Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => The Troubled Teen Industry => Topic started by: Ursus on September 26, 2010, 06:28:31 PM
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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/ (http://www.longfellowyouthacademy.org/)[/list]
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From their FAQ page:
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Masculine Journey Fall Session (http://http://www.longfellowyouthacademy.org/longfellows/iwanttobealongfellow-faq.php)
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
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Wait, wait, Longfellows?
The Masculine Journey?
With a Bishop?
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
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Wait, wait, Longfellows?
The Masculine Journey?
With a Bishop?
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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Great program...has helped many. Sorry to hear about the allegations.
Keep it down boys.
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Great program...has helped many. Sorry to hear about the allegations.
Keep it down boys.
Wait, wait...... keep what down? :rofl:
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Wait, wait, Longfellows?
The Masculine Journey?
With a Bishop?
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Y'all have NO idea... :eek:
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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!
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(http://http://media.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/461501/740125.jpg)
:twofinger:
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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.
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Loving, Living, Leading (http://http://www.longfellowyouthacademy.org/longfellows/iwanttobealongfellow-lovinglivingleading.php)
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 Fearâ€, “Another Black Statisticâ€, “The Power of a Minuteâ€, and “Ifâ€
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
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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:
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Bishop Eddie L. Long (http://http://www.longfellowyouthacademy.org/longfellows/about-thefounder.php)
(http://http://www.longfellowyouthacademy.org/longfellows/images/lf/BELL2.png)
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
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And people fall for this BS and PR? This guy's just a self promoting car salesman
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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.
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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. (http://http://www.examiner.com/christian-tv-in-national/bishop-eddie-long-scandal-divorce-info-pastor-denies-2010-controversy-videos)
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Yep. This news hit last week. Though, if you were close to the pulse of Atlanta, GA, ya might have known sooner than that...
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TIME.com
Atlanta Megachurch Pastor Accused of Sexual Coercion (http://http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/09/22/atlanta-megachurch-pastor-accused-of-sexual-coersion/)
By: Madison Gray
Sept. 22, 2010
Topics: scandal, Lawsuit, Eddie Long, Atlanta, New Missionary Baptist Church
(http://http://timenewsfeed.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/pastor_abuse_allegations-sff.jpg?w=455)
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 (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/atlanta-megachurch-pastor-long-618558.html) 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 (http://http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/21/georgia.pastor.abuse/index.html?hpt=C1) 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 (http://http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2007/spring/face-right/bishop-eddie-long): "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 (http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/archive/00671/Read_it__Lawsuit_fi_671754a.pdf).
© 2010 Time Inc.
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Comments (http://http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/09/22/atlanta-megachurch-pastor-accused-of-sexual-coersion/) left for the above article, "Atlanta Megachurch Pastor Accused of Sexual Coercion (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=380632#p380632)" (by Madison Gray; Sept. 22, 2010; Time):
ThomasMc 5 days ago, 11:04:30
The more any Christian rails against gays, the more you can be sure that he secretly IS one!
Tracy 5 days ago, 21:31:25
That's not necessarily true ThomasMc.
Yella MuscLean 4 days ago, 14:07:36
Truth hurts, Tracy? It's always the ones who protest the most who are doing it in the dark! You're not fooling anyone.
[/list]
GraceWilliams 5 days ago, 11:04:34
A song by Queen comes to mind (somewhat ironically) Atlanta Megachurch Pastor Accused of Sexual Coercion via @TIME
Diana Bass 5 days ago, 11:30:00
Nu day, 2 nu religion scandals: Sex & Money: via @TIME &
http://t.co/9baSafF (http://t.co/9baSafF)[/list]
LaVrai - The Truth 5 days ago, 11:57:22
Time compares Bishop Eddie Long To Ted Haggard via @TIME
Lou Cristello 5 days ago, 12:26:04
Wow, some homosexuals are pretty sneaky, huh? Infiltrating churches, legislative bodies and social organizations in order to search for prey. Seems to happen quite often. And some people wonder why groups like the Boy Scouts don't want homosexuals as leaders. It'd be like letting a fox into a chicken coop.
supertrw 5 days ago, 12:33:53
Why am I NOT SURPRIZED! BECAUSE, time & time again we discover that the ones that "protest the most" are "ALMOST ALWAYS" HIPPOCRATES, and this time is no different. Now, this preacher is trying to do further damage to these young men by calling their character into question. GIVE ME A BREAK! Even if these men do have problems now, it is probably because of what HE did to them. Teenagers have a difficult time figuring things out even in the best of circumstances, so twisting their heads into further confusion and mistrust, is nothing short of EVIL. Next thing he'll be saying is that the DEVIL made him do it! For those that still might doubt the young men's story think about this...Do you honestly believe that a preacher of his magnitude would take young men on trips and pay their college tuition without their being "other motives". HIGHLY UNLIKELY! I hope he gets drummed out of his MEGA CHURCH AND gets his MEGA BUTT sued big time. That way these young men can get the counseling they need to move past this. Whether they are even actually gay themselves or not is besides the question too. He probably targeted them because HE THOUGHT they were actually gay, but they could have just been vulnerable kids looking for love, possibly even "fatherly love". UNFORTUNATLY, all they found was LUST in the WRONG MAN.
Tracy 5 days ago, 21:30:09
I totally agree with u Cristello. I applaud the Boy Scouts of America on taking a stance to protect our boys from pederasts. Homosexuality is a sin and homosexuals should to come to church for support and work on being delivered from their sexual urges. The Word of God is clear: homosexuality is a detestable act and homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. It is written in the new testament. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Don Guise 4 days ago, 03:12:53
So basically just about *ANY* virulently anti-gay scumbag out there, we can reasonably conclude, is in fact gay.
Newt Gingrich looks like a swallower.
Don Guise 4 days ago, 03:13:35
p.s. "LONGFELLOW" youth blahblahblah?? really.
Brigitte Bennerson 4 days ago, 10:58:45
My problem with this situation is that this man is a pastor, a husband, a father of four, and most importantly, an advocate against homosexuality. There are now three individual young men that he is accused of starting a relationship with when they were children, yet I have not heard one person say that regardless of Atlanta's consent law at the age of 16, this pastor was wrong for having a sexual relationship with the children that he was supposed to be healing and leading. Worst of all, he is a married man with four children of his own! It is shameful to think that we are here to protect the young, yet we never question the behavior or intent of the adults in authoritative positions amongst our children; we see the BLING, and we forget what is important. In addition, we are so quick to call our children liars when they come forward with information about despicable behavior such as those the three young men exposed. It is no wonder we have millions of sexually abused children who are silenced by their attacker, making them victims for a second time. I believe these young men! I also believe that the number of victims will grow! Predators like Pastor Long tend to become serial in their behavior when they see that they are not getting caught, and it was not coincidental that he situated himself in that program that he created for young men; the same program that he picked his victims from. Anyway, this is no surprise because those who speak the loudest against the gay community are always the ones with the greatest indulgence in its activities.
Tamare Reese 4 days ago, 16:27:19
Homosexuality a sin? Should we even consider him a homosexual, if he is in fact guilty? As a homosexual woman I stand against the allegations being applied to my lifestyle. Tracy, I am a woman who loves woman. I don't have sex, and I am in a relationship right now where I am celibate. I love my girlfriend, and gay relationships in themselves, true gay relationships, are more about expectance, love, and understanding more than anything else. If anything he is more heterosexual than gay. I say this because he is married with children and is accused of cheating on his wife with young boys. In my eyes that makes me question the motives of a heterosexual, not a homosexual. Homosexuality is a lifestyle, not a freak fest and not a sex based lustful act. Sp spare m the scriptures. I love GOD, I do, and I am a very spiritual woman, things like these, however, make me glad I don't live in the church and worship everything a pastor says rather than my GOD, and my body, and my attractions.
Y'all heteros need to get it together.
La Dwan Exson-Peete 3 days ago, 01:54:41
This story is sad, however nothing surprises me these days. Many people, especially the ones that are in the public eye are often living double lives. Thats why u can't put all your trust in on person...God want us to put him first and no man before him.
Not only is he cheating on his wife, his gay and a child molester. Wow!!!! he doesn't worship God, he just there for a cover up and a paycheck, may I add a nice six figure paycheck!!!!! He's a sheep in wolves clothing :)
Brigitte Bennerson 3 days ago, 11:59:16
Pastor Long's sexuality is not at question here; his behavior is. I am heterosexual, but I don't bash or question anyone's sexuality because I don't care about that. People's character is the measurement I use to decide whether I want to be around them or not.
I am a big advocate for children, and I think that every adult should have his/her heart and mind set on protecting the innocent. I am SICK AND TIRED of turning on the news and hearing how many children were sexually abused by the people who should be protecting them. What's more sickening to me is that other people knew what was going on, but they did nothing! I AM SICK OF THIS! IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION, YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM! WHEN ARE WE GOING TO TAKE A STAND AND DO THE RIGHT THING FOR OUR CHILDREN?
© 2010 Time Inc.
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At least two more video news clips at the link...
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CNN.com
Men allege sexual coercion by prominent Atlanta pastor (http://http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/21/georgia.pastor.abuse/index.html?hpt=C1)
By the CNN Wire Staff
September 21, 2010 8:06 p.m. EDT
Video news coverage: Prominent pastor accused of coercion (http://http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/us/2010/09/21/tsr.eddie.long.sex.charges.cnn)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW: Long spokesman denies charges, calls them "shakedown" and "retaliation"
[li]Two men file lawsuits against Atlanta-area pastor Eddie Long - One suit alleges that Long used his position to coerce sex
- The Southern Poverty Law Center had called pastor "virulently homophobic"
[/li][/list][/size]
See CNN's profile of Bishop Eddie Long (http://http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/22/Bishop.long.sex.lawsuit/index.html/). See PDFs of lawsuits filed by Maurice Robinson (http://http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/09/21/robinson.complaint.pdf) and Anthony Flagg (http://http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/09/21/flagg.complaint.pdf).
(CNN) -- Two Georgia men have filed a lawsuit claiming that prominent Atlanta, Georgia, pastor Eddie Long coerced them into sex.
The suits, filed Tuesday in DeKalb County, Georgia, allege that Long used his position as a spiritual authority and bishop to coerce young male members and employees of his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church into sex.
A spokesman for Long told CNN on Wednesday that the allegations are "a case of retaliation and a shakedown for money by men with some serious credibility issues."
Long "categorically and adamantly denies these allegations," said spokesman Art Franklin.
"Defendant Long has a pattern and practice of singling out a select group of young male church members and using his authority as Bishop over them to ultimately bring them to a point of engaging in a sexual relationship," the suits allege.
