BISHOP EDDIE LONG ACCUSED OF SEDUCING YOUNG MEN

Posted on by September 28, 2010avatar

Remember this 2007 headline – “Senate Panel Probes 6 Top Televangelists”? 
 

The only name I didn’t recognize was EDDIE LONG. Well, the Atlanta mega pastor is back in the news, and this time he is being accused of coercing young men (17 and 18 years old) into sexual relationships.
 

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 
 

“Three defendants charge that Long used his mega-church position to build a strong personal bond with them, by taking them on trips and giving them lavish gifts. They said the church leader convinced them that sex with him was part of a healthy spiritual life. They also have claimed that Long violated his legal responsibility as a spiritual adviser. Long adamantly denies the allegations.”

 

Actually, four young men have sued Long – three who live in Georgia and one who lives in North Carolina and attended a satellite church in Charlotte. We will provide more information on the accusers in tomorrow’s post.
 

In case you’re not familiar with Bishop Eddie Long, he is the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, just outside of Atlanta. CBS News reports: 
 

“Long was appointed pastor of New Birth in 1987. At that time the church had about 150 members. Less than four years later, the church had grown to more than 8,000 members. Athletes and entertainers claim membership at the church, which now boasts an over 25,000 strong membership, and among its prominent clergy is the Rev. Bernice King, the youngest daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.”
 

Long, who is the father of four, made his first public remarks during the Sunday service. As he prepared to address his followers, he was met with a thunderous applause from the thousands of faithful supporters who attended. According to an AP News article: 
 

“The sanctuary was nearly filled to its 10,000-seat capacity for both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. Many lined up two hours before the doors of the church opened…. Followers prayed, sang and embraced one another as they rallied around their senior pastor. Wearing a cream-colored suit as he strode into the church sanctuary hand-in-hand with his wife, Vanessa, Long paused to soak in the adoration.”
 

According to the AP article cited above, one young man stood up during the second service and shouted: “We want to know the truth, man!” According to the news story, “He was quickly escorted out and did not return.”
 

Our local paper, The News and Observer, featured an intriguing headline: “Ga Pastor: I’ll fight like David battled Goliath”. 
 

The article includes the following remarks made by Long:


"I feel like David against Goliath. But I got five rocks, and I haven't thrown one yet," Long said in his first public remarks since his accusers filed lawsuits last week claiming he abused his "spiritual authority." He stopped short of denying the allegations but implied he was wronged by them.

 

"I have never in my life portrayed myself as a perfect man. But I am not the man that's being portrayed on the television. That's not me. That is not me," he said.
 

Who is the true underdog – Bishop Eddie Long or his four accusers? Tune in tomorrow when we will take a closer look at the young men who have brought charges against their pastor.

 

 

New Feature: Lydia's Corner: We will begin reading through the Bible in one year. Here are today's suggested readings. You may follow along online at the One Year Bible. We are starting from the beginning:January 1. If you click on the verse, it will take you to that verse in Bible Gateway. This is for your convenience. 

Genesis 1:1-2:25     Matthew 1:1-2:12      Psalm 1:1-6        Proverbs 1:1-6

Comments

BISHOP EDDIE LONG ACCUSED OF SEDUCING YOUNG MEN — 43 Comments

  1. One can’t help but notice the similarity between mega church pastor “confessions” in the pulpit, whether the accusations are financial or sexual or spiritual abuse. They say “I’m not perfect”, but never apologize or admit guilt, make themselves to be a victim…they will quote an Old Testament verse…and the worst part….they always, without fail, get a standing ovation and they might shed a crocodile tear or two. Long played the role very well, bad toupee and all.

  2. Tom, You have nailed a very important tactic they use: Quoting the OT. I mean, how bad can you look when you compare yourself to David or Abraham (giving Sarah to a pagan king as his concubine)

    Seriously, what ARE folks thinking here? The OT points to Messiah. If anyone is teaching their kids to be like David or Solomon, etc., they are missing the WHOLE point of the OT. God worked through His chosen people for His own Glory. To hold them up as examples is beyond scary.

    And now we have the indwelling Holy Spirit in the NC…so what is their excuse?

    The reason this all works is because of the ignorant pew sitter. They only know what they have been taught the Word says. And look who they are learning it from! Charlatans. wolves and hirlings.

