Longfellows Youth Academy

[Ursus]

This Atlanta, Georgia, based program for boys / young men would appear to cultivate a dichotomous message in its students:

"Training our youth to Love, Live, and Lead."

http://www.longfellowyouthacademy.org/[/list]

[Ursus]

From their FAQ page:

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Masculine Journey Fall Session

What is the Masculine Journey?

The Masculine Journey combines Mentorship, Exposure, and Personal Development to create a Rites of Passage Program for males preparing for Manhood.

What are the ages for our programs?

The LongFellows Masculine Journey is for males 13-18.
BELL Boys, a preparatory program for our Masculine Journey, is for boys ages 10-12.

How much interaction will the LongFellows have with Bishop Long?

Bishop Long loves mentoring and is very involved when his schedule permits.

How many boys are in the program?

The LongFellows Youth Academy normally mentors about 100 LongFellows per session.

What are the parental obligations?

Parents are required to attend all parent meetings and participate in fundraising.

How much does it cost?

The cost is $500 per session.

Is the entire $500 tuition required at registration?

No. $250 in required at registration and the other $250 is required by the end of the 1st month.

Are scholarships available?

There are only a few scholarships available and these are only provided on availability. Those that are interested are required to submit an application and all supporting documents within the first week of registration and each application will be assessed by our pre-determined criteria. All applicants will be notified by the second week on whether or not they will receive a scholarship.

Why is there a cost to this program?

LongFellows Youth Academy, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is not funded by any other organization. Therefore, we must receive tuition payments and fundraisers to operate our programs.

What is the attendance policy?

Consistency, commitment, attendance, and punctuality are all important attributes for becoming a man. Therefore we require all LongFellows to attend a minimum of 80% of our events.

Where are the Personal Development classes held?

All classes are held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

Is there any GPA requirement to sign up?

There is no required GPA for beginning our Masculine Journey Program. However, a 3.0 GPA or greater will be required to Graduated from the program.

What type of community service projects might the young men perform?

The LongFellows Youth Academy has partnered with organizations such as Hosea Feed the Hungry, Safehouse, Atlanta Union Mission, and Open Hand, Hands on Atlanta, and others to perform meaningful acts of service.

What days will the LongFellow events be held?

Most of our LongFellow events will be held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Do you have to be a member of New Birth to participate?

No, being a member of New Birth is not required; however, it is highly recommended due to the fact that events and classes are held at New Birth, often times before or after Sunday services.

Will my son be assigned a mentor?

Yes. Each LongFellow is assigned to a group and each group is lead by a team of Life Coaches.

Copyright LongFellows Youth Academy 2010

[Pile of Dead Kids]

Wait, wait, Longfellows?

The Masculine Journey?

With a Bishop?

 :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:

[Froderik]

Wait, wait, Longfellows?

The Masculine Journey?

With a Bishop?

 :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:

 :rofl:  :rofl:  :rofl:

[DannyB II]

Great program...has helped many. Sorry to hear about the allegations.
Keep it down boys.

[Froderik]

Great program...has helped many. Sorry to hear about the allegations.
Keep it down boys.

Wait, wait...... keep what down?  :rofl:

[Ursus]

Wait, wait, Longfellows?

The Masculine Journey?

With a Bishop?

 :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:

:rofl:  :rofl:  :rofl:

Y'all have NO idea...   :eek:

[Ursus]

Great program...has helped many. Sorry to hear about the allegations.
Keep it down boys.

Wait, wait...... keep what down?  :rofl:

Let's just say ... Bishop LONG ... reveals his obsessions more blatantly than he realizes!

[Che Gookin]

 :twofinger:

[Ursus]

Here are the specs as to what is explicitly involved in learning how to "love, live, and lead" at Longfellows Youth Academy. It's a pretty involved read, but I'd be shortchanging ya by quoting select particulars. That might deflect from the enormity of the veritable gauntlet of character development these kids are subjected to.