Long is considered one of the nation's top black preachers. His church has more 25,000 members, according to the suit, and was the site of Coretta Scott King's 2006 funeral, attended by then-President George W. Bush and three previous presidents. King was the widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
The pastor took one plaintiff, Anthony Flagg, 21, on overnight trips to a half-dozen American cities in recent years, Flagg's suit alleges.
"Long shared a bedroom and engaged in intimate sexual contact with plaintiff Flagg including kissing, massaging, masturbating of plaintiff Flagg by defendant Long and oral sexual contact," the suit says.
Long took the other plaintiff, Maurice Murray Robinson, 20, to Auckland, New Zealand, in October 2008 for his 18th birthday and engaged in oral sex with him, Robinson's suit alleges.
"Following the New Zealand Trip, Defendant Long regularly engaged in sexual touching, and other sexual acts with Plaintiff Robinson," Robinson's suit alleges.
"It is very unfortunate that someone has taken this course of action," Franklin, Long's spokesman, said Tuesday. "Our law firm will be able to respond once attorneys have had an opportunity to review the lawsuit."
Long frequently denounces homosexual behavior. A 2007 article in the Southern Poverty Law Center's magazine called him "one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement."
"Everybody knows that a bishop or church pastor ... cannot have any sort of sexual relations or sexual relationship with one of your parishioners," the lawyer, B.J. Bernstein, said at a news conference Tuesday evening. "And even worse to have it with two young men who trusted him and got to know him at a very young age."
Bernstein said she has alerted federal authorities about the allegations.
In June, Robinson was arrested and charged with burglary in connection with a break-in to Long's office. An iPhone, iPad and other items -- more than $1,300 worth -- were taken from the office, according to the police report.
On Tuesday, Bernstein said the theft was Robinson's attempt to retaliate against the pastor. She said that once Robinson began telling others about his experience with Long, "he realized he wasn't the only one."
"It made [Robinson] angry," she said.
Both plaintiffs said the pastor, his church and church employees gave them cash and lavish gifts that ranged from cars to college tuition.
The suits also said that Long framed the sexual relationships as religious in nature.
The suits allege that Long chose the plaintiffs to be his "Spiritual Sons," a program that allegedly includes other young men from the church.
"Spiritual Sons are taken on public and private jets to U.S. and international destinations, housed in luxury hotels and given access to numerous celebrities including entertainment stars and politicians," the suit alleges.
Flagg moved into a home owned by another New Birth pastor when he was a high school junior, according to the suit, where Long would sometimes share a bed with him. Flagg was eventually put on the church's payroll, his suit alleges, with Long personally delivering his checks.
Flagg's suit says that Long presided over a spiritual "covenant" ceremony between the two of them.
"It was essentially a marriage ceremony, with candles, exchange of jewelry, and biblical quotes," Bernstein said Tuesday. "The bishop [told] him I will always have your back and you will always have mine."
Robinson's suit alleges that "Defendant Long would use Holy Scripture to discuss and justify the intimate relationship between himself and Plaintiff Robinson."
The lawsuits are seeking unspecified amounts of punitive damages from Long on various counts, ranging from negligence to breach of fiduciary duty.
The suits allege that various staff members working for Long, his church and the Longfellows Academy -- which the suit describes as an offshoot ministry of New Birth -- "knew of Defendant Long's sexually inappropriate conduct and did nothing to warn or protect [the plaintiffs]."
CNN's Ed Lavandera contributed to this report.
© 2010 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
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I always advocate that we should wait until the trial and/or all the evidence is in before concluding innocent or guilty. But this doesnt look good for this Bishop guy at all.
Why doesn't he step down? Have the frozen his assets or the churches assets yet?
...
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I always advocate that we should wait until the trial and/or all the evidence is in before concluding innocent or guilty. But this doesnt look good for this Bishop guy at all.
Why doesn't he step down? Have the frozen his assets or the churches assets yet?
So, would you keep your child in this program, under this man's care with these allegations?
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I always advocate that we should wait until the trial and/or all the evidence is in before concluding innocent or guilty. But this doesnt look good for this Bishop guy at all.
Why doesn't he step down? Have the frozen his assets or the churches assets yet?
So, would you keep your child in this program, under this man's care with these allegations?
:bump:
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Too many comments (http://http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/21/georgia.pastor.abuse/index.html?hpt=C1) on the above CNN article, "Men allege sexual coercion by prominent Atlanta pastor (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=380853#p380686)," for me to post them! Over 3300, last I checked. Geez Louise... It seems Bishop Eddie Long's been on the downlow for quite some time! :twofinger:
Gotta wonder why DannyB II thinks Longfellows Youth Academy is such a "great program (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255#p380579)...has helped many." Care to chime in on that, DannyB?
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I always advocate that we should wait until the trial and/or all the evidence is in before concluding innocent or guilty. But this doesnt look good for this Bishop guy at all.
Why doesn't he step down? Have the frozen his assets or the churches assets yet?
So, would you keep your child in this program, under this man's care with these allegations?
Well she wouldn't be there in the first place. I would be more involved in the information and what is credible or not before I decided. But based on what I have read to date I would probably pull my kid out.
...
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Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3:58 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Atlanta megachurch head denies sex with young men (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/atlanta-megachurch-head-denies-618558.html)
By ERRIN HAINES
The Associated Press
ATLANTA — The prominent pastor of a 25,000-member megachurch near Atlanta denies allegations in a lawsuit that he coerced three young men from the congregation into a sexual relationship, his attorney said.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/Pastor_Abuse_Allega_671506l.jpg)
FILE - In this Jan. 18 2007 file photo, Bishop Eddie Long, of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, in Lithonia, Ga. gestures during an interview in Lithonia. Two men on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010 filed a lawsuit accusing Long of exploiting his role as pastor of an Atlanta-area megachurch to coerce them into sexual relationships when they were members of his congregation. (AP Photo/Gene Blythe, File)
Lawyers for two of the men, now 20 and 21, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in DeKalb County Court against Bishop Eddie Long. The third lawsuit was filed Wednesday. The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they were victims of sexual impropriety.
President George W. Bush and three former presidents visited the sprawling New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the Atlanta suburb of Lithonia for the 2006 funeral of Coretta Scott King, the widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Long introduced the speakers and the Rev. Bernice King, the Kings' younger daughter, delivered the eulogy. She is also a pastor there.
The men who sued were 17- and 18-year-old members of the church when they say Long abused his spiritual authority to seduce them with cars, money, clothes, jewelry, international trips and access to celebrities.
Craig Gillen, Long's attorney, says the pastor "categorically denies the allegations."
"We find it unfortunate that these two young men would take this course of action," Gillen said late Tuesday after news of the lawsuit broke. He said Long had not yet been served with copies of the lawsuits.
Long has called for a national ban on same-sex marriage and his church counsels gay members to become straight. In 2004, he led a march with Bernice King to her father's Atlanta grave to support a national constitutional amendment to protect marriage "between one man and one woman."
He also has released several gospel albums, authored books on relationships and spirituality, and hosts a weekly television program.
B.J. Bernstein, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said she opened her investigation after getting a call from one of the boys. She said her law office is now broadening the investigation.
"We are taking calls and we do believe, based on what the boys' statements are, that there are other victims," she said.
Although the relationships started when the plaintiffs were past the legal age of consent in Georgia — which is 16 — she said Long abused his "spiritual authority" to coerce her clients into engaging in sexual acts.
Bernstein also said that Bishop made an excessive number of phone calls and e-mails to her clients. She said most of the notes were not crude, but several of them asked the clients to send him pictures. She said she will subpoena Long for his records.
"It's an irrational number of contacts," she said.
When asked about a possible motive for the accusations, Gillen referred to a break-in at Long's office in June. Bernstein said one of the plaintiffs is facing a criminal burglary charge in the incident, but she said the break-in was a way of lashing out at Long.
Bernstein said she contacted the U.S. Attorney's Office earlier this month when she became aware of the young men's allegations. She did not know what action, if any, the agency planned to take. She said she did not contact DeKalb County authorities because Long and his church have strong ties to county officials.
Patrick Crosby, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta, would not comment on whether federal prosecutors are investigating Long.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesman John Bankhead said Wednesday his office wasn't investigating. And Orzy Theus of the DeKalb County District Attorney's office said Wednesday that county prosecutors do not plan to be involved.
"That's a civil matter. They were over the age of consent, that's not a criminal matter," said Theus.
Long was appointed pastor of New Birth in 1987. Then, 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.
Long's church was among those named in 2007 in a Senate committee's investigation into a half-dozen Christian ministries over their financing.
Today, New Birth sits on 250 acres and has more than 25,000 members, a $50 million, 10,000-seat cathedral and more than 40 ministries — including the Longfellows Youth Academy, a tuition-based program for young men 13 to 18.
The New Birth campus was quiet Wednesday morning, with no unusual activity. Administrative staff referred media inquiries to Long's spokesman and people at the church declined to comment on the situation.
___
Associated Press Writer Greg Bluestein in Atlanta contributed to this story.
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Copyright 2010, The Associated Press.
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CBS News.com
ATLANTA, Sept. 21, 2010
Lawsuit: Bishop Eddie Long Coerced Men into Sex (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/21/national/main6889038.shtml)
Two Men Say Baptist Bishop Seduced Them With Cars, Money, Jewelry and Access to Celebrities
(http://http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2010/09/21/image6889036g.jpg)
In this file photo, Bishop Eddie Long, left, sits with Reverend Bernice King during funeral services for King's mother, Coretta Scott King. (RIC FELD/AFP/Getty Images)
(AP) Two men have filed a lawsuit accusing Bishop Eddie Long of exploiting his role as pastor of an Atlanta-area megachurch to coerce them into sexual relationships when they were members of his congregation.
Lawyers for the men, now 20 and 21, say they filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in DeKalb County Court. The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they were victims of sex crimes.
Craig Gillen, Long's attorney, says the pastor "categorically denies the allegations."
The men were 17- and 18-year-old members of Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, when they say Long abused his spiritual authority to seduce them with with cars, money, clothes, jewelry, international trips and access to celebrities.
© MMX, The Associated Press.