    (I am very honored by Lydia’s corner!)

  3. Bottomline: God is the hero of the OT. Not the characters He worked through that we read about.

  4. Lydia,

    You are such an inspiration to Dee and me! We are happy to honor you in this way.

    Great points by you and Tom R. Where is the spiritual discernment in the body of Christ?

    Since Eddie Long brought it up, I do plan to begin today’s post with the David vs. Goliath analogy. So the Bishop casts himself in the role of David? Based on his church appearance last Sunday, I believe he more closely resembles Goliath being cheered on by the Philistines (20,000+ congregants).

  7. Thanks, Watcher. I read the beginning of the article, and we are definitely on the same track with the David and Goliath comparison.

  8. So when do we get a “Junkster’s Corner”, with a “watch all the funny YouTube videos in a year” plan?? 🙂

  10. Junkster
    I love the idea. It has been proven that one cannot develop an ulcer while laughing heartily so it may be part of God’s perfect design for us: to laugh often and laugh long. You mentioned something about a blog idea-is this along those lines? If so, let us know how we can help!

  11. I had no doubt that you all would find fault with Eddie Long. I do not agree with his language, theology or lifestyle, but I do hope he is innocent of these charges. i do not understand why even his commet about David and Goliath should be so criticised and maligned.

  12. I certainly won’t disagree with you there, but I think that it’s also true that the figures in the old testament serve as encouraging examples for us. After all, a large section of Hebrews is devoted to mentioning the great heroes of faith that have come before us, going so far as to say that “the world was not worthy of them.” I don’t think there’s anything wrong with viewing them as examples as long as we understand that they too had their (often extensive) failings.
    Of course, there’s nothing >right< about Long's blatant misuse of scripture. I have a lot of respect for the young man who had the courage to stand up and challenge him.

  14. Great Scott, man! We are talking about boys the age of 17 or 18, the age of my own son! Are you so enamored of Long that you would compare these boys to Goliath? This is a horrendous situation.

    This man lived a lavish life on the backs of his congregation who provide him with wealth, so wealthy that he attracted the attention of congress, for goodness sake. Such a man uses his congregation for money and now appears to use boys for his other appetites. How awful. And this is a man of God? How far we have strayed from the Man of Galilee.

    Next you will say it is all the boys fault.You know, the ones who you call Goliath.

  15. I assume you are speaking to me, so I will respond. You provide a good blog and good information. But sometimes you and your commenters rush to judgment on comments and judge people’s motives and belief. No, I would never say it is the boys fault unless proven they conspired. At this time it is not public info as to the facts. i too have children and a sixth grandchild on the way. The fact is, this could be a conspiracy and it could be fact. I do not know as I am not privy to the info. I have not strayed from the truth or the Man from Galilee. I have not now or ever have been enamored with Eddie Long despite your vitrolic comment. Thank you for allowing me to responnd to your judgment on me. I have enjoyed your blog but will not return. I do hope Eddie Long is innocent. If he is guilty I hope they throw the book at him. I just am not in a position to currently judge the truth of this situation and will not rush to it because of his lifestyle and theology twhich I do not agree with.

  16. Anonymous
    How much do you know about pedophilia? It is highly unusual for a group of boys to make up allegations of this sort. It is embarrassing at this stage in the development.Have you ever talked to a boy who has gone through this sort of thing? I have. They feel humiliated, used degraded, sick ….. It is rare for boys to make this sort of thing up.

    Long’s own pronouncements are very interesting and give further fuel to this situation.Note: Good gracious, never, ever could I do such a thing… it makes me sick- was not the denial. Instead “I am not a perfect man.”

    This man is a user…his lifestyle proves it. His hyperfocus on the sin of homosexuality to the exclusion of many other sins (such as greed) is also interesting. Haggard used to do the same thing.His lifestyle and theology should make you be very, very concerned about this man. Such a lifestyle and theology leads to such things.

    These preachers who live lavish lifestyles already have some poor attitudes/sins going on. His past history seems to indicate fraudulent expense accounts. I have watched one too many pastor handle this situation poorly. There is increasing evidence that the Protestant churches have as many of these incidents as the RCC. We have written on this subject at length. We have also watched as friends have had sons who have been abused by nice Baptist preacher types. Please go to stopbaptistpredators.org to educate yourself to the sin of pedophilia in our churches.