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Loving, Living, Leading

LongFellows Standard of Excellence in Loving

Loving Intelligence:
What Each LongFellows Graduate Will Know

Spiritual

   1. Knowledge of the contents of the Bible and Bible history.
   2. Knowledge of the major teachings of the Bible and understand how Biblical teaching centers on Christ.
   3. Understand what the Bible teaches as right and wrong on controversial issues.
   4. Knowledge of God's original intent for man.
   5. Understand the impact of sin and its effect on humanity and its effect on our relationship with God
   6. Understand God's ultimate sacrifice to restore humanity
   7. Understand the Dynamics of the Trinity and our relationship
   8. Understand that the purpose of a creation lies with its Creator
   9. Understand the Importance of Church, Fellowship, and Unity
  10. Knowledge of prayer and worship as tools for communication with God
  11. Understand that God wants us to love one another
  12. Understand the importance of serving others
  13. Knowledge on how to lead others to Christ
  14. Understand how to defend one's faith
  15. Understand the power of relationships
  16. Understand Christian teaching and standards for thoughts and actions as it relates to sex
  17. Identifying your accountability partners[/list]

Emotional

   1. What is self-control and how to apply it to his life
   2. What emotions are, how they impact our lives, and the need to be emotionally healthy
   3. Why people use vices to dull an emotional response to a problem or memory of a past experience
   4. How to use strategies to control anger
   5. How to use strategies to control your desire for sex
   6. What is fear and how to overcome the fear of failure
   7. What does love look like in relationships
   8. How to be respectful in relationships
   9. How to avoid emotionally toxic relationships[/list]
Ability and Application of Loving:
What Each LongFellows Graduate Has Done

Spiritual

   1. Recite the names of books of the Bible in order.
   2. Identify Key Dates and Facts in Bible History.
   3. Recite selected verses and passages of the Bible.
   4. Be able to explain doctrines and respond to questions using one's own words.
   5.  Read the Bible from cover to cover.
   6. Do a presentation amongst their peers taking a stance on controversial issues using the Bible as your primary source.
   7. Keep a Prayer Journal
   8. Use devotional materials
   9. Day-long personal retreat of prayer and fasting
  10. Identify and Explain Your Spiritual Gifts
  11. Consistently attend Church
  12. Write a paper on the Church's mission and identify your role and responsibility for achieving this mission
  13. Serve in another ministry in our church for at least 6 months
  14. Donate time and resources to help someone less fortunate
  15. Serve locally or abroad on a mission's trip and keep a daily journal of the experience
  16. Recite the Romans Road
  17. Lead at least one person to Christ
  18. Commit and/or Re-commit to a vow of sexual purity
  19. Write your Mission and Vision Statements for your Life
  20. Identify Your Core Values[/list]

Emotional

   1. Demonstrate self-control by NOT getting into any physical altercation with peers, any verbal argument with a teacher or administration, and suspended or expelled from school. If he does, he must write a 5 page paper on emotional excellence and how he did not apply it.
   2. Must score 90% on Emotional Intelligence Test
   3. Complete a SWOT analysis of his life. Must identify strategies to capitalize on strengths, strengthen weaknesses, maximize opportunities, and avoid or eliminate threats.
   4. Take their mother on a mock date.
   5. Read Bishop’s book, “I Don’t Want Delilah, I Want You” and write a 1 page reflection paper on each chapter
   6. Visit a Youth Detention Center.
   7. Tour a Prison.
   8. Must find an accountability partner to hold him to his standard.
   9. Watch 3 movies where a man had an emotional struggle or dealt with a traumatic experience and then overcame it. Write a 1 page reflection on each.
  10. Identify your Love Language and write a 3 page report about your top 3 Love Languages.
  11. Identify the Love Languages of those in your immediate family. Write a paragraph on each member explaining their love language and ways you personally can demonstrate love to them.
  12. Create a SEX Self-Check Card that you will carry in your wallet. On it, write your vision for your life, a scripture, and 3 things you could be doing instead of having sex.
  13. Eliminate those people in your life that aren’t adding value by making a list of the ten people you spend the most time with and then putting a + or a – next to each name, + if they add value and – if they don’t.[/list][/list]