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Comments (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/8601-201_162-6889038.html?assetTypeId=30&tag=contentBody;commentsStandAlone) left for the above article, "Lawsuit: Bishop Eddie Long Coerced Men into Sex (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=380916#p380890)" (Sept. 21, 2010; CBS News / AP), #s 1-30:
by newsterI September 21, 2010 8:20 PM EDT
to seduce them with with cars, money, clothes, jewelry, international trips and access to celebrities. " Oh WOW, they sound real "abused" and "coerced" let me tell you! offering them CARS, cash, jewelry, expensive trips, wow, that's just terrible, how dare anyone offer them CARS and money like that LOL
by RCC_Soldaten September 21, 2010 10:10 PM EDT
The offers came from a 'Bishop' (self-appointed) of a 'Baptist' church. Not from a carnival barker...kind of hard to tell the difference in this case.
by doctor_know September 22, 2010 3:31 AM EDT
are you trying to defend this guy.... because he gave his victims something in return? Really?
by MamaKrzewski September 22, 2010 1:27 PM EDT
You don't get it. So the old man who offers candy to children so that they'll sit on his lap and be felt up...the children are at fault? GET REAL
[/list]
by democratic_1 September 21, 2010 9:03 PM EDT
I used to live in a town that had a mega-church and the pastor who founded it had to resign because he was a homosexual. His church preached heavy and hard against gays, lesbians, etc. I never understood people who felt they had to belong to any church and pay a tithing for someone to preach at them and in a lot of cases teach them to hate.
by doctor_know September 22, 2010 3:30 AM EDT
Well I guess you are too smart for religion then...... thats a good thing.
by mick7744 September 22, 2010 8:27 AM EDT
I could never worship or brlieve in a God that I could comprehend.
by MamaKrzewski September 22, 2010 1:26 PM EDT
Why did he have to resign? WHAT IS WRONG WITH A GAY MAN OF GOD? THEY EXIST! And are probably better at what they do than the straight ones, ebcause they understand compassion!
[/list]
by hooversjames September 21, 2010 9:19 PM EDT
Another gay pastor. Isnt it interesting how the liberal media always leaves out the fact that almost 100% of the abused, are all by gay pastors, or priests. If you dont think the media leaving out the fact that these abusers are gay,is just an honest omission,you're an idiot.
by URunderarrest September 21, 2010 10:41 PM EDT
It's called the cycle of abuse. They got that way 'cause some other predator anointed them. These people aren't gay, they're sexually perverted because they preach hatred of exactly what they do. Gays don't hate what they do because they've come to terms with who they are. There's a big difference.
by Ms_enza September 22, 2010 6:30 AM EDT
If you think these pastors aren't ALSO coercing or buying women and young girls, e.g., Jimmy Swaggart, then you're a fool.
[/list]
by URunderarrest September 21, 2010 10:37 PM EDT
I'll bet this pastor was vehemently anti gay. Surprise! The more anti gay one is the more I question their motives. I hope the sex was good 'cause his closeted gay days are over.
by doctor_know September 22, 2010 3:28 AM EDT
Well, hopefully his days of duping ignorant people into giving him money are over.
by allkneebowconfessJCisLord September 22, 2010 5:20 PM EDT
He was naturally a gay sex promoter because he was a good and tolerant Democrat, therefore his motives were pure.
[/list]
by ouchitatom September 22, 2010 4:53 AM EDT
I remember when I was young the parents could ask where are all the children? Your parents could reply they are all at church camp and never worry for a minute. Now these days you have to raise a brow to any parents who let thier children take road trips with a church group and to let them go two weeks to a camp is becoming ancient history.I understand that thier are alot of atheists and non believers out there I also ther are alot of believers.I believe and always have even when I became old enough to walk away from the church or stay I stayed.There were many times after a firefight while in the service I felt gaurded when many of my comrades were wounded or killed and I wasn't. I never chalked it up to luck or odds I thanked My creator and ask for a truer aim and higher body count and continued on my way .Blind faith is exactly what it says it is blind and you have to take that step and just believe that if it works out ok great if doesn't well it was your time your job here is done and it's time to go home now.
by tbird6740 September 22, 2010 6:17 AM EDT
Like I predicted, the day of the "Baptist" reckoning is at hand, in particular, the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist). Remember Bill Cabe from a few weeks ago?Slowly, but surely, the Catholic church is sliding out of first place for sexual abuse, child molestation, corruption, etc. and the Baptists, who have a had a grand old time pointing fingers at how horrible the Catholic Church is, while at the same time wiping the sweat from their brows saying "Whew! Glad they're in the spotlight and NOT US!", are being EXPOSED for the corrupt, cult-like organization they have become over the course of many decades. The cover-ups, blaming of the victims, and downright LIES are coming to the surface. For too long, Baptist pastors and church congregations have collectively chosen to keep their crimes and knowledge of crimes "within the church", rather than reporting to the police. Not only are the horrors within these houses of "God" being exposed, but steps are being taken to bring to light the horrors that occur within the unlicensed, unregulated, BIG $ MAKING children's group homes that these churches support. Just like the one Bill Cabe ran back in the early 90's that the media refuses to talk about. The state of NC is FULL of these same type places, one in particular that is operated by a man with a prior child abuse conviction in SC. To all Baptist pastors: If you are of the opinion that the vile actions occuring within your denomination should be handled "within the church" rather than reported to the police, then you are DIRECTLY contributing to this problem. It's time to PURGE the filth from your midst and make a public example of these people. Otherwise your denomination will continue to be a haven for criminals and sexual predators. These pieces of trash have even earned their own website:
http://www.stopbaptistpredators.com (http://www.stopbaptistpredators.com) Bill Cabe has his own spot on it now.[/list]
by Ms_enza September 22, 2010 6:27 AM EDT
Never put your faith in another man's faith. When you pick your leaders based on how strongly they profess their beliefs, well, someday you will be disappointed. Palin 2012! Why the hell not? World's supposed to end anyway.
by longtree-2009 September 22, 2010 6:52 AM EDT
wonder if the two have proof? wonder too if long is gay, or bisexual, or just a pedophile if the two were minors? is long married, with children? the news story lacks information. will the two give back all monies, jewelry, cars, whatever? wonder if the two are in therapy, are they gay, are they suffering in some way? know it happens but don't understand any of it.
by katiekono September 22, 2010 11:44 PM EDT
I, too, have a lot of questions. I deal with my confusion by writing: perhaps this will add some understanding for you:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/articl ... tml?cat=70 (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5819582/is_bishop_eddie_long_a_pedophile.html?cat=70)[/list][/list]
by run2jazz2 September 22, 2010 7:41 AM EDT
I fellowship at New Birth Baptist Church in the early 90's before moving and enjoyed Bishop Long. I left the church to find a smalllr congregation since I was not into the "Mega" church atmosphere. true? Bishop Long has always been an inspiration to many young men and women in the Atlanta area who did not have a Father figure. I guess now you have to defend yourself on allegations related to matters of inappropriate behavior. This is why I don't put my faith in man because he is no different than any sinner as HE can be tempted by sin. Put your faith in ONLY one person which is GOD since he is the only one who can provide salvation.
by slappy-jones September 22, 2010 11:54 AM EDT
Salvation from what? Sin is a manufactured term to control the masses through fear of the "next" life.
by MamaKrzewski September 22, 2010 1:20 PM EDT
slappy jones, to each his own. If you can live your life without a thought of what may or may not come next, more power to you. But when you make comments like that, you are no better than the people who condemn you to hell.
by allkneebowconfessJCisLord September 22, 2010 5:30 PM EDT
Actually it is Ms. Jones own sin that condemns her. Barring mercy, she faces strict justice.
[/list]
by MPHgrad September 22, 2010 8:09 AM EDT
A sad addition to this story will be how blacks come to the defense of this pastor--as they already were on the radio this morning. They also came to his defense two years ago during an investigation of tax evasion when he refused disclosure. One radio personality said that the pastor is a victim of his kind heart in attempting to help these young men. Seriously? Add this to the archives of Jesse Jackson & Marion Barry. Eddie Long is a thief better recognized as a pimp in the pulpit.
by MamaKrzewski September 22, 2010 1:19 PM EDT
Yep. It smacks of hypocrisy. We get to excuse him, but the Catholic priests who did the same thing need to be punished. What's it going to be, folks? I just saw someone defending him on FB, and I asked her if all people are to recieve the same mercy...or is it just because he's a well-known pastor, and people's cognitive dissonance can't bear to admit that this man may not be what he's put himself out there to be.
by MPHgrad September 23, 2010 11:13 AM EDT
You are so right MamaKrzewski. I too think it is a great deal of cognitive dissonance at play. It will force people to question their blind allegiance and how they contributed to such a culture.
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by rdkwamena September 22, 2010 2:57 PM EDT
This man has played on many individuals and has used God?s name and gifts for financial gain. Yet throughout his travels he has been a devil, while defiling himself by performing sexual acts with young men. This is an abomination in the eyes of God. Every member of his church has displayed ignorance by following man, instead of having faith in God. Everyone with eyes can see that Mr. Long is not pure in the eyes of God, and his soul is wandering with the rest of the lost souls of this world. As people, we need to start recognizing the signs and discern between those of this world that are ordained by God, and those who are obviously false prophets. These are messages that are embedded throughout the Bible, Koran, and The Torah. Ultimately, Mr. Long and his congregation will be cursed for their arrogance, ignorance, and judgment they pass on to others. All we can do is pray that God spares his wrath for those individuals that truly attended his church for the word. And in closing, the Son of God warns all others such as TD Jakes, Creflo Dolla, and Entertainment Moguls that their time is swiftly occurring. No need to repent and change your ways, for the sewage you have instilled and place upon our land is to great to be overlooked. Brace for shock, we?re on our way
by skypilot123 September 22, 2010 3:54 PM EDT
When is Jessie Jackson or Al Sharpton going to rear their ugly faces and get their photo ops as usual.
by Vertrauen September 22, 2010 9:25 PM EDT
seriously! you have a black preacher preying on boys...they won't touch this one - they'll wait til it blows over or til some white guy screws up then they'll overshadow this perverts issues with the white guys issues
by MPHgrad September 23, 2010 11:13 AM EDT
Exactly Vertrauen. Be careful though; when I said the same, the "good people" were angry at me for inserting race in this issue when clearly there exists blatant hypocrisy among many blacks in overlooking the faults of their leaders and pouncing on the faults of others.
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Copyright ©2010 CBS Interactive Inc.
