as we aren’t serving on their jury. It may not seem fair, particularly when that opinion doesn’t match yours, but there is NOTHING wrong with that. This isn’t a court of law and you have every right to have (and express) your opinion on a person’s guilt in the court of public opinion. Also, I’m so confused as to how homosexuality becomes the focus of churches. How about campaigning against murder or child abuse? All sins are equal I know, but maybe the church should be a little more focused on those sins.
s
September 27th, 2010
6:31 pm
BJ Bernstein is the litagator. HELLO !! If you know her, you know she’s got the goods.
Doris M
September 27th, 2010
9:08 pm
Eddie Long ought to just give it up and step down as pastor of New Birth. Does anyone care to pray for the four young men? Why are they all praying for Long? He’s the perp. I’ve heard that Bernstein is a great attorney and that she would not have initiated the lawsuit if she didn’t have the documents to back it up.
hotwire
September 27th, 2010
9:56 pm
It just boggles the mind how fragile is the faith of some of these people that they conjure up the most bizarre conspiracy theories to protect their wayward “pastor.” It’s the boys who need compassion and understanding, not that blowhard pervert who calls himself a “bishop” no less. give me a friggin break.
Robert Hagedorn
September 28th, 2010
5:58 pm
Anal sodomy? For a really big surprise google The First Scandal Adam and Eve. Then click until you get the surprise which will be…too much work?
GodsLeadinglady
September 28th, 2010
11:29 pm
God and His Word never changes, the hearts of men often do. I sincerely hope this is not true, but what if it is? Only God and those involved know the truth and we should pray tha God will is done in this situation. I also would like to mention that if this is true, the Bishop should step down from his position, actually the moment this behavior started or the minute he could not overcome that thought life prior to any inappropriate behavior, he should have sought restoration through prayer and began to really seek God’s face and focusing less on Gods hand. You can be forgiven in an instant, but restoration takes time, espically in the area of sexual sin (homosexuality is a sin, according to Gods Word – for those of you who say the bible does not say that, Your not reading the right parts) because it consumes much of who we are, only the Lord can deliver us from this sin. Clothed back in his pastoral garment, The Bishop should call to rememberance why he wearing this uniform and who he is in covenant with. This will equal the truth to be told no matter what the consequences, for it is better to obey God rather than man. However if there is truth in this and her persist in struggling to hold onto his position and prominance,God will prevail. God’s word says be sure that your sin will find you out. What the years have concealed will always be revealed. I personally want truth,repentance and restoration in the lives of the young men and the Bishop. God can turn your mess into a message.
DJ
September 29th, 2010
9:50 am
I watched Jamal Parris speak about Bishop Long on TV last night and it seemed very credible. But what was more interesting was the reaction of some members from New Birth after seeing Jamal speak out. THAT is the video to see. In case you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a MUST SEE!
