Here is the latest update in the pastor Eddie Long scandal who has been accused of sexual abusing three young men who have attended his mega-church in Atlanta.
The popular televangelist who used the pulpit numerous times to defend himself against the allegations and denied everything saying that “the truth will shine” is now singing a different tune.
Long and his lawyers have opted for mediation to avoid a long, public and embarrassing trial that can potentially ruin his religious-business and cost him his vast fortune.
Long who once bravely told the 25,000 members of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church “I have dedicated my life to helping others, and these false accusations hurt me deeply, but my faith is strong and the truth will out” will be heading to court in February to offer Anthony Flagg, 21 and Maurice Robinson, 20 and Jamal Parris, 23 a large sum of money to make this humiliating case go away as quietly as possible.
However if the men who alleged in their lawsuits that Long used cars, money and travel to coerce them into having sex with him when they were teenage members of his church do not agree to the good pastor’s settlement – there is a trial date set for July 11, 2011.
Will the real Michael Evans please stand up?
The offering of large sums of money..,,, Isn’t that what the original allegations was about, coupled with the involvment of sex? It seems to me that if the accusers were to accept the offer of large sums of cash, they would be condoning what they alleged him doing in the first place. Leaving him unscathed to possibly continue harming others in the future.
Have we so quickly forgotten the MJ story, and other “men of the cloth” of this kind of “mis” behavior?
Take this man to trial and let the truth be exposed.,,,,
Daddy Long Dong is as guilty as the day is “long.” Out of court settlements remind me of Michael Jackson. Long’s image will forever be tarnished, like MJ’s was, and if New Birth continues to support Long, they are as hypocritical as he is and they are perpetuating the DL. Why is AIDS so prevalent in the black community? Because of scoundrels like Long who keep it on the DL.
The more virulent the homophobe, the more likely he will turn out to be a homosexual himself. This pattern has become so obvious as to be laughable — were it not for the human tragedy involved.
Remember Rev George Rekers, of rentboy.com fame? He spent his sad ‘career’ vilifying gay people, and being paid a good amount of church — and state — money to do so. Then, he comes back from a lovely European vacation with a male escort. Pitiful.
Remember Rev Ted Haggard? Republican activist Parker J Bena? Christian Coalition Chairman Louis Beres? Republican Rep Mark Foley? Professional homophobe Neal Horsley? Republican Rep Ed Schrock? Republican Mayor Jim West?
No one will is surprised that ‘Bishop’ Eddie Long will try to settle this out of court. He has to. The truth would be much too painful, and the hit on his wallet too grave. The gospel of Jesus is immaterial to him.
ALL PRAISE TO GOD!
A former boss has said something bad about me before, and I said I was going to do all kinds of things because it wasn’t true, I was going to kill them, fight them, sue them, I had everything I needed to win a lawsuite against the company, I had witnesses I had a taped conversation (which I couldn’t use in court because they didn’t know they were being taped) to handover to my attorney. The only thing that kept me from moving forward was my kids. I could not let them suffer from having to hear anymore lies about me. They had been hearing things at school, church, even some my family members were jumping on the bandwagon against me. I felt helpless and already defeated, I felt like why should I put my kids and myself through this just to prove that I’m innocent, no matter what, I would always be guilty to people that had already made up their minds. So I opted to dismiss everything.
The funny part is everybody said I told you she was lying, see how fast she dropped that suite she didn’t stand a chance, in court. She looked guilty, look how she dress and always grinning. So I guess because I had a nice body and I dressed my butt off and I was a happy person that meant I was guilty of sleeping with the President of this major company I worked for???? I lost my husband, some friends and I stopped talking to my family all because a couple of people didn’t like me, and started a rumor.
They said I looked like a duck, I quacked like a duck, I even ducked out of going to court, so I must have been a duck, NO, I WAS A VICTIM Of JEALOUSLY And GREED!!!!!
I say to Bishop do what is best for you and your family. The world has already turned their backs on you, so what do you have to prove? Even if you were found innocent, the world has already found you guilty. Don’t stress yourself like I did, God knows the truth whatever it is. Deal directly with God as he will deal with you, and those young men. You’re not settling you’re moving on. But now know those who labor amongst you!
A peace of mind is far better then a piece of your Bank Account.
Hello sound like the Most high is bringing this to the light he has to uncover his wrong first any man of god should not go before his peoples with thoses tight shirts on that was a sign open your eyes and see truth
DGF and Evangelist Luther, I agree with you 100%. .