LongFellows Standard of Excellence in Living

Living Intelligence:
What Each LongFellows Graduate Will Know

Health & Fitness

   1. What a healthy diet and healthy eating habits consist of
   2. How to identify dangerous food ingredients
   3. How to read food labels
   4. What is a thorough physical exam, its importance, and how often a person should have one
   5. What are the negative effects of drugs
   6. What are the negative effects of alcohol abuse
   7. How much sleep a young man needs, the importance of sleep, and what are healthy sleeping habits
   8. What a healthy heart is, what are the warning signs of heart problems, and tips on maintaining a healthy heart
   9. How important hydration is for the body, the importance of water, and the negative effects of de-hydration
  10. How to prepare healthy easy meals
  11. How to check and read your blood pressure
  12. What are the negative effects of stress and its impact on the body
  13. What is sex and the physical, chemical, and neurological effects it has on a man and a women
  14. How to contract an STD, the impact that STDs have on a person’s life, and how to prevent them
  15. How to build muscle mass and muscle endurance
  16. How to defend one’ self without a weapon
  17. What the proper technique is for Push-ups, Sit-ups, and Pull-ups
  18. What the proper technique is for bench press, squats, and hand clings
  19. How important hard work and discipline are in maintaining one’s physical fitness and in achieving personal goals[/list]

Mental

   1. What fundamental habits breed success
   2. How to set immediate and long term goals and develop strategies for achieving those set goals
   3. What activities and habits in his life distract him from achieving his goals and then eliminate them
   4. What makes him unique and special from his peers by identifying his gifts and talents that should be further developed
   5. What roles and responsibilities does God expected from a man and how does that look in our modern culture
   6. What makes him unique and special from his peers by studying his family history
   7. What fundamental characteristics are found in most leaders throughout history
   8. How to respect and appreciate diverse cultures[/list]

Ability and Application of Living:
What Each LongFellows Graduate Has Done

Health & Fitness

   1. Maintain a fitness journal
   2. Go grocery shopping for the family
   3. Watch Movie, “Super Size Me” and write a 1-page summary and reflection
   4. Cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner
   5. Make lunch and take to school for a week
   6. Have an annual physical exam
   7. Visit a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and journal your experience
   8. Create a daily schedule for a week and identify when you should sleep and how long and journal your experience
   9. Visited a heart specialist for an in depth exam
  10. 2-weeks of nothing to drink accept water and journal your experience
  11. Complete a 2-page research paper on your Family Health History, identifying unhealthy patterns and history of physical problems, and identifying habits to avoid those problems
  12. Visit an AIDs clinic, take an HIV text, and journal your experience
  13. Complete a stress test, identify situations in your life that create the most stress, and identify ways to better manage your stress
  14. Watch a video on STDs and abortion and journal your thoughts
  15. Develop techniques to limit sexual temptations
  16. Complete 60 push-ups within a minute
  17. Complete 60 sit-ups within a minute
  18. Complete 15 pull-ups within a minute
  19. Complete a minimum 6-month of Self-Defense Training
  20. Run 1-mile under 7 minutes
  21. Run 2-miles under 15 minutes
  22. Bench press your weight at least 5 reps
  23. Squat your weight at least 10 reps
  24. Hand cling your weight at least 3 reps
  25. Identify your accountability partners
  26. For 1-month, maintain a workout regimen where you workout at least 3x a week and must maintain a journal documenting your workouts[/list]

Mental

   1. Read Bishop’s book, “60 Seconds to Greatness” and write a 1 page reflection paper on each ch.
   2. Read Sean Covey’s book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” ” and write a 1 page reflection paper on each ch.
   3. Memorize and recite LongFellow poems & Creed on queue. Poems include, “My Greatest Fear”, “Another Black Statistic”, “The Power of a Minute”, and “If”
   4. Identify 3 short-term goals (3-6 months), 3 intermediate goals (1 year), and 3 long term goals (3-5 years). Create strategies to reach and show evidence that he achieved those goals
   5. Create a weekly and daily schedule accounting for every 30 minutes of that day. Follow the schedule and journal his experience.
   6. Create a personal QCC System for movies, video games, and music.
   7. Find an accountability partner for this standard.
   8. Identify 3 unique abilities or skill sets and pursue further development of at least 1 of them through an extra-curricular activity and journal experience.
   9. Read Bishop’s book, “Gladiator” and write a 1 page reflection paper on each ch.
  10. Read Bishop’s book, “Deliver Me from Adam” and write a 1 page reflection paper on each ch.
  11. Read at least 1 additional book on Christian Manhood & write a 1 page reflection on each ch.
  12. Watch 3 movies where a man accomplished and extraordinary task. Write a 1 page reflection on ea
  13. Create a family tree going backs at least 5 generations. Write a 2 pg. reflection paper identifying patterns of success in your bloodline  
  14. Identify 3 major events in history and complete a leadership study profile on one leader during each of those time periods
  15. Travel to a foreign country exposing oneself to the beauty of the culture and keeping a daily journal of the experience.
  16. Read Bishop’s book, “Taking Over” and write a 1 page reflection paper on each ch.[/list][/list]