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Comments (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/8601-201_162-6889038.html?assetTypeId=30&tag=contentBody;commentsStandAlone) left for the above article, "Lawsuit: Bishop Eddie Long Coerced Men into Sex (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=380916#p380890)" (Sept. 21, 2010; CBS News / AP), #s 31-40:
by SBTheTruth September 22, 2010 4:18 PM EDT
Read "PIMPS IN THE PULPIT" BY SHANNON BELLAMY.... Yes, you heard her on the Michael Baisden Radio Show, TRUE STORY .... REAL NAMES..... THERE IS A $20 MILLION LAWSUIT CURRENTLY AGAINST MEGA CHURCH SHARON BAPTIST CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA FOR THE SAME THING AS BISHOP EDDIE LONG, THE PASTOR HAVING SEX WITH HIS COUNSELEE.
http://www.shannonbellamy.com (http://www.shannonbellamy.com)[/list]
by allkneebowconfessJCisLord September 22, 2010 5:15 PM EDT
Eddie Long is a DEMOCRAT FUNDRAISER. He's a poser, phony huckster like Sharpton and Jackson.
by WRATH-OF-GOD September 22, 2010 6:55 PM EDT
When did America decide not to tax luxury sex junkets for Baptist Bishops and church members? I wonder if folks will ever catch on to the fact that those who are virulently homophobic are quite likely to have a very strong same-sex attraction?
by Vertrauen September 22, 2010 9:16 PM EDT
hmmm...you sound well versed in the scenario...especially as that 'quite likely' theory relates to a very small percentage of the population, and they're usually sexual predators who lash out in anger for misunderstanding why they've been 'affected/inflicted' with such a sickness - aside from that it's mostly hate and fear of straying from what those individuals perceive as the norm they are accustom to, typically geographical
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by reasoningthinking September 22, 2010 9:21 PM EDT
He does not represent a race he represents a culture. Now he has been outed as a hypocrite before his people; is this a divine happening or the normal train wreck of the full recompense when humans error? Paul stated that all sorts like fornicators, idolaters and so on so forth will be moving out of what they were doing and it is what 'they once were'. However, when one thinks they have never done anything wrong how can you leave it behind? A pastor near my region just this past month same thing... Take a gander at this freakishly similar situation. The creepy bold nature of denial and blaming the victims. The link is below.
by cjknutson September 23, 2010 7:13 AM EDT
One more baptist bigot bites the bullet.
by reasoningthinking September 23, 2010 6:19 PM EDT
God does not dwell in any of them. They are all Wordly and have not seperated from the world. They are active seekers of all of what Jesus was offered by satan when he was in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights. Jesus refused the offer and these false prophets take it. They are all of Christendoms finest elite soldiers of darkness. This is called reasoning not judgement. God will sentence them to the correct punishment!! My reasoning has kept me away from Satans henchmen. And Gods judgement will be just. Actually to be better understood discernment is built from knowledge and wisdom is the exercise of applying and using knowledge. The Almighty through Jesus told us all to preach the good news of the Kingdom. There is no one person who is ordained to do so. Jesus is the Titled annointed one. ONLY!! The Almighty gave his people powers beyond wordly man's thinking to discern what is wrong without jumping into a sea of death to discover if it will kill them.
by reasoningthinking September 23, 2010 6:21 PM EDT
This is satan's system and he is a master puppeteer. The government relies on the puppets to fuel the economy with non biblical holidays like Christmas, Mother's day, flag day, fourth of July < so on and so forth and all sorts of uneeded luxuries, fantasies and games. The importance of traditions and holidays are so vital to the economy and American philosophy that it is taught in schools and "churches" to allow all to embrace the ideas. Baptists, Protestants, Mormons, Catholics, Athiests, Agnostics all celebrate and embrace the same holidays and observes the same traditions like birthdays, Christmas, flag day, etc... you know why?? They are the same. If you can still celebrate Christmas and you're an athiest that is something to think about. It lets you know that it was never from the Almighty God to participate in. Funny when adults tell me that they celebrate this or that for the children and I say to them " That is who satan wants(the children) because he already has you". We are in this world but are not suppose to be of it. Eddie Long and his false teachings never were from God from the start and that goes for all of Christiandom
by Rajah88 September 23, 2010 6:45 PM EDT
[snicker][/list]
by Rajah88 September 23, 2010 6:47 PM EDT
The religious turn their kids over to the Eddie Longs of the world for *guidance* and wonder why children turn out as they do. RELIGION POISONS EVERYTHING!
Copyright ©2010 CBS Interactive Inc.
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DEKALB COUNTY NEWS · 4:59 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long | Lawsuits accuse leader of sexual coercion; Long "adamantly denies" (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-lawsuits-618573.html)
By Shelia M. Poole, Megan Matteucci and Katie Leslie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two DeKalb County men filed lawsuits Tuesday alleging Bishop Eddie Long, leader of one of the Southeast's largest churches, coerced them into having sex with him in exchange for lavish trips, cars and cash.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/04d01-NEWBIRTH-3_22_671416l.jpg)
Bishop Eddie Long addresses students of Southwest Dekalb High School in 1997. Renee Hannans/Special
Long is the nationally known minister of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, with more than 25,000 members.
The pastor's attorney, Craig Gillen, adamantly denied the allegations.
"It is unfortunate that these two young men have chosen to take this course of action."
The plaintiffs, Anthony Flagg, 21, and Maurice Robinson, 20, began having inappropriate relations with Long at the age of 16, which is the legal age of consent in Georgia, said their attorney B.J. Bernstein.
The men are seeking a trial by jury and unspecified damages.
"It's not just these two. There are young men around him at all times," said attorney B.J. Bernstein said. "There are kids at risk now."
Bernstein said she has not contacted DeKalb law enforcement because of Long's ties to DeKalb officials.
Gillen noted Robinson was arrested in June 2010 in connection with a burglary at the church. Robinson and Anthony Boyd, 19, of Decatur, were arrested June 23 and charged with stealing items such as an iPad and an iPhone, according to a police report obtained by the AJC.
Robinson committed the burglary in retaliation after learning that Long was involved with other men, including Flagg, Bernstein said.
"He lashed out," Bernstein said. "But if it weren't for that act, we wouldn't know about this. He talked to his friends and learned Long had other 'spiritual sons.' "
A few minutes before evening Bible study on Tuesday night, several members said they were shocked by the allegations.
Dwayne Jenkins, 47, of Lithonia, started attending New Birth a month ago, but is not yet a member. "It gives you a little shake," he said of the lawsuit. "It's his word against his word. Only Mr. Long and the two men know what happen. I'm not here to judge, I'm here to get close to the Lord. The Lord will take care of it."
"That don't even make sense,â€"said Hillary Lewis, 52, carrying the Bible in her hand. "I like the message that he brings," the Snellville resident said. "He brings things down to earth."
Samuel Midgette, 40, of Atlanta called Long “a good man – a man of God. He wants to help everybody… That man loves his wife. When you believe in your pastor, you believe in your pastor.â€
The lawsuit names Long, New Birth and the Longfellows Youth Academy as defendants. According to the suit, the academy is a program for young men ages 13 through 18.
According to the lawsuit, Robinson, 20, and his family joined New Birth in 2003. His mother enrolled him in the Longfellow Academy when he was 14.
The suit alleges Long began to spend personal time with Robinson when he was 15 years old. At some point, the suit alleges, Robinson was placed on the payroll. In addition Long bought Flagg a Ford Mustang, the suit alleges.
Bernstein said she has emails, text messages and photographs between the men and Long.
Long took Robinson on several overnight trips to various destinations, including New York and Turks & Caicos, according to the suit. The suit says Long took Robinson to Auckland, New Zealand, for Robinson's birthday in 2008.
During that trip, Robinson alleges in the lawsuit, Long regularly "engaged in sexual touching and other sexual acts."
In separate trips, the men flew on Long's personal jet and shared a bed with him at the hotels, Bernstein said. Long used the alias “Dick Tracy†when he checked into the hotel, the suit alleges.
However, the bulk of the relations occurred on the megachurch's property, including inside Long's "guest house" on Snapfinger Road in south DeKalb, Bernstein said.
Long was named 21 years ago as pastor of the then 300-member church that would become New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
It has expanded beyond its Lithonia home and has satellite churches in other cities. The 240-acre Lithonia campus is like a small town and promotes a myriad of ministries, such as the annual Hosea Feed the Hungry and help for the homeless and addicted.
Craig Schneider contributed to this article. Shelia Poole can be reached at mmatteucci@ajc.com (http://mailto:mmatteucci@ajc.com). Katie Leslie can be reached at kleslie@ajc.com
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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CBS News.com
ATLANTA, Sept. 22, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long Denies Coercing Men into Sex (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/22/national/main6890214.shtml?source=related_story&tag=related)
Lawyer for Megachurch Pastor Says Client "Categorically Denies" Allegations of Two Male Congregants
(http://http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2010/09/21/image6889036g.jpg)
In this file photo, Bishop Eddie Long, left, sits with Reverend Bernice King during funeral services for King's mother, Coretta Scott King. (RIC FELD/AFP/Getty Images)
(AP) The prominent pastor of a 25,000-member megachurch outside Atlanta denies allegations in a lawsuit that he coerced two young men from the congregation into a sexual relationship, his attorney said.
Lawyers for the men, now 20 and 21, say they filed the lawsuit Tuesday in DeKalb County Court against Bishop Eddie Long. The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they were victims of sexual impropriety.
The men were 17- and 18-year-old members of Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, when they say Long abused his spiritual authority to seduce them with cars, money, clothes, jewelry, international trips and access to celebrities.
Craig Gillen, Long's attorney, says the pastor "categorically denies the allegations."
"We find it unfortunate that these two young men would take this course of action," Gillen said late Tuesday after news of the lawsuit broke. He said Long had not yet been served with copies of the lawsuits.
B.J. Bernstein, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said that when the relationships started, the plaintiffs were past the legal age of consent in Georgia, which is 16.
"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," the lawsuits read.
When asked about a possible motive for the accusations, Gillen referred to a break-in at Long's office in June.
Bernstein said one of the plaintiffs is facing a criminal burglary charge in the incident. She said the break-in was a way of lashing out at Long.
Bernstein said she contacted the U.S. Attorney's Office earlier this month when she became aware of the young men's allegations. She did not know what action, if any, the agency planned to take.
Bernstein told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution she has not contacted DeKalb County law enforcement because Long has ties to county officials.
Orzy Theus, a spokesman for the DeKalb County district attorney's office, said she was not aware on Tuesday of an investigation in that office related to the allegations.
Long was appointed pastor of New Birth in 1987. Then, 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, and among its prominent clergy is the Rev. Bernice King, the youngest daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Long's church was among those named in 2007 in a Senate committee's investigation into a half-dozen Christian ministries over their financing.
Today, New Birth sits on 250 acres and has more than 25,000 members, a $50 million, 10,000-seat cathedral and more than 40 ministries - including the Longfellows Youth Academy, a tuition-based program for young men 13 to 18.
© MMX, The Associated Press.