THE TRUTH NEEDS TO COME OUT. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO THESE PREACHERS STANDIN UP IN THE PULPIT PREACHING HATE AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY, THEN WE TURN RIGHT AROUND AND FIND OUT THAT THE PREACHER WAS HAVING MADD ROUNDAEVUES.
Settling out-of-court is never the answer. If you are not guilty, then stand tall and fight the charges. Handing out money always makes you look guilty. It is important to get to the truth, not side step it.
Eddie Long just sets his church members up every week, and every week they fall for it. His service at the end of November was about moving on forgetting about the past.. All he does is try to brain wash these people. can’t these people see he is a selfish man. He cares about no one other than his self. WAKE UP NEW BIRTH!!!! What are you guys afraid of? Eddie Long is a CHILD MOLESTER end of story. He’s not a magician.. You don’t need him to tell you right from wrong. He has not jumped up and down, shouted or anything since this story broke. Why is acting like the victim? I wish I was at that church I would walk in there and slap the shit out of him! With his simple behind self..
Sam, I’m sorry to hear what happened to you but you cannot seriously equate your position with that of a man who has the responsibility of souls to his charge. Bishop Long stands in a very unique position as a pastor. His accountability factor is much higher than a cock to punch and i say that in a respectable tone. You cannot vigorously defend yourself and then change the game. People look to him for leadership and this is the lesson he is teaching them.
I deeply feel sorry for the church. If Bishop was innocent, he would not settle. This leaves the room open for more falsely accusations. I hope and pray that the truth is prevailed and the church is NO longer deceived by the Bishop lies. He is not ready to leave his JOB. Not ministry.
*Riley voice*
That ***** gay!
Pitty the people who believed this false prophet…This Man of “god”is just as FOS as the rest in my OPinioN……I hate to hear that comment “remember the Micheal Jackson case….listen ……MJ settled due to the fact that he did not want to deal with all of the legal crap and years of fighting that would come with this…and those accusers knew that….HE was FOUND NOT GUILTY GOOBERS….. let that man Rest in Peace….Now the good Bishop…..my whole thing is you cant talk about it and not be about it……apparently he”s bout it bout it but he preaches against it….I have no respect for stone throwers who secretly shove the stones up their butts….
The men who filed the lawsuit had the attitude that he’s done with us and now he has moved on. So they need to take the money and shut the hell up! They didn’t want to bring criminal charges they just wanted the money. Now what’s the problem? Never mind, they are trying to make this longer then their 15 minutes of fame. Possibly a book or movie. WOW! NO I do not condone what the muscle shirt preaching did to them, but at what point do you acknowledge two wrongs don’t make a right.
Me004…you been in that New Birth koolaid. Watch this….watch this… Look at it from this perspective..If Eddie were a psychologist and these boys came to him for therapy and in turn, Eddie took advantage of their mental state and engaged in sexual acts with them, wouldn’t he be wrong? Well guess what…duh….same thing boo boo…he’s WRONG!! The fact is, these boys were vulnerable, impressionable, and in need of a mentor. Eddie was an established preacher who wass in a position of authority. Bottom line is: EDDIE SHOULD HAVE KNOW BETTER AND SHOULD BE HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD. But the fact is, he has no standards. That’s why he’s taking advantage of those who are under his spiritual hypnosis and people like you are defending him when he is dead WRONG. Put the koolaid down boo. That ***** gay!
what would jesus do
Jesus would forgive him and say go and sin no more.
The devil made him do it.
that congregation should have voted him out or left the church. But they have already been played out of their money week in and week out. Let this be a lesson to those weak individuals who follow men instead of opening their holy book for themselves. That man has taken something from those boys that they can’t get back and their parents are just as wrong as Long for missing the signs.
WHAT SICKENS ME IS THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE IN SERVICE OF THE LORD ABUSE THEIR “POWER”. I CAN’T STAND PEOPLE WHO “COME IN THE NAME OF JESUS” AND (LITERALLY) RUN HAVOC IN THE CHURCH. WE CHRISTIANS HAVE A HARD ENOUGH TIME AS IT IS REACHING THE WORLD, BUT THEN TO ADD A WOLF-IN-SHEEPS’-CLOTHING IN THE MIX MAKES OUR JOB THAT MUCH HARDER.
THE REASON FOR THE “SETTLEMENT” IS TO SAVE HIMSELF EMBARRASSMENT. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CHURCH. BY THE WAY…WHEN DID DOING GOD’S WORK BECOME A “BUSINESS”??? HUMM…MAYBE THIS WAS HIS WHOLE IDEA TO BEGIN WITH. GOD’S WRATH WILL EVENTUALLY COME. I HAVE NO DOUBT EDDIE LONG WILL ANSWER GREATLY. I SUGGEST HE ASK FOR FORGIVENESS, REPENT FROM HIS WAYS, PICK UP HIS CROSS AND REALLY FOLLOW CHRIST AND JUST SIT IN THE PEWS INSTEAD OF STANDING IN A PULPIT.