LongFellows Standard of Excellence in Leading

Leading Intelligence:
What Each LongFellows Graduate Will Know

Academic & Professional

   1. How to read on grade level
   2. How to apply the fundamentals of writing to write accurately and efficiently
   3. How to study for both standardized and subject tests
   4. How to systematically organize assignments, notes, and important docs in a simple and orderly fashion.
   5. How to manage study time effectively
   6. How to take notes
   7. What strategies you must apply to achieve at a high level in the classroom.
   8. What colleges and universities require for admission
   9. How to communicate with teachers and administrators.
  10. How to create a resume.
  11. How to apply for a job.
  12. What intangible qualities an interviewer is looking for in a potential employee.
  13. How to articulate and express yourself effectively in an interview.
  14. How to articulate one's point of view effectively and efficiently in a public setting.
  15.  How to dress for an interview.
  16. How to conduct oneself on any job.
  17. How to provide quality customer service in everything they do.
  18. What are some career interests
  19. Understand one's abilities, interest, and work preferences
  20. Identify the personal requirements for particular careers
  21. How to find a mentor in the field one is pursuing.[/list]

Financial

   1. How to define sales, income, and property taxes, and the purpose for each type of tax
   2. The basic principles of Social Security.
   3. How to define net monthly income and demonstrate how it is calculated.
   4. Who uses a budget and why.
   5. The components of a successful budget.
   6. How to evaluate the effectiveness of sample budgets
   7. How to develop spending plans and practice making budget decisions.
   8. How to conduct pricing research.
   9. How to assess investments.
  10. How to use percentages to calculate minimum and maximum spending allowances.
  11. How to evaluate stock holdings.
  12. The services provided by financial institutions and understand when/how the services are used.
  13. What are debit cards and understand their uses.
  14. How to define interest and credit.
  15. Understand the cost of credit.
  16. The advantages and disadvantages of using credit.
  17. The impact interest rates have on investment value.
  18. How to read stock quotes and determine stock value
  19. How to read Financial Magazines and Newspapers[/list]

Ability and Application of Leading:
What Each LongFellows Graduate Has Done

Academic & Professional

   1. Score a 90% or above on a 12th Grade Reading Test
   2. Complete a Test Taking Skills workshop
   3. Create and submit a daily and weekly schedule identifying study times
   4. Complete a Note Taking Skills workshop
   5. Complete an Academic Organization workshop
   6. Have a 3.0 or better GPA
   7. Take a College Tour of at least 3 college campuses
   8. Wear a dress shirt and tie at least once a week and sit near the front of the class.
   9. Complete a career interests assessment
  10. Complete a self assessment on abilities, interest, and work preferences
  11. Complete a 1-pg. career assessment paper on your top 5 career choices
  12. Create a resume
  13. Neatly complete a job application
  14. Complete an Interview Skills workshop
  15. Give at least 3 Presentations (1 group and 2 solo)
  16. Complete a Professional Dress workshop
  17. Complete a, “Now that I have a Job, Now What?” workshop
  18. Work a job for a minimum of 90 days
  19. Identify a Leader (Past or Present) in each of your 5 fields of interest and do complete a leadership project on each of them[/list]

Financial

   1. Read Robert Kiyosaki’s book, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens” and write a 1 page reflection paper on each chapter
   2. Read at least 2 additional books on Wealth and write 1-page reflection papers on each chapter
   3. Track your spending for a month in a ledger
   4. Create and maintaining a personal budget for a month.
   5. Create a family budget using a hypothetical life situation and create an investment plan based on the restrictions of the budget
   6. Visit the Financial Reserve and write a 1-pg. reflection of your experience
   7. Successfully get out of the Rat Race in Cashflow for Kids and Cashflow 101 Board Games
   8. Complete a 2-pg paper on Debt
   9. Complete an individual or group presentation on the following: (1) Investment assessment (2) Saving vs. Investing (3) Taxes (4) Social Security (5) Real Estate vs. Stock Market (6) Credit Cards & Debit Cards (7) Student Loans
  10. Track several stocks using financial resources over a period of 6 months
  11. Open up an investment account and make an investment
  12. Open a checking and savings account[/list][/list]