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Comments (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/8601-201_162-6890214.html?assetTypeId=30&tag=contentBody;commentsStandAlone) left for the above article, "Bishop Eddie Long Denies Coercing Men into Sex (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=381008#p380992)" (Sept. 22, 2010; CBS News / AP), #s 1-30:
by MPHgrad September 22, 2010 8:58 AM EDT
A sad addition to this story will be how blacks come to the defense of this pastor--as they already were on the radio this morning. They also came to his defense two years ago during an investigation of tax evasion when he refused disclosure. One radio personality said that the pastor is a victim of his kind heart in attempting to help these young men. Seriously? Add this to the archives of Jesse Jackson & Marion Barry. Eddie Long is a thief better recognized as a pimp in the pulpit.
by blindersoff September 22, 2010 10:16 AM EDT
Any excuse to bring race into this. I'm black and I don't defend him. He's disgraceful. Don't judge all by his followers defending him. It is the same as when Jimmy Swaggerts and Jim Bakkers followers defended them. Both still preach. And their congregations are white.
by run2jazz2 September 22, 2010 1:01 PM EDT
What does race have to do with this issue? Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Baker and Benny Hinn all have White congregations. Put aside your "Hate" and realize that sin and stupidity crosses many ethincities, social classes and education levels.
by luvmesomeme September 22, 2010 3:16 PM EDT
And here we go!!!!I echo the comments of blindersoff and run2jazz2. Don't automatically assume that "all blacks" are defending him. Think before you type!!!!!
by thecanimalshusband September 23, 2010 10:09 AM EDT
It has nothing to do with race. It's corruption and abuse of power by a holier-than-thou wealthy preacher.
by MPHgrad September 23, 2010 10:27 AM EDT
You all have proved the point.
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by jrjrc September 22, 2010 9:32 AM EDT
This news does NOT surprise me at all. Usually the people (especially so-called straight men), whether they call themselves religious or not, who RAIL and RANT about the so-called evils of homosexuality are usually the ones who are on the down low trying to hide the fact that they are having sex with men or want to have sex with men. And if you get them behind closed doors, they would usually be the first ones down on their knees taking it at BOTH ends and loving it. IF the allegations are true about this pastor, the sin here is NOT the homosexuality, the sin would be the HYPOCRISY of the Pastor and the VIOLATION OF TRUST that occurred between the pastor and these individuals, who were of consenting age to have heterosexual OR homosexual sex. One?s religious belief is IRRELEVANT because everyone does not have the same religious belief and do not believe in the same religious book that you may believe in, and that?s why we have a separation of church and state. I am Christian and I believe in GOD (always have and always will), but I do not believe EVERYTHING that is in the Bible, because my God has given me a brain and has cautioned me to understand that the Bible (as with many other books of different religions) passages have been touched, interpreted, manipulated, and written in many instances by MAN, who is IMPERFECT, and many of the statements in the bible are not necessarily the word of God, but the word of man, who again is IMPERFECT. I read the bible everyday because it has good guidelines on how I should lead my life, but just like with this pastor who railed and ranted against homosexuality, many of the so-called Christians and bible readers are being HYPOCRITES when they SELECTIVELY pull passages from the Bible when it suits their own personal PREJUDICES or position on a subject (such as homosexuality, etc. ), but will IGNORE the Bible passages on other matters (for example, adultery, working on Sunday, eating certain meats, wearing certain cloths, discipline their children, judging others, etc., etc. etc.). And please don't forget that many people have attempted to use the Bible to justify many injustices, including Slavery. So I hope you will remember some of the comments above the next time you are tempted to use the Bible in an attempt to justify your own prejudices, while CLAIMING that you believe EVERYTHING in the Bible, while ignoring the fact that YOU are not even following many, many, MANY of the passages in the Bible.
by deohgee September 22, 2010 1:10 PM EDT
Could you repeat that rant, please?
by kyleminli September 22, 2010 3:48 PM EDT
You've got a lot on your mind. I love it when humans call other humans hypocrites, as if being human involved anything other than being hypocritical. If you're not a hypocrite, then you're not human. And if you think you're perfect, then you're the hypocrite. Don't you just love it. You can come on here and act like the perfect one and you're actually only condemning yourself in the process. Sorry, jrjrc, but you're a flawed individual--as are all of us. The sooner you get it, the sooner you'll stop playing the holier-than-thou card that you're actually accusing others of playing.
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by newsterI September 22, 2010 9:45 AM EDT
Oh yeah, they sound real "abused", offered CARS, MONEY, JEWELRY, expensive trips, wow, that's real abuse! how dare he offer CARS, MONEY and expensive JEWELRY!!!
by porcine_aviator September 22, 2010 2:09 PM EDT
Hmmm, interesting that you're adamantly defending the ways of a PEDOPHILE.
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by blindersoff September 22, 2010 10:15 AM EDT
That's how most abusers groom their victims. Buying someone a car does NOT give him the right to their virginity. He took an 18 year old to New Zealand for his birthday! Obviously he was expecting a relationship. And it is diabolical for him to wait until they were the age of consent to have sex, he knew he couldn't get in legal trouble.
by chonder2 September 22, 2010 10:27 AM EDT
He's an evangelical. He can do anything he wants. He has a pipline directly to God. You can't judge him.He'll judge YOU.
by burtwoody September 22, 2010 10:57 AM EDT
Long is just another evangelical screwball! These churches are just cults and should be closed down. They serve no valid purpose other than to provide a meeting place, control their members and entice them to send in their hard earned money. These churches claim to teach the bible, but in reality most members are uneducated hypocrites!
by JustYourAverageReader September 22, 2010 12:08 PM EDT
by deohgee September 22, 2010 1:08 PM EDT
Are we talking about "Eddie Long Dong"?
by gerryrigger September 22, 2010 3:28 PM EDT
by vista8635 September 23, 2010 4:28 PM EDT
Oh yeah... Oooooh yeah... Beautiful....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q7FFjUpVLg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q7FFjUpVLg)[/list]
by vista8635 September 23, 2010 4:32 PM EDT
Ooooooh yeah... The mooon.... Beautiful... More Beautiful....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q7FFjUpVLg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q7FFjUpVLg)[/list][/list]
by deohgee September 22, 2010 1:39 PM EDT
Heyyyy, lookyheeya!!! yunowhaimsayin!! I letchu dry my rad and me show you how come my las name iz long, yunowhaimsayin!!!
by Hosheen September 22, 2010 1:50 PM EDT
Oops, another christian hypocrite (a redundancy, I know) literally caught with his pants down. When will people understand that all religion is a scam and these "leaders" are only in it for the money, glory, and fame? All religions are false, but this person really has taken it to the extreme.
by jxknowles September 22, 2010 2:29 PM EDT
Not against organized religion, but when you have '25,000 x $$$' members, greed, corruption and sex scandals are soon to follow. The Mormon, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, (the list goes on and on) have all had their share of scandals and are driven at times by money, and nothing else. Keep your Churches small. Know your fellow worshippers. Make religion into something spiritual, not a business where the sleaze is soon to follow.
by AttentionDeficit September 22, 2010 3:08 PM EDT
Better yet, decide for yourself what "god" is or isn't. That way, it is entirely personal, and not driven by anyone's interpretation of an ancient book
by thecanimalshusband September 23, 2010 10:05 AM EDT
[/list]
by pollroller1 September 22, 2010 3:16 PM EDT
We will soon be passing out the buckets. Please give all you can. In the name of Jesus. No checks please. Cash only.
by Vertrauen September 23, 2010 6:15 PM EDT
yeah...not so much - you watch too much sunday preaching on TV - one could say the same abut you as a 'poll-roller' with question of just how many polls/votes have been manipulated by your own hand - same thing, different arena
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by WRATH-OF-GOD September 22, 2010 7:02 PM EDT
When did Americans decide not to tax sex junkets for Baptist Bishops and high school boys? Anyone who rants against gays seems to have a really good chance of feeling same-sex attraction and lives in the closet. The list of hypocrites grows and grows.
by TheChemistryGeek September 22, 2010 10:31 PM EDT
I am just so tired of hearing all this crap about these ministers doing this type of foolishness. What is going on in Atlanta? But, there is one thing that puzzles me about all this.....Where were these boys' mothers when he was handing out all these expensive gifts, and taking these long trips. Because at 18, you are not grown in my house. Apparently, these mothers' were getting something in return. Why didn't they step up to say something about it. A mother knows her child and she knows when something is not right with her child. How is it that these mothers, didn't. I just can't believe that all these years, this man hid this type of crap and no one knew nothing. How is that possible? It makes a person not want to go to church at all. Because if you can't trust your leader, the man of God, then who on Earth can you trust? This is why I stopped going to church because these pastor's are sick. I had one that had me in a compromising position but, I know right from wrong and I kicked him in his....you know the rest. I just don't understand why. If there is a God and the jury is still out on that one with me, then why does he allows these men to represent him. Now, I am a black woman. But, I am a Chemistry major and a Physics minor, and there are too many questions about the universe that does not support this God theory. Too many terrible things happening to children, that do not support it as well. And too many things wrong in the country that do not support it either. There is so much hate in this country that the world is going to self destruct. Wake up people!!!! Who do you really trust? A God that allow men like this do this to our sons or the bullet you put at the bottom of the barrel in a gun. Which one do you think will keep you safe?
by b_c_phx September 24, 2010 5:03 AM EDT
ChemistryGreek, Please do not allow the things of this world to keep you from a loving, trusting and faithful God. I think if you take the time to study the Bible (objectively) and intenseley as it appears you do the sciences, you will have a diferent opinion of our God and Creator. It is unfortunate that we live in a fallen world. The Bible says the last days would be as the Days of Noah. We will also be living in the Days of Apostacy until the return of Christ. God gave men dominion over the earth along with a will to turn towards righteousness or unrighteousness. The lust of the eye and lust of the flesh has overwhelmed many in these last days toward self gratification with little or no care for their fellow man. Not everyone is evil and not everyone is untrustworthy. I pray that you someday have a powerful revelation of this, as well as the One True God of this World.
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by ellensmithee September 22, 2010 10:40 PM EDT
Oh, this is just SO funny when these bu#heads who tell people how to live get busted for being hypocrites! I hope to see you ALL fall! And you're doing such a good job at it! How sweet. That's just awesome! ***APPLAUSE, Reverend, for being caught at being a two-faced hypocrite!***
Copyright ©2010 CBS Interactive Inc.