    Finally, because I have seen boys who have been abused and seen the horrendous aftermath, I become very prickly with the idea that poor Long is the David defending himself against the Goliath of some boys. The power in this relationship implies just the opposite.That is why I was upset about the David and Goliath statement. I predict this one is going to end badly with another blot on the faith.

    I am sorry that you want to go away. Sometimes it is worth staying and fighting for you position.

  17. Garland
    Sometimes it is the bravery of youth that challenges entrenched sin and lethargy of the church.

  18. Dee ,
    I will make a final comment if I may. I read Christas blog often. I don,t think I need further education. She is right on as for the great need for database provided in the SBC for sexual abusers, and I am currently a Southern Baptist.

    I pastored a church for ten years and dealt with 10 cases os sexual sin, abuse, etc and responded to each one biblically and many times with biblical church discipline. I had one youth worker abuse a young man and served time for it. it was a most difficult experience.

    I understand it as unfortunately one of my dearest friend’s grandchild was abused at age four. I, too was abused as a young teenager. I did not write to defend Eddie Long. Obviously you are more acquainted with traits of this tiype of character. I still say I hope he is innocent as this will cause great distress to the Body. I have no position to defend and am certainly not endeared to Long.

  19. Anonymous,

    I have appreciated your input on Eddie Long. You indicated that you have enjoyed reading our blog; however, when we cover an extremely high-profile story that the media will likely be discussing for months, maybe years, you say you will not return to our blog. Why even mention this? It’s a free country, and you can read whatever you wish.

    I do hope you will continue to read our blog posts, but if you choose not to, it won’t hurt my feelings. I, too, hope Long is innocent because if he is guilty it will be extremely detrimental to Christendom, and it will likely hit the black Christian community hard.

  20. Anonymous
    I wish you would continue.

    Do you have any idea how hard it is for a young man to come forward with such a complaint? I know one who did and he not believed. In fact, they thought he was nuts and conveyed that sentiment. He wasn’t and a pedophile molested boys for a long while afterward.

    I think Christendom is harmed by these incidents because we sometimes give the impression that we are above the fary. In fact, it should be stated up front that you are in a church and the church is full of sinners, including the pastors.That means that awful things are going to happen in churches. It also means that churches must be very cautious to protect and defend the weakest amongst us.

    One thing Christians must accept is that their pastors and leaders can be corrupt and do awful things. Once we get over that hurdle, I think we can begin living like the real church with greater transparency.

    I am so sorry for your abuse and pray that God will continue to heal that part of your life. Thank you for your transparency. I know that it is painful

    Well, off to jusr duty.

  21. Lydia, yeah, but pride is a deadlier sin. 🙂 Don’t let Lydia’s Corner go to your head. 🙂

  22. A Deep Thought by Jack Handy: “Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis.”

    The idea I have for a blog isn’t related to videos, but I think it would be pretty funny most of the time. It’s just a matter of not having time to consistently create new posts.

  23. I was just teasing Lydia — I don’t really want a corner named after me. I think it’s best if I just stick with adding in the occasional random comment and link when the subject warrants it. 🙂

  24. Junkster
    I’m sitting in a jury pool waiting to be called. Finally reading A Skeleton in Gods Closet.

  25. Anonymous:

    I appreciate your restraint in making judgments regarding this case, since you do not know the facts. All of us don’t know most of the facts. So, your points are well-taken.

    However, the alleged behavior is textbook manipulation that perverted predators use. I saw almost this exact same scenario up close and it’s like he’s following an instruction manual on how to win trust, manipulate, and pounce on easily-manipulated kids. I, like you, don’t know if he’s innocent. But, I’d bet you good money that he’s guilty as sin.

    I was a little surprised to read that you would not be returning to the blog. If it takes that little to offend you, you probably should go somewhere else where you can bury your head in the sand from having to listen to anyone else’s judgmental and critical opinion. And if you’re that easily offended, it’s a wonder that you made it ten years in the pastorate. I’m glad you’re out, because we need men with backbone’s who will lead, not run, and challenge, not shrink back from challenges, be vocal, not remain silent. So, it sounds like you do not belong here.