Copyright LongFellows Youth Academy 2010

[Ursus]

Here's the brief bio of Longfellows Youth Academy's founder, Bishop Eddie L. Long. My guess is that "this humble servant" is in no danger of suffering from excess humility anytime soon:

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Bishop Eddie L. Long



The visionary and leader for New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (NBMBC), Bishop Eddie L. Long first served as pastor in 1987 for a congregation consisting of just more than 300 members. Since his installation, New Birth's membership has quickly multiplied to well over 25,000.

A native of North Carolina, Bishop Eddie L. Long received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Master's of Divinity degree from Atlanta's Interdenominational Theological Center. Additionally, Long received honorary doctorates from North Carolina Central University, Beulah Heights Bible College of Atlanta and the Morehouse School of Religion. Bishop Long earned a doctoral Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from the International College of Excellence, an affiliate of Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida. As a man of vision, Bishop Long is revered locally, nationally and internationally as a dynamic man of leadership, integrity and compassion. In addition to his commitment to NBMBC as senior pastor, Bishop Long also serves on an array of boards including: Vice Chair of the Morehouse School of Religion Board of Directors, former member of Board of Visitors for Emory University, North Carolina Central University Board of Trustees, Young Life Board of Trustees, Fort Valley State University Board of Trustees, Safehouse Outreach Ministries Board of Directors, and honorary member of 100 Black Men of America.

In 2006, he was honored to be unanimously appointed to serve as Co-Chair for the DeKalb Police Alliance - a nonprofit organization which enhances the lives and families of men and women serving as licensed officers. In 2006, Bishop Long was also voted as Vice Chair for the Board of Trustees for Beulah Heights Bible College. In 2007, he was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Beulah Heights, which would obtain university status that same year. Bishop Long also joins other esteemed colleagues as a member of Gospel Today Magazine's board of directors. Continually honored worldwide, Bishop Long has been named one of America's 125 most influential leaders and has received a plethora of awards in recognition of his world changing ministry including: the 2003 Leadership Award, Faith/Community Award from 100 Black Men of America; the 2003 Religious Contemporary Award from IRC's " Portraits of Sweet Success"; and the 2003 Champion Award for Spiritual Enlightenment from All Children Are Special, Inc; Savoy Magazine also selected him in 2003 as one of The Most Influential Blacks in America and in 1999 Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta awarded Long with the prestigious Legacy Award. Bishop Long has also served as the co-chair for "Hosea Feed the Hungry" project since 2001. In 2004, Bishop Long's and New Birth's production team were awarded an Emmy for - The Face of Homelessness. Bishop Long's Taking Authority broadcast, which is seen in 170 countries worldwide, has received more than 40 nationally recognized honors including the prestigious Telly, Axiem, Aurora and Communicator awards. Bishop Long was honored in 2005 at the Trumpet Awards for his leadership, dedication and service around the world. That same year, he would receive the "100" award for his tireless efforts in the area of economic development, youth development, education and health awareness by the DeKalb Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America. A constant advocate for change and awareness, Bishop Long was honored by the Center for Disease Control and the National HIV/AIDS Partnership (NHAP) for his outstanding and ongoing work in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. In 2006, Bishop Long was recently recognized by the Dominique Wilkins Foundation for his community leadership at their first annual charity golf tournament. Also, Bishop was awarded the Phi Kappa Kappa award for Mentor of the Year from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. In 2004, Bishop Long established a mentorship program known as the Longfellows Summer Academy to assist in the mental, physical and spiritual development of young men between the ages 12 and 16. What began as an 8-week program quickly developed into a life-long commitment. And with this new commitment, Bishop Long began to raise funds earmarked for educational scholarships for the 63 charter members of the Longfellow Summer Academy. In 2006, Bishop Long was honored by the King family to officiate the home going ceremonies for Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of the late Martin Luther King, Jr.