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Comments (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/8601-201_162-6890214.html?assetTypeId=30&tag=contentBody;commentsStandAlone) left for the above article, "Bishop Eddie Long Denies Coercing Men into Sex (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=381008#p380992)" (Sept. 22, 2010; CBS News / AP), #s 31-41:
by Vertrauen September 23, 2010 6:13 PM EDT
you're a little overly excited about a religious individuals downfall - how sad - all religion practices are not about hate, murder and priests molesting boys or men - grow up and shine your athiest becon of hate elsewhere
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by laffewi September 23, 2010 1:12 AM EDT
This should be no surprise since Christ prophesied about wheatlike Christians and weeds claiming to be Chrisian in his parable at Matthew13 and that in our time many would make a claim of being his followers but would prove false by their wicked conduct and shameless hypocrisy. Christ warned of wolves in sheep's covering and he also stated how to identify such ones.(read Matthew 7:15-23,2Timothy 3:1-5) Titus 1:16 states "They publicly declare they know God but they disown him by their works because they are detestable and not approved by God for any sort of work." Just as counterfeit money does not prove that real money doesn't exist, likewise false or counterfeit Christianity doesn't prove that genuine Christianity doesn't exist. Learning what God's word the Bible really teaches will identify True Christianity from false Christianity. To identify counterfeit money one must study what real money looks like. Likewise to identify counterfeit Christianity one must study the Bible and find out what it really teaches and what true Christianity really means. (read 2 Timothy 3:16&17 1Timothy 2:3&4)Remember Judas didn't make Christ or the rest of his sincere followers false. Likewise Judas like persons claiming to be Christians in no way prove Christ or his true followers false.
by thecanimalshusband September 23, 2010 10:04 AM EDT
He's on the down low but at least he's rich.
by Vertrauen September 23, 2010 6:10 PM EDT
rich means nothing if you're unhappy in your life
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by IMP578 September 23, 2010 1:52 PM EDT
Oh what fools we are! How much longer before mankind comes to their senses. Tooth fairy, Santa Clause, Churches, Ministers - all the same. I can't believe we are stupid enough to fight wars and kill each other over a fantasy! These are cons, only interested in a couple of things - money, sex and your kids. It's time to believe in science and make this a better world for us and our kids.
by Vertrauen September 23, 2010 6:09 PM EDT
you post makes absolutely no sense with regard to this article
by Rajah88 September 23, 2010 6:51 PM EDT
Vertrauen, the comments of IMP578 make far more sense than christianity.
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by vista8635 September 23, 2010 4:34 PM EDT
Oh my gosh! Ooooooh yeah...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q7FFjUpVLg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q7FFjUpVLg)[/list]
by Rajah88 September 23, 2010 6:43 PM EDT
The religious turn their kids over to the Eddie Longs of the world for *guidance* and wonder why they turn out as they do. RELIGION POISONS EVERYTHING!
by Rajah88 September 23, 2010 6:50 PM EDT
Vertrauen, the comments of IMP578 make far more sense than christianity.
by Rajah88 September 23, 2010 7:03 PM EDT
One wold think that black folks, of all people, would be reluctant to join any organization whose logo is a man nailed to a cross.
Copyright ©2010 CBS Interactive Inc.
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Here's that Examiner.com piece that Inculcated linked to (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255#p380630) earlier:
(Too many hundreds of comments on this to even begin to post them...)
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Examiner.com
Bishop Eddie Long scandal, divorce info: Pastor denies 2010 controversy (VIDEOS) (http://http://www.examiner.com/christian-tv-in-national/bishop-eddie-long-scandal-divorce-info-pastor-denies-2010-controversy-videos)
Paula Mooney · Christian TV Examiner
September 22nd, 2010 9:56 am ET
(http://http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash//11/17/1117844e4eb1ccbc82c74b7cf14e5266.jpg)
Bishop Eddie Long scandal, divorce info: Pastor denies new 2010 accusations (VIDEOS)
Photo: WATCH VIDEO BELOW
The Bishop Eddie Long scandal has rocked the Christian world, sending folks to Google with searches for the following terms at the moment: Bishop Eddie Long scandal, Eddie Long, Bishop Eddie Long divorce, Bishop Eddie Long divorce 2010, Pastor Eddie Long.
Bishop Eddie Long New Birth website down in wake of sex lawsuit (CNN.com video) (http://http://www.examiner.com/christian-tv-in-national/bishop-eddie-long-new-birth-website-down-wake-of-sex-lawsuit-cnn-com-video)
And CNN is giving insight to some of those searcher's questions, including Bishop Long's divorce from his first wife:
"He built an intimate bond with many members of his church by talking about his private failings: his divorce from his first wife; being rejected by his father; and being fired from a job in corporate America," writes CNN's John Blake.
"We categorically deny the allegations," Bishop Eddie Long has said about the scandal through his spokesman, Art Franklin.
Bishop Long is expected to mount a fierce counter-attack, but in the meantime, the lawyer for the men accusing the pastor of some pretty heinous crimes, and those videos are rising up CNN.com's most popular video list as folks find them:
Watch video of lawyer speaking about Bishop Eddie Long scandal, claiming oral sex took place... (http://http://www.examiner.com/christian-tv-in-national/bishop-eddie-long-scandal-watch-lawyer-s-video-claiming-sexual-contact-video)
She says that a trip for Anthony's 18th birthday was taken to Auckland, New Zealand, wherein the lawyer claims oral sodomy took place.
Bishop Eddie Long reportedly told him that it was "important to follow your leader and your master," and that alleged oral sex acts didn't necessarily mean they were homosexual.
The scandalous lawsuit next claims that trips to the W Hotel in New York's Times Square and the W Hotel in Dallas were taken with the pastor. Anthony reportedly said he saw a zoo in town in Texas, and wished he'd gone to the zoo instead of accompanying the Bishop everywhere he went.
The lawyer claims Long said he was releasing his love and passion – and that during a special ceremony that she likened to a wedding for a covenant, candles where present and the exchange of jewelry took place.
Watch the video of the lawyer for the men who brought the lawsuit against Bishop Eddie Long here... (http://http://www.examiner.com/christian-tv-in-national/bishop-eddie-long-denies-sex-charges-lawyer-says-boys-stole-out-of-anger-video-video)
"I will always have your back and you will always have mine," Bishop Long allegedly told Anthony.
Meanwhile, black Christian folks like me are perhaps waiting and praying with confusion and sadness over the whole Bishop Eddie Long scandal.
I've appreciated the teachings of the man I've grown to admire for showing us that working out and having muscles and being strong can be cool. I've seen plenty of moments of Bishop Long preaching to men at Mega Fest, or video clips on Youtube – and I even got the chance to see him in person earlier this year when he was the headlining guest preacher speaker at my own church.
And so now, when I awoke this morning staring out of the window and my husband asked me if I was okay, I said yeah.
But my mind was "stayed" on this Bishop Eddie Long scandal – wondering if this controversy is going to end up like Pastor Ted Haggard or not, wanting him to come out and say more about what's really going on.
The "touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (Psalm 105:15 (http://http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20105:15;&version=KJV;)) is being quoted today -- but interestingly, people are pointing to the ways we overuse it and use it to cover up harm.
Either way this saddens me now. If the young men are lying and just bringing lawsuit as retaliation for the thefts of Bishop Long's things and are being used as instruments of Satan, then will Bishop Long's name always be besmirched with these blaring headlines that the CNN writer seems to use just to further his own hidden agenda?
There's a line in the Bible about us not giving other room to deny the gospel because of our own hypocritical actions. Folks are already lighting up comments sections alternately dismissing preachers altogether – and others fervently defending the Bishop.
Whatever is the truth, the Kingdom of God will prevail.
Read more at CNN.com about Bishop Eddie Long scandal... (http://http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/22/Bishop.long.sex.lawsuit/?hpt=C1)
Copyright © Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com.
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CBS News.com
ATLANTA, Sept. 22, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long Faces 3rd Sex Coercion Lawsuit (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/22/national/main6891256.shtml?source=related_story&tag=related)
Megachurch Pastor Accused of Seducing Male Church Members with Cars, Money and Trips
(AP) Attorneys representing two men who say a prominent pastor of a 25,000-member megachurch near Atlanta coerced them into a sexual relationship have filed a third lawsuit on behalf of another young male member of his church.
Attorney B.J. Bernstein said Wednesday the allegations in the lawsuit are similar to the previous civil complaints filed late Tuesday.
The complaints were filed in DeKalb County State Court against Bishop Eddie Long. The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they were victims of sexual impropriety.
The men who filed the lawsuit were 17- and 18-year-old members of the church when they say Long abused his spiritual authority to seduce them with cars, money, clothes, jewelry, international trips and access to celebrities.
Craig Gillen, Long's attorney, says the pastor "categorically denies the allegations." (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/22/national/main6890214.shtml)
Bernstein said that when the relationships started, the plaintiffs were past the legal age of consent in Georgia, which is 16.
"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," the lawsuits read.
Long has called for a national ban on same-sex marriage and his church counsels gay members to become straight. In 2004, he led a march with Bernice King to her father's Atlanta grave to support a national constitutional amendment to protect marriage "between one man and one woman."
He also has released several gospel albums, authored books on relationships and spirituality, and hosts a weekly television program.
Bernstein said she opened her investigation after getting a call from one of the boys. She said her law office is now broadening the investigation.
"We are taking calls and we do believe, based on what the boys' statements are, that there are other victims," she said.
Although the relationships started when the plaintiffs were past the legal age of consent in Georgia — which is 16 — she said Long abused his "spiritual authority" to coerce her clients into engaging in sexual acts.
Bernstein also said that Bishop made an excessive number of phone calls and e-mails to her clients. She said most of the notes were not crude, but several of them asked the clients to send him pictures. She said she will subpoena Long for his records.
"It's an irrational number of contacts," she said.
When asked about a possible motive for the accusations, Gillen referred to a break-in at Long's office in June. Bernstein said one of the plaintiffs is facing a criminal burglary charge in the incident, but she said the break-in was a way of lashing out at Long.
Bernstein said she contacted the U.S. Attorney's Office earlier this month when she became aware of the young men's allegations. She did not know what action, if any, the agency planned to take. She said she did not contact DeKalb County authorities because Long and his church have strong ties to county officials.
Patrick Crosby, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta, would not comment on whether federal prosecutors are investigating Long.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesman John Bankhead said Wednesday his office wasn't investigating. And Orzy Theus of the DeKalb County District Attorney's office said Wednesday that county prosecutors do not plan to be involved.
"That's a civil matter. They were over the age of consent, that's not a criminal matter," said Theus.
Long was appointed pastor of New Birth in 1987. Then, 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.
Long's church was among those named in 2007 in a Senate committee's investigation into a half-dozen Christian ministries over their financing.
Today, New Birth sits on 250 acres and has more than 25,000 members, a $50 million, 10,000-seat cathedral and more than 40 ministries — including the Longfellows Youth Academy, a tuition-based program for young men 13 to 18.
The New Birth campus was quiet Wednesday morning, with no unusual activity. Administrative staff referred media inquiries to Long's spokesman and people at the church declined to comment on the situation.
© MMX, The Associated Press.
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Comments (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/8601-201_162-6891256.html?assetTypeId=30&tag=contentBody;commentsStandAlone) left for the above article, "Bishop Eddie Long Faces 3rd Sex Coercion Lawsuit (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=381200#p381146)" (Sept. 22, 2010, CBS News / AP), #s 1-27:
by case10000 September 22, 2010 4:05 PM EDT
Does the Pope even have a glue or does he desire for the church to self destruct?
by pd417 September 22, 2010 6:11 PM EDT
What does the Pope have to do with this? This isn't a Catholic church. This is one of those storefront Baptist churchs that got lucky and grew under the questionable "leadership" of Eddie Long. Look at his picture, gold jewlery, custom suits. Does he look like a reputable bishop? Not likely. Just another criminal and scam artist using religion as a front.
by servorum September 23, 2010 8:50 AM EDT
case10000 Hey moron, leave the Catholic Church out of this. Don't you know the difference between Baptists and the Catholic Church? Please.