Lord help me. I can only take so much of this freakin madness! A final word…put your trust in God and not man.
I truly respect the concerns of God’s People, I really feel sadden in my spirit because it’s not only the Saints that feel betrayed but my heart goes out to the man and woman that really trusted the Words of the Prophet and now have to hear satan whisper in their ears, I told you he was a fraud, you were better off in the street, I told you I really care about you and if you stick with me (selling drugs, prostituting your bible, selling your children for a fix) I will cover you with protection from the evils of the church. What about the man and woman that still need to know God, that need to be saved and rescued from the wiles and the schemes of the devil. It’s not about Bishop it’s about reaching God’s people with truth and sincere concern. The World is in to much trouble to waste time persecuting. Who will stand in the Bishop’s place and REALLY share GOD’s unconditional and pure love to HIS hurting people. Why does the church people continue to cast stones. Tis the season, Jesus is the reason.
Below is the text of a letter sent to Bishop Eddie Long and his accusers. The letter was sent September 23, 2010.
Brethren,
First, I bring greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter, for it is dealing with a matter that has been brought to national attention, and has caused many in the body of Christ to begin taking sides with the men involved, rather than seeking and obeying the truth. Many in the body have had their attention diverted from Christ and toward these men without regard to the error involved in the handling of this matter. The Holy Spirit spoke about this issue expressly through the beloved apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 6:1-7:
1Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
4If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
5I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
6But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
7Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
When you take this matter to a court of man’s law, you bring the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to an open shame. Is there not one among a congregation of what is reported to be 25,000 that cannot judge this matter with righteous judgment? Taking this matter to a worldly court in order to win shows that those among you are not strong enough to take wrong and keep the matter within the spiritual family. This is not a criminal matter; if it were, then Eddie Long would be subject to the civil authorities and all consequences that accompanied the violation of any law. Yet, the authorities themselves have acknowledged that no laws have been broken. If there is no one there that can judge wisely, I know sons of God that can do so, and would lay their lives down to bring this matter to a Godly conclusion. I would certainly offer to be a part of that solution.
Now, we see that all parties are prepared to defend themselves in this worldly court with representation. Brethren, this is nothing more than self-preservation, which is the exact opposite of what the Lord Jesus Christ demands of us.
Luke 9:23 – And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Is obeying the commands of our Lord less important than self-preservation? Is it truly more important to win than to risk putting the name of Jesus Christ to an open shame?
I am not familiar with the structure of your local fellowship; however, the word of the Lord is clear on how to handle matters involving elders:
1 Tim 5:1, 19 – Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; and Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
If the these men were offended by brother Eddie Long, then the Lord Himself has given specific instruction on how that offense should be handled:
Matt. 18:15-17 – Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
If there is any fear among the men in approaching brother Eddie Long in this manner, then they fear man more than they fear God. If this matter was not addressed according to the manner that the Lord Himself prescribed, I admonish these men to lay aside their agendas and humble themselves, that the word of God be not compromised. How much more can God be glorified than through your obedience to him and his word?
This national attention that is being brought to the situation is doing damage to the body of Christ. Must we now defend you brothers as hypocrites?
What shall we say then? If one party wins, shall it be said that the Lord was with them? If the other party prevails, should it be said that the Lord fought for them? Will the Lord then give favor to one of His children and not the other? The Lord will rejoice in the truth, not in personal victory. It is the truth that will bring God glory, and nothing else.
Finally, brethren, if it be so that Eddie Long or these young men are overtaken in a fault, again, the Lord gives us specific instructions on how the matter should be handled:
Gal. 6:1 – Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Again, is there not any that are spiritual among you that can restore the parties involved? We are in an age and time where unbelievers will use any method to spread doubt about the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ. I appeal to you as brethren not to provide them with ammunition. Our matters can and should be handled within the family of God, and not in the world.
I implore you to remove these matters from a court of man’s law, and handle them in the way that the Lord prescribed in His word. If Eddie Long has truly done wrong, I am confident that, as a man of God, he will do the honorable thing and take time to heal. If these charges are false, I am also confident that he will forgive, and help these young men heal. It is now time to submit ourselves to the true head of the church, and bring order back to the body of Christ at that local fellowship.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each of you.