Bishop Long and his wife Vanessa are the proud parents of four children: Eric, Edward, Jared and Taylor. The couple has also served as surrogate parents for many other children in the church and community. Each year, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church serves as the sight for many of the country's most noted conferences and programs. Through these conferences hosted by Bishop Long, many are blessed, saved and led to Christ each year, and generations are changed because of his passion for mentoring youth, men and pastors. Through his ministry, people are discovering their destinies. Because of the favor on his life, Bishop Long has close relationships with key leaders in the religious, political and entertainment arenas; consequently, this humble servant is advancing the Kingdom of God in a whole new way and redefining church as we see it today.


From Bishop's Desk

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I have a favorite saying, "The better the Pastor, the better the congregation. The better the Husband, the better the wife. The better the Father, the better the children." It is my firm belief that by genuiely investing in the development of men, we will directly resolve many of the challenges ailing our communities and families today

The Longfellows Masculine Journey's vision is to Love, Live and Lead. We successfully meet the demanding needs of young males through a vigorous Rites of Passage Curriculum that helps young men realize their hidden potential and discover their masculine heart

Our yearly curriculum offers peer and adult male relationship, as well as, life defining experiences. Participants of our program are involved in, but not limited to classroom instruction, group projects, field trips, outdoor activites, Q & A sessions with world reowned experts, community service projects, physical fitness activities, apprenticeship and eutrepreneurial training, college and post-high school prep, and a 3rd world mission experience.

This handbook serves as a reference tool to help you better understand our governing guidelines and policies. We look forward to working with you to provide a life changing experience for each young man.

God Bless!

 

Bishop Eddie L. Long
Ephesians 6:10

[none-ya]

And people fall for this BS and PR? This guy's just a self promoting car salesman

[Ursus]

And people fall for this BS and PR? This guy's just a self promoting car salesman

Oh, he's far worse than that. Bishop Eddie Long has allegedly been a very bad boy. He's apparently been grooming some students at Longfellows Youth Academy for considerably more than just becoming role models of outstanding character in Atlanta's Black business community.

[Inculcated]

Something along the lines of imparting such teachings as:

it was “important to follow your leader and your master,” and that alleged oral sex acts didn’t necessarily mean they were homosexual.

The "touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (Psalm 105:15) is being quoted today -- but interestingly, people are pointing to the ways we overuse it and use it to cover up harm.

[Ursus]

Yep. This news hit last week. Though, if you were close to the pulse of Atlanta, GA, ya might have known sooner than that...

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

TIME.com
Atlanta Megachurch Pastor Accused of Sexual Coercion
By: Madison Gray
Sept. 22, 2010

Topics: scandal, Lawsuit, Eddie Long, Atlanta, New Missionary Baptist Church


Bishop Eddie Long Gene Blythe / AP

It's a megachurch bombshell scandal reminiscent of the one that brought down Colorado evangelist Ted Haggard.

The much-celebrated preacher, Bishop Eddie Long, leader of the 25,000 member New Missionary Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta, has found himself caught up in accusations that he coerced two young men into sexual relations on two different occasions when they were 17 and 18 years old.

A spokesperson for Long said the two men, who are now 20 and 21, were trying to "shakedown" Long and had "some serious credibility issues."

The suit, filed in DeKalb County Court, says alleges that Long engaged in "intimate sexual contact" with the first plaintiff during trips they took together, and had oral sex with a second plaintiff on a trip to New Zealand.

Craig Gillen, Long's attorney told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the pastor "categorically denies" the accusations. "We find it unfortunate that these two young men would take this course of action," adding the Long had not been served with copies of the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs say Long lavished gifts ranging from access to celebrities to college tuition in an effort to win their allegiance. Their lawyer, B.J. Bernstein said that although the alleged affairs started past the legal age of consent, which is 16 in Georgia, Long abused his influence with them.

"Defendant Long has utilized his spiritual authority to coerce certain young male members ... into engaging in sexual acts and relationships for his own personal sexual gratification," according to the lawsuits.

Late Wednesday, a new lawsuit was filed on behalf of a third male plaintiff, alleging the same coercion by Long and also names his youth organization Longfellows Youth Academy Inc., according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Ironically, like Haggard, Long had a lengthy record of blasting homosexuality before the allegations came up. The Southern Poverty Law Center in particular criticized him for his anti-gay rhetoric and actions: "Long is one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement," a 2007 article on the organization's website reads.

Click here to download a copy of the lawsuit.


© 2010 Time Inc.