[/list]
by meboard September 22, 2010 4:26 PM EDT
What do they say? Third times a charm???
by OLHIPPY September 22, 2010 4:56 PM EDT
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT....OLE BISHOP LONG HAS COERCED 2 MALE LONGFELLOW MEMBERS INTO SEX.....LUCKILY THE 2 ARE BEING HANDLED , OR STOOD UP FOR BY B.J BERNSTEIN...... HOPE THEY GET A FAIR SHAKE...S
by ddhinnyc September 22, 2010 5:13 PM EDT
This so-called "bishop" drove a Bentley. The members of his congregation got what they deserved. They knew exactly what he was.
by stinger1z September 22, 2010 5:20 PM EDT
"Don't ask no questions!"
by deohgee September 22, 2010 5:44 PM EDT
by tbird6740 September 22, 2010 6:23 PM EDT
Like I predicted, the day of the "Baptist" reckoning is at hand, in particular, the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist). Remember Bill Cabe from a few weeks ago?Slowly, but surely, the Catholic church is sliding out of first place for sexual abuse, child molestation, corruption, etc. and the Baptists, who have a had a grand old time pointing fingers at how horrible the Catholic Church is, while at the same time wiping the sweat from their brows saying "Whew! Glad they're in the spotlight and NOT US!", are being EXPOSED for the corrupt, cult-like organization they have become over the course of many decades. The cover-ups, blaming of the victims, and downright LIES are coming to the surface. For too long, Baptist pastors and church congregations have collectively chosen to keep their crimes and knowledge of crimes "within the church", rather than reporting to the police. Not only are the horrors within these houses of "God" being exposed, but steps are being taken to bring to light the horrors that occur within the unlicensed, unregulated, BIG $ MAKING children's group homes that these churches support. Just like the one Bill Cabe ran back in the early 90's that the media refuses to talk about. The state of NC is FULL of these same type places, one in particular that is operated by a man with a prior child abuse conviction in SC. To all Baptist pastors: If you are of the opinion that the vile actions occuring within your denomination should be handled "within the church" rather than reported to the police, then you are DIRECTLY contributing to this problem. It's time to PURGE the filth from your midst and make a public example of these people. Otherwise your denomination will continue to be a haven for criminals and sexual predators. These pieces of trash have even earned their own website:
http://www.stopbaptistpredators.com (http://www.stopbaptistpredators.com) Bill Cabe has his own spot on it now.[/list]
by al_nita September 23, 2010 7:12 AM EDT
There is nothing hidden that shall not be revealed. The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is no respecter of persons. Each one of us will be exposed when that day comes...and let us know if even you are able to stand.
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by JDAD2 September 22, 2010 6:41 PM EDT
bishop in a bentley............hes a giver
by formrusmcsgt September 22, 2010 8:27 PM EDT
He'll claim all three work for the devil or some such drivel....
by tbird6740 September 22, 2010 9:56 PM EDT
you don't know how close you are to hitting the nail on the head with this one! he will claim persecution because he is a MAN OF GOD! This is so typical of a BUSTED Baptist minister............
by tbird6740 September 22, 2010 9:57 PM EDT
go to: stopbaptistpredators.com
by al_nita September 23, 2010 7:09 AM EDT
Well it's hard to believe they're working for the LORD.
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by memcats September 23, 2010 12:59 AM EDT
Yes that right bring me all of your tithes so that I may live the life style of the rich and famous at my congregation expense. When will preachers start to teach the truth about the tithe. We are no longer under the old testament, but slick preachers will continue to preach the lie about tithing in order to fill their pockets with filthy money as the bible warned.
by al_nita September 23, 2010 6:46 AM EDT
Tithe was not a law, even though in Old Testament, it was an act of faith. Abraham was the first to offer a tithe and that was before Moses was born through whom "the laws" came and it was used to take care of the priests & their families. In the New Testament, the believers brought ALL they had and laid it at the apostles' feet. The money was used to meet the needs of the followers of Christ. When Annais & Sapphira lied about the amount they'd given, they dropped dead. Read the Bible, if you continue in HIS word you will know the truth.
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by tmn September 23, 2010 1:27 AM EDT
Perhaps they longed for a long Long...
by user000049586849302948603 September 23, 2010 5:37 AM EDT
What is it with all these bible thumping, holy rollers who can't seem to keep their hands out of little boys' pants and at the same time insist that we can't have a moral society without sharing their ridiculous belief system?
by tbird6740 September 23, 2010 6:22 AM EDT
If you or anyone you know are a victim of abuse within the Baptist denomination, ESPECIALLY the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist)whether it be by a pastor, elder, ANY member of your congregation, as well as a victim of abuse at one of the THOUSANDS of church supported residential children's home, i.e. Reclamation Ranch (Jack Patterson), Heritage Boys Academy, Second Chance Ranch/King Family Ministries (Olen/Olin King), Hephzibah House, Rebecca (Lester Roloff), New Bethany (Mack Ford),etc.), and are encourage to KEEP SILENT, or let the situation be handled WITHIN YOUR CHURCH, there IS an organization to help you. Jocelyn Zichterman is the founder of the Freedom From Abuse Network.
http://www.freedomfromabuse.net/ (http://www.freedomfromabuse.net/) Mrs. Zichterman played a central role in the conviction Ernie Willis, a CHURCH DEACON who raped a 15 yr old female member of his church and impregnated her. Chuck Phelps, The pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, upon being told of this, chose to handle it "within the church", resulting his his forcing the victim of this rape to stand in front of her church congregation and APOLOGIZE for "seducing" Willis. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepubli ... e0528.html (http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2010/05/28/20100528Church-RapeCase0528.html) This blaming of the victims has GOT TO STOP! If you are a Baptist pastor, and choose to handle allegations of this type WITHIN YOUR CHURCH, rahter than reporting it to the police, then you are CENTRALLY CONTRIBUTING to this problem. No wonder so many people are turned off by religion! Purge the filth from your midst and make EXAMPLES of these pedophiles and sexual predators you harbor, or you will find that more and more people will be turned off by the whole concept of GOD![/list]
by tbird6740 September 23, 2010 6:31 AM EDT
And don't think for ONE MINUTE that situations such as what this article is about or the Ernie Willis case is uncommon. Baptist pedophiles and sexual predators have earned their own website:
http://stopbaptistpredators.org/index.htm (http://stopbaptistpredators.org/index.htm)[/list][/list]
by al_nita September 23, 2010 7:04 AM EDT
"He permitted no man to oppress them and He reproved kings for their sakes: Do not touch My anointed ones,and do My prophets no harm."(Psalm 105:14-15) "For we know Him who said, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY' And again, 'THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.' It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the Living GOD. " (Hebrews 10:30-31) The devil comes to steal, kill, destroy. That's his sole purpose. It is written..... and if you don't know the truth, don't be foolish by speaking lies. REPEAT: It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the LIVING GOD.
by tbird6740 September 23, 2010 7:07 AM EDT
How do you tell the difference between the REAL anointed ones, and the SELF-PROFESSED and SELF-SERVING anointed ones? Like the ones on the "stopbaptistpredators" website? Give us some insight, if you THINK you know!
by tbird6740 September 23, 2010 7:12 AM EDT
ho hum. Another TYPICAL MOVE. Nothing of SUBSTANCE to say, so you HIDE behind a verse of scripture.
by tbird6740 September 23, 2010 7:48 AM EDT
And if I could add regarding your chosen verse: "For we know Him who said, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY' And again, 'THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.' It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the Living GOD. " (Hebrews 10:30-31) Perhaps that is EXACTLY what is happening. Those within churches who have made it their duty to hide, cover up and HARBOR sex offenders and pedophiles just might be falling into the hands of the living God! And they SHOULD be terrified!
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by pollroller1 September 23, 2010 8:33 AM EDT
A crooked preacher that's gay. Imagine that. LOL
by pritty_ girl23 September 23, 2010 10:28 AM EDT
I think it is disgusting that this man adorn's himself as the secoond coming, and acts like he is holier than Christ himself, he in his higher image as exposed himself as a liar and a cheat and a peodophile predator, I feel sorry for these young minds that he has corrupted, making a mockery of the Word of God and their innocence. Romans 8, making the uncorruptible God a corruptible thing, these young men must be confused and have a deep down hatred of the church, what about those christians who go around insisting that the eddie longs of the world are men who are ordained from God to preach the Word, bible bashing the vulnerable to do as they say. God help us all. I do not trust no man sorry just the the inspired Word consecrated by God himself thru prayers.
Copyright ©2010 CBS Interactive Inc.
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METRO ATLANTA / STATE NEWS 4:19 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long | Lawsuits are talk of Atlanta (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/bishop-eddie-long-lawsuits-618703.html)
By Larry Hartstein and Mike Morris
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Reaction to the lawsuits alleging sexual coercion against Bishop Eddie Long reverberated both locally and nationally Wednesday morning -- and that was before a third suit was filed Wednesday afternoon.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/MARCH_ARROYO_3_JPG__671784l.jpg)
Eddie Long (holding torch) and Bernice King at the start of a 2004 march against gay marriage and other issues at the Martin Luther King National Historic Site. Nick Arroyo, AJC
The third suit was filed in DeKalb County Superior Court, said a spokeswoman for attorney B.J. Bernstein.
Long was not immediately available Wednesday, but is holding a news conference Thursday morning.
CNN and Good Morning America both ran pieces on the lawsuits, as did the local TV news shows.
It was a major topic on local urban-themed radio stations. On the "Frank and Wanda Morning Show" on V-103, host Frank Ski held off on discussing the lawsuits until after 8 o'clock because, he said, "we're going to get the kids off to school" first.
Ski is a 12-year member of Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia. In an interview with the AJC, Ski said his reaction is one of "extreme support."
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/newbirth_923-6_671866l.jpg)
The entryway of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church at 6400 Woodrow Rd in Lithonia. John Spink http://www.newbirth.org (http://www.newbirth.org) -- has been inaccessible since the story broke Tuesday evening. The reason for the site's problems were not immediately known.
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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At least two additional videos are available at the link to the below article, i.e.:
- "Minister accused of coercion"
- "Megachurch pastor under fire"
(Too many thousands of comments to include here...)