Ron Mosby
Elder
Elder Ron Mosby… aka… The Apostle Paul: Reloaded,
That letter to the Newbirthians was excellent, brother! I hope they take heed to every word of it. Very eloquent & backed up throughout w/Scripture. Definitely Inspired by the Lord. I’ve read and made a lot of comments on this matter, but I will concede and say that your take on it is hands down, the best solution!!
I just wanted to respond to Sam. She says that she didn’t want to put her kids through stuff and that’s why she didn’t sue her boss. Well I think she did more damage than good by keeping quiet because her innocence is now forever in doubt. It’s better to fight and lose than not to fight at all. The aim is not to prove to people that you are innocent. The aim is to preserve your image against tarnishment. If a disease comes your way, you dont just lie there and take it. You take medication to cure it. If you just let it, other diseases will come and take over and before you know it, your very life will be at risk. The same applies here. If you ignore one rumor and dont fight it, your image becomes a dumping grounds for nasty rumours. Before you know it, people won’t be able to know who you are anymore. Dno’t be fooled, it’s not only “peace of mind” which is at stake here. A damaged reputation can lead to damaged credibility, financial loss etc. I have a feeling you were afraid to fight because you had some dirty secrets which would have been exposed at trial. If you were clean, you would have seen the honor in defending your name. Only a dirty name is not worth defending.
Eddie Long’s case would have been easily won if he was innocent and decided to fight it. His decision to settle says a lot about what he is trying to hide e.g. sexual impropriety, financial mismanagement etc. If he was clean, he would not have been afraid of anything coming out at trial. Why is the man of God afraid of battle? Does he not have faith that God will fight for him?
Just a point of recollection. Didn’t Bishop Eddie once say that he is David facing Goliath and he hasn’t thrown his stones yet? I don’t remember David paying his way out of the fight with Goliath.
Just saying…
Brother Ron,
Your scriptural exposition is indeed on point. However, it is not applicable in this case because:
1. When that scripture was written, there was a clearer understanding of who was and was not a brother in the church. There was more homogeneity and a clear hierarchy if I may say so. In the present day church, everyone believes what they will and there does not appear to be any hierarchy in the church from which to determine an authority who may hear grievances between brothers in the Lord. Eddie Long has his own church where he is essentially over all master. The church board was hand picked by him and he is not answerable to it. Who then, shall judge him?
2. The gravity and nature of these accusations go to the very fabric of the question whether the parties involved should even be considered Christian? Homosexual activity is outright prohibited in the Bible. This is not a matter of one brother having a grievance against another brother? The question is first- are these even brothers? Brothers can’t be homos. The grievances being mentioned in those verses, I believe, revolve around everyday human conflicts e.g. unpaid debts which even practicing Christians may find themselves liable to. The matter at hand here is an OUTRIGHT SIN, NOT A GRIEVANCE. If anything, the parties involved should be disciplined if the matter is established as true.
3. The Church need not be shaken simply because some preachers have been involved in scandal. The Bible already foretold that in the last days there shall be many false prophets. Indeed Christ stated that there are tares growing among the wheat. As long as practicing Christians keep their eyes on Jesus and not on preachers, spend their money on spreading the Gospel instead of turning their preacher into fat cats, focus on the salvation of souls instead of naming and claiming those Bentleys- they will be JUST FINE!
YOU SHALL KNOW A TRUE MAN OF GOD BY THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT!!!! NOT BY HIS TELEVISION MINISTRY AND MEGA CHURCH!!!!! OPEN YOUR EYES PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!! (Fruits of Eddie Long- showing off body parts in church, love of money and material possessions, boasting and bragging, love of body. Fruits of the Spirit-love joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control)
My God ipray for truth how will we do Gods work with lleadets falling father raise up true men and women of God annointed and appointed leaders I pray for all involved. That the spirit. Of truth fall on all
What if it was one of his under pastor’s? He would require a period for them to reflect, I’m sure. He just needs to take a hiatus from the church as leader for a year. If his wife divorces him, then I’d be inclined to think, he committed adultery. I sat there during a sermon. I can pretty much listen and talk to anyone, if they are intelligent. I try not to judge too harshly anyone. I feel that Jesus loves me and Jesus loves that person. Because Jesus loves him, he can just sit on the front row for a year, and I’ll accept him back in the pulpit after that. Select a well seasoned saint to be senior pastor: Elder Tommy or Momma Cage.