HERE’S THE LINK: http://tinyurl.com/3748cal
Denise
September 29th, 2010
11:13 am
Let me get this right. Because this man may have made a statement or preached a sermon that helped some of you through dark times, you think the fact that he may have hurt children is okay. I have never heard such self absorption in my life. Hell Hitler said or did something nice for someone. But in the end he was responsible for the slaughter of six million people. Sometimes blacks, women and other minorities can be so simple it makes me embarrased to be black and female. We are so needy we will follow any fool even when our eyes and ears tell warn us. We will sacrifice our children, financial resources, pride and self-respect for a short term high. No one should be that damn lonely…
Disgusted by it all
September 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
Let me start off by saying that I am not a member of New Birth. Second I want to say that I am thoroughly disgusted with what I’ve seen and heard as it relates to this story. Bishop Long is like any other person that runs a empire HE’S A BUSINESS MAN FIRST – he just happens to be a preacher. He no different that a doctor – they too are business people first, then your doctor. I am personally upset knowing that a “father” figure such as himself, sent buff pictures of himself in workout clothes to these young men. What are they suppose to think? What are they suppose to get out of that? I find that to be completely unacceptable. Shame on him. I don’t want to judge the Bishop because I myself don’t want to be judged, however he has put himself out there. Let’s see, there was Bishop Earl Paulk, Rev. Jim Swaggart, the Catholic priests (oh yes did I mention that I’m Catholic), and countless others out there that we don’t even know about. My gut tells me that the powers that be at New Birth knew about some of this – they’ve been awfully guiet! It’s interesting that you’ve only seen black ministers come out in support of the Bishop. What’s up with Bernice King…she’s his right hand person, where is Creflo Dollar (watch out now!), where is Andy Young. None of these other powerful figures in out black community have come out in support of the Bishop. Let’s be real about this….this type of non-sense has been going on for years in all churches. And even in the Muslim community, remember the Honorable Elijah Muhammad? He fathered many children by women in his flock. The Bishop just got caught! Come clean Eddie Long and set yourself free. Set these young men free. Has anyone other than me noticed how strange it is that these 4 young men have very similar features and skin tones? Get you good Attorney Eddie, cause the one you’ve got is going to help you go down. Settle this mess out of court and make it go away before you lose more credibility with some members of your congregation and the general public. I love the lord.
willie lynch
September 30th, 2010
1:08 pm
Wow people! Eddie Long appears to be guilty in this court of public opinion. But from what I’ve heard and what I feel (I say feel) it seems as though this is a case of unrequited love. Do I believe something went on? Yes I do. Do I believe these charges are out of vengance more than a sudden realization of victimization? Yes I do. That said, let them go through the legal process and get their money that’s what they’re after.
But I wonder if Eddie Long has excepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and if so why does he have to answer to the public? Is he not covered?
And by the way @Disgusted by it all, those were wives of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. There is a truth to that story many haven’t heard.
Disgusted by it all
September 30th, 2010
1:32 pm
Willie L….the Honorale E. Muhammad is dead – I don’t really care. If they were his “wives” that is even more disgusting! Unfortunately current affairs is being played out in the Media. I think (cause what I feel does not matter AND when you put emotion into it you lose site of realization) is that something definitely happened, these young men are victims in some way and that Eddie Long wants his congragation to view him as the patron saint. He needs his ego stroked. He’s going to look out there one day and instead of there being 25,000, he will talking and an echo will be coming back at him. He has not played this smart at all! He needs a smart attorney, he needs to keep his mouth shut and he needs to continue to do business as usual. The pulpit hell and damnation preaching he’s doing is making him look like a fool. I could be a believer in his innocence, but some of the stupid moves he’s made call me to wonder – among other things.
Victor T. Stephens
September 30th, 2010
3:16 pm
“Such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerades as servants of righteousness. THEIR END WILL BE WHAT THEIR ACTIONS DESERVE.” (2 Cor. 11:13-15)
Eddie Long, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer, Paula White, Juanita Bynum, Benny Hinn, and the rest of the Word-Faith camp are false teachers. These false teachers are financially raping thousands of Christians on account of stunning indifference, idolatry (hero & personality worshipping), and ignorance. Likened to Jim Jones supporters, many people will follow Eddie Long and other false teachers regardless of the evidence (scriptural or otherwise) presented again them.
The “Prosperity Gospel” taught by these false teachers does not line up with Scripture:
“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is
obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil
suspicions, useless wranglings of MEN OF CORRUPT MINDS and DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, who suppose that GODLINESS IS A MEANS OF GAIN. FROM SUCH WITHDRAW YOURSELF.
Now GODLINESS with CONTENTMENT is GREAT GAIN. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But THOSE WHO DESIRE TO BE RICH fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have STRAYED FROM THE FAITH in their GREEDINESS, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Tim. 6:3-10 NKJV)
Here we have it. This is a clear and concise refutation to the prosperity doctrine.