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CNN.com
Atlanta pastor to respond to lawsuits (http://http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/22/georgia.pastor.abuse/index.html)
By the CNN Wire Staff
September 22, 2010 10:48 p.m. EDT
VIDEO: Spokesman denies claims against bishop (http://http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/crime/2010/09/22/am.bpr.franklin.sex.pastor.cnn)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Eddie Long is planning a Thursday news conference, a spokesman says
[li]Another lawsuit is filed against pastor Eddie Long - Long's spokesman says the lawsuits are "without merit"
- The spokesman says Long's church members have rallied around him
[/li][/list][/size]
Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- Atlanta-based megachurch pastor Eddie Long, accused of coercing young men into sexual relationships, will go on radio and make a statement Thursday following civil lawsuits a spokesman has termed a "shakedown" for money.
Long's appearances will follow Wednesday's filing of another lawsuit, in DeKalb County, Georgia, State Court. It was brought on behalf of Jamal Parris, now 23, who was a teenager at the time he joined Long's church.
The suit, which claims Long encouraged Parris to call him "Daddy," also names the church and a youth academy as defendants.
Allegations that Long coerced young male church members and employees into sex are "a case of retaliation and a shakedown for money by men with some serious credibility issues," Art Franklin, the pastor's spokesman, said Wednesday.
Long "categorically and adamantly denies these allegations," Franklin said. "There's been a lot of chatter since yesterday, but these complaints that have been filed are definitely without merit."
Long will make a statement Thursday morning, he said. Long's attorney and supporters are expected to stand with him.
Syndicated columnist and CNN political analyst Roland Martin said on Twitter that he will talk with Long at 7:15 a.m. ET Thursday on "The Tom Joyner Morning Show," a syndicated radio program.
Parris joined New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in 2001, when he was 14. Long counseled Parris when the latter talked about his strained relationship with his father and got him a job as a summer camp counselor at New Birth, the suit states.
The suit, also filed by attorney B.J. Bernstein, claims Long engaged in sexual acts with Parris. The young man eventually became a church employee and served as personal assistant to Long and traveled with him, the suit says. The pastor continued to engage in sexual activity with Parris and gave him money, trips and gifts, the suit says.
It says Parris left the church in late 2009, "disillusioned, confused and angry about his relationship with Defendant Long." The bishop manipulated and deceived Parris into thinking that the acts were a "healthy component of his spiritual life," the suit states.
The civil action filed Wednesday contends that Long's LongFellows Youth Academy and New Birth knew or should have known of Long's behavior and that they failed to warn Parris, who lives in Colorado, and his family, thereby allowing the minister to coerce and induce Parris into engaging in sexual relationships with him.
The lawsuits describe LongFellows as an offshoot of New Birth. According to its website, the group's vision is to "love, live and lead. We successfully meet the demanding needs of young men through a vigorous Rites of Passage Curriculum that helps young men realize their hidden potential and discover their masculine heart."
Parris also claims that the institutions were negligent in retaining the pastor.
Lawsuits filed Tuesday in DeKalb County by two men allege that Long used his position as a spiritual authority and bishop to coerce young male members and employees of his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church into sex. CNN was the first to report on the lawsuits.
"Defendant Long has a pattern and practice of singling out a select group of young male church members and using his authority as Bishop over them to ultimately bring them to a point of engaging in a sexual relationship," the suits allege.
Long is considered one of the nation's top African-American preachers. His church has more 25,000 members, according to the suit, and was the site of Coretta Scott King's 2006 funeral, attended by then-President George W. Bush and three former presidents. King was the widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
One of the men, Anthony Flagg, 21, alleges in his suit that Long took him on overnight trips to a half-dozen American cities in recent years.
"Long shared a bedroom and engaged in intimate sexual contact with plaintiff Flagg including kissing, massaging, masturbating of plaintiff Flagg by defendant Long and oral sexual contact," the suit says.
The other man, Maurice Murray Robinson, 20, claims Long took him to Auckland, New Zealand, in October 2008 for his 19th birthday and engaged in oral sex with him, Robinson's suit alleges.
"Following the New Zealand trip, defendant Long regularly engaged in sexual touching, and other sexual acts with plaintiff Robinson," Robinson's suit alleges.
Bernstein, who represents Parris, Flagg and Robinson, said Wednesday that the youths' accounts are "really strong."
She said she has worked with sexual abuse victims and finds the two believable because of "the emotion. The intensity. The very strong description of what sexual acts occurred. ... This is not just someone giving a vague thing, 'Oh, yeah, one time he did this,' or a couple of times."
But Franklin told CNN's"American Morning" on Wednesday that the two men "are not innocent victims" and that they have known "the wrong side of the law" before, including being charged with breaking into Long's office in June to steal items, such as jewelry, that could be sold for cash.
"Let your viewers be the judge of their actions," Franklin said.
In June, Robinson was arrested and charged with burglary in connection with a break-in at Long's office. An iPhone, iPad and other items -- more than $1,300 worth -- were taken from the office, according to the police report. Bernstein said Wednesday that about $100,000 worth of items were taken, including black diamonds.
On Tuesday, Bernstein said the theft was Robinson's attempt to retaliate against the pastor. She said that once Robinson began telling others about his experience with Long, "he realized he wasn't the only one."
"It made [Robinson] angry," she said.
She said Wednesday that Robinson's anger also stemmed from a May incident in which he sought comfort and solace from Long and instead was the target of a sexual advance. That "created a frenzy inside him," she said.
Franklin told CNN'sJohn Roberts, "This is actually, John, a case of retaliation and a shakedown for money by men with some serious credibility issues trying to mount their own defense. This is something that went from 48 hours of contact with the attorney flinging outrageous demands to this dog-and-pony show we are seeing."
Asked about the relationship between Long and the young men, Franklin said that both were part of the LongFellows program at the church.
Franklin said that both Robinson and Flagg were among many young people employed by the church. Asked whether they ever traveled with Long, he said that a number of people travel with him.
On whether the two youths ever shared a room with Long, Franklin said, "That is one of the allegations that we learned through the media that's being made by the attorneys and something our defense team will have to respond to.
"We have not even seen the lawsuit ourselves," he said. "That's something our attorneys will have to go through."
On the reaction from Long's congregation, Franklin said, "Last night, it was a very spirit-filled worship service from a church family that loves its spiritual leader very much." He said Long is drawing strength from his family, the New Birth family and other supporters.
"Before rushing to any judgment on Bishop Long and this court of public opinion taking place right now, I really do hope you will look at these guys that are throwing the mud and consider the source," he said.
Asked how she can prove that sexual contact took place, Bernstein said, "I am ready to put them under oath. Bishop Long can spend money on the best attorneys in this world, and they can question those young men, and then I'll get to question the bishop, and then we'll really see what's going on."
She said she will subpoena records of an "excessive number of phone calls" between Long and the young men, along with e-mails, credit card receipts and other items. Bernstein said she had alerted federal authorities about the situation.
Long frequently denounces homosexual behavior. A 2007 article in the Southern Poverty Law Center's magazine called him "one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement."
Both plaintiffs said the pastor, his church and church employees gave them cash and lavish gifts that ranged from cars to college tuition.
The lawsuits also said that Long framed the sexual relationships as religious in nature.
"They were groomed for it, from 14 to 17 years old," Bernstein said Wednesday. "He gets to know them and gets the trust, and then bit by bit -- first it's a hug. It's just like any sexual predator. Or we're sitting watching the football game, and you put your legs up on their lap ... One of the boys described going to the gym, 'Can you massage my neck?' and then there's another massage, and it just slowly breaks down. Ask any victim of sexual abuse. It is a progression."
The suits allege that Long chose the plaintiffs to be his "Spiritual Sons," a program that allegedly includes other young men from the church.
"Spiritual Sons are taken on public and private jets to U.S. and international destinations, housed in luxury hotels and given access to numerous celebrities including entertainment stars and politicians," the suit alleges.
Flagg moved into a home owned by another New Birth pastor when he was a high school junior, according to the suit, where Long would sometimes share a bed with him. Flagg eventually was put on the church's payroll, his suit alleges, with Long personally delivering his checks.
Flagg's suit says that Long presided over a spiritual "covenant" ceremony between the two of them.
"It was essentially a marriage ceremony, with candles, exchange of jewelry and biblical quotes," Bernstein said Tuesday. "The bishop [told] him 'I will always have your back, and you will always have mine.' "
The families of both young men moved to Georgia in order to join Long's church, she said Wednesday.
Robinson's suit alleges that "Defendant Long would use Holy Scripture to discuss and justify the intimate relationship between himself and Plaintiff Robinson."
The lawsuits are seeking unspecified amounts of punitive damages from Long on various counts, ranging from negligence to breach of fiduciary duty.
Bernstein said she warned the young men they would be "crucified" for making the allegations, "and they just said, 'We have to do it, and we know there are others.' "
© 2010 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
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WSBTV.com
3rd Lawsuit Filed Against Bishop Long In Sex Scandal (http://http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25107055/detail.html)
Posted: 7:34 pm EDT September 21, 2010 · Updated: 10:21 pm EDT September 22, 2010
(http://http://www.wsbtv.com/2010/0923/25123907_240X320.jpg)
Attorney B.J. Bernstein said the above picture of Eddie Long was sent to young men who attended Longfellows Youth Academy.
ATLANTA -- Prominent Atlanta attorney B.J. Bernstein released cell phone pictures Wednesday of megachurch pastor Eddie Long – the same day that a third lawsuit was filed accusing the Atlanta-area bishop of sexual abuse.
SLIDESHOW: Plaintiffs' Attorney Releases Photos (http://http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25107055/detail.html) [accessible at link]
Three men have come forward accusing Long of coercing them into a sexual relationship.
Bernstein, who represents the three plaintiffs, said the pictures were sent to young men who attended Longfellows Youth Academy. She did not specify whether the plaintiffs also received the pictures.
In the latest lawsuit, the plaintiff, Jamal Parris, detailed how Long allegedly gave him his personal cell phone number two weeks after the two first met. Parris also alleged that Long encouraged him to call him "daddy." According to the suit, Parris' father had not been a positive figure in his life.
Parris said he joined New Birth in 2001. He said he later became Long's personal assistant, and that Long would ask him to remain in his private office after church, where Long engaged in sexual misconduct with Parris, according to the suit. Parris said he eventually left the church and later found out from other young male church members that they too had sexual contact with the bishop, according to the suit.
Since the first two lawsuits went public Tuesday, Bernstein said her office has taken several calls and believes that there are other victims. Bernstein said she opened her investigation after getting a call from one of the men.
The first two plaintiffs, Maurice Robinson and Anthony Flagg, claimed that Long used his position as a spiritual counselor and leader to take the young men on trips out of state and performed sexual acts with them. In the lawsuits, the men accuse Long of sexually abusing them, as well as several