He’s lost his reputation and even suffered humiliation. I hope he does not lose his wife, family, financial stability, and desire to help others. I would just settle as well. It’s best to just suffer the wrong otherwise, he may not be able to send his kids to college. I really would not want to give the accusers any money. He gave one a car, and he gave another a house. I think it’s unfair to force him to give them anything else. If they had not accepted those things, then it’s different. It’s all about character. On both sides, not just Bishop Long. At some point they need to start accepting responsibility for their own actions, and maybe this should be the moment. We all have things we regret doing, and the person who taught us the really sad lesson. (I still regret making Johnny drink from the bird bath, my mom saw me, and blistered by behind.)
I would not have accepted a car or house from anyone who was not directly related to me (parent, sibling, cousin) unless I was married or had some other accoutability person besides “the Bishop”. These boys had one parent at least, now they are taking advantage; wanting something for nothing. They are just straight bonafied idiots. Forgive and move on. Make the movie, and give us all a laugh. That’s how they should get paid.
I am going to say this. I am a spiritual Son of Bishop Eddie Long, I have my own opinions of the situation however scripture rules out what any of us think. NOBODY is any greater than Bishop Long, by judging him. The Bible says “HE WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE”, Not only that “BRETHEREN IF ANY OF YOU ARE OVERTAKEN IN A FAULT/SIN, YE WHICH ARE SPIRITUAL RESTORE SUCH A ONE” Some of us sound so holy and self righteous here. Remember one thing Ministers are nothing more than mere men. The Bible says that when the Prophet/Priest is ministering it is not them but the spirit working through them. I challenge all of us to keep our mouths closed. YOU ARE NO JUDGE neither am I
Eddie Wrong should admit his guilt and come out of the closet and free himself! I thinki he is abusing the church and taking advantage of his poisition. His actions are vain, deceitful and dangerous!
I agree with “Justcommenting.” It was wrong for those guys to take gifts if they felt so “hurt” over what he had done to them. I’m a single lady and once when I lived in the Atlanata area, a married preacher offered to give me a car and I refused to take it because I had never met his wife and I didn’t know how she would feel about it. Even though I needed a car at the time to transfer my disabled son to the doctor, etc. I didn’t take this gift for fear that it would eventually lead to something else in the future.
The accusers were old enough to know what was wrong and what was right. They should have spoke-out long ago, if their accusations are true. I hope it’s all a lie, but I can’t help but wonder about his lead statement: “I’m not a perfect man.”…..”but this I’m going to fight?!” With a bold statement lilke this, I think he should fight and pray it out to the end.
Why is it that black christians or black people still enjoy hurting and destroying one another? The white christians have not tried to destroy Pastor Hinn and his ministry the way that blacks have tried to assacinated Bishop Long and his work for God. Four against one is hard to defeat in court, whether the accusations are true or not. Settleing out of court may sincerely be the best option in this case.
I am not a judge but the word of God speakes for itself. What Eddie Long has done brings shame on the body of christ.The word says that a tree is known by its fruit. We that are truely saved and want to here the words at the end of our short lived life well done;we know that we can’t follow that type of leader.Because most sinner will not commit that kind of sin. As a matter of fact they dislike people with that life style.We also must remember what the bible says about people will not endure sound doctrine having itching ears. The word of God is our judge Eddie Long need to get saved.He is just like any man if he get (caugth up) in that sin Eddid Long will have his part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.My pray is that he will truely repent,walk in obedient to God. Because pay-day is coming when we all must stand and give an account to our Lord and savor. ALL OF THE WORD OF GOD IS TRUE AND WE ARE GOING TO BE JUDGE FROM EVERY WORD FRON GENESIS-REVELATION.
Where is the money going to come from to pay these settlements? Long should pay out of his personal funds not pass this on to his congregation. If he sold his Bentey and drove a Buick instead, this would be a good down payment.
In the last days there will be deceivers. These indeed are the last days. Men will exchange the love of God for the flesh, money and worship of self. This acts this man is accused of are an abomination. How it is that he finds defenders is a pointer to how complete the deception is.
I would flee, as the bible says to flee from inequity. The church has been transformed into a house of inequity.
If he were to repent, that would be another matter. He can hide behind high powered lawyers, money and influence. That will make sure the judgement coming against him will be sealed because he seeks to justify himself before men and not to his creator.
Let those who will listen to the Spirit of God flee. Get out from among them!
I myself have been falsely accused of homosexuality, which is totally false. Because i showed love to a sister. It was not that way at all. Im a loving,caring person and i try to help others. I thought we were to encouage and lift each other up, but i refer to the word of GOD ; my enemies are his enemies, and my advarsaries are his advarsaries. He is a battle axe. And we need to stop JUDGING others, period, cause GOD is in control of all things. Dont judge lest you b judged.