  27. Maybe I should give this to Dee for her birthday. Has she told you about her collection of Star Trek Christmas ornaments?

  28. I am not offended Michael. You don’t know me…don’t made such ignorant remarks like you did. I have and am serving in my 39th year of ministry, not ten. I just will no longer comment and share an opinion on a blog like this because of ignorant remarks like you have made. Keep your comments to yourself. I sir, am none of your business.

  29. Sorry you guys have butted heads in this forum. It’s my hope and prayer that both of you will continue to participate.

    Anonymous, I am truly sorry that you were abused in your early life, and I pray that you have been able to cope after such an injustice. It hurts for me to think about how many innocent victims have suffered at the hands of pedophiles.

    This is is a controversial topic that is highly disturbing to many. Sadly, it’s one that we in the Christian community cannot ignore.

  30. Thank you Dee for your kind remarks. I will consider further participation. God used a wonderful God sent Christian counselor who has for over twenty years helped me deal with and respond to the physical and sexual abuse.

  31. First you say, “I pastored a church for ten years…” to which I responded, “it’s a wonder that you made it ten years in the pastorate.” Then you respond, “I have and am serving in my 39th year of ministry, not ten.” (You might want to check your grammar on that last sentence, by the way, in addition to, “don’t made such ignorant…”).

    So, don’t correct me, when I respond to what YOU represented. Maybe you should get your story straight before you get back on here and correct me.

    “I just will no longer comment and share an opinion on a blog like this because of ignorant remarks like you have made.”

    First, which is it?

    1. “I just will no longer comment…” or,
    2. “I have enjoyed your blog but will not return.”

    Second, I love the way you overgeneralize and won’t be specific about which comments are ignorant. That way you don’t have to defend whether it was really ignorant or not and you can just come off appearing superior to everyone on this blog. We’re ALL ignorant and are not qualified to converse with someone as knowledgeable as you, right?

    “I don,t think I need further education.”

    Well, it seems that you do. For starters, you’re supposed to punctuate with an apostrophe, not a comma after the, “n,” in, “don’t.” Furthermore, who doesn’t need more education? Listen, if you stick around this blog for awhile, you’ll learn something, unless your arrogance prevents you from it.

    Finally, no, I’m not going to keep my comments to myself. I will continue to call you on your attitude of superiority when you display it so transparently on this blog. That’s part of what this blog is about; dealing with so-called, “pastors,” who think they’re better than everyone else; who criticize and stop relating to those who dare to confront them or who might think they know more than someone like you. Deal with it. Or, you can honor your word, if your word has any integrity and stop commenting or skedaddle.

    Lastly, no one wants to see you go, for your sake and your benefit. So, if you choose to retract your statements about no longer commenting or not returning, lose the self-righteous attitude, so we can have honest debate without having to correct you.

  32. Michael
    Please consider getting yourself some help with your anger and arrogance. I apologize for my grammatical errors. I do not write well from an iPad.

  33. “I still say I hope he is innocent as this will cause great distress to the Body.”

    We are assuming it is a Body of Christ. Very bad assumption. There can be NO damage to the true Body of Christ. I do not understand why folks keep saying things like this. Does anyone remember what Jesus said…the gates of hell….

    It is as if they would prefer all the evil stay secret so Christians can have a good image with the world. But the truth is, the world knows we are hypocrites and we had best clean our own house instead of trying to keep this stuff hidden.

    Most Americans have no clue what a true Christian looks like. If you think about it, the most famous Christians should look more like Matt 5 than CEO’s.

  34. No help needed in those areas. But, thanks for your concern. I’m not angry or arrogant, and to quote you, “You don’t know me.”

    But, I find it ironic that you get on this blog, criticize everyone for being ignorant, judgmental, and critical, threaten to not return, then to just not comment, then you do return, and you continue to make comments, but the comments you make don’t defend any points you’ve been challenged on, but all you do is come back on and demean and criticize and judge; the VERY THING you judged others for.

    If you really intended to not return, you would have just not returned, instead of advertising you would not return. I challenged you on it because that’s just manipulation. If you’re going to leave, then leave. No need to advertise it. If you’re going to stay, then retract your statements about not returning and not commenting, if you have the humility.

    Finally, why don’t you come down off your high horse and respond to the comments that are relevant to the topic at hand?

    To recap my earlier statement, your points about not rushing to judgment are well-taken. And Long’s alleged behavior looks like a textbook example of tactics that many predators use to take advantage of their victims. The other comments, by Dee and others, bring up other aspects of his life to show that the guy is off the reservation, so to speak. His other behavior incriminates him and it’s not a stretch at all, at least for one who knows how to think and put two and two together, to make a logical, but not infallible, guess that the guy is both guilty and a creep.

  35. Sounds liek the perfect birthday gift for Dee to me! I didn’t know she had Star Trek ornaments, but I’m not surprised. I have a William Riker action figure that says “Sheilds Up!” and “Energize!” and “Red Alert!” when you push a buttom on his back. I keep him at work for those stressful situations …

  36. Junkster
    Darn-I missed those. I do have the definitive collection of Christmas Star Trek Ornaments.I had a techie guy over here about 4 years ago to fix my computer before “the man behind the curtain”. He said he was finished and I went to find him. He was standing in front of my tree, mesmerized and muttering things like “cool.” etc. One of them, the Borg Cube says: “We are the Borg. Happy Holidays. Resistance is futile.”
    I have to admit, it does look a little odd, mixed in with my nativity scenes and classic ornaments. But, hey, I march to a different drummer.

    I Star Trek pizza cutter- who thinks of these things?

  37. Michael,
    As I was getting ready for school tonight, the Lord began to reveal some things to me. While I did not appreciate some of your remarks, that was no reason to respond with dispariging remarks to you. I was wrong, I apologize and I ask you to please forgive me. Although I cannot extend my hand through the internet to you I hope this post will serve as an encouragement and establing fellowship with a brother. Naturally, I do not know where you live, but if you should live in the metro Atlanta area I would be delighted to meet you for lunch, buy yoiur lunch and get to know you. I think we might find that we both have a lot in common through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  38. Anonymous:

    I was thinking that I had been pretty harsh, myself. I accept your apology and forgive you. I would ask that you would forgive me, as well, for being a bit harsh. I think there’s a place where we can have strong disagreement, but I would like to debate in a way where we’re not beating each other up, personally. I probably started it, so I’m sorry.

    Thanks for your sensitivity to our Lord and for reaching out in reconciliation. Let’s consider our personal attacks of each other over.

    I’m confident that we would find much in common, indeed. We love the Atlanta area and I’ve been privileged to sing concerts in many of the churches around that area in the past. Bless you, and thank you, again, for the humility and character to reconcile with me.

  39. Anonymous
    Thank you for your kind comment although it was not directed at me. On Monday, I am going to do a post that might give you some insight into the lives of a few who post here. (Don’t worry anyone, I am going to talk in generalities). There are some, like myself who were deeply hurt by pastors and churches. This blog, for some, is a place to express their concerns and their pain. For others this blog is a place to discuss issues of current relevance, some of which cause controversy with Christendom. I think it is time that the church hear the voices of the disaffected. They have kept their ears shut to the pain in the pews and we are a bullhorn.

  41. Michael and Dee,
    I appreciate both of your responses. All is well Michael and thank you for your grace. Dee , I do understand some of the hurt that is out there. In reading your blog, Wades and even Mr. Rich’s blog I have learned much that I have tried to translate into practical application for my own ministry. There have been times I did not want to agree but realized I was wrong and had for so long embraced tradition instead of truth.

  42. Dee:

    If you’re talking about what I think you are, I was pleasantly surprised, touched, encouraged, and convicted that Anonymous took the first step of clearing the air and reconciling. I admit, I was pretty rough on him. Dee, if church leadership could learn from his sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and his humility, we’d be miles further down the road than we are.

    Thanks for yours and Deb’s continued faithful work. I’ve been passing the word along, because you are a strategic piece of the puzzle of God’s awakening His church.

  43. Michael
    I think the blogosphere is a safe place for people to express thoughts, questions, and share pain in an anonymous fashion. Today’s church environment stresses conformity and any questioning of the status quo or challenge of the power structure can lead to retribution and further pain.

    I hope we can keep folks up on the happenings in the faith while providing understanding for the trials of the saints. Thank you for your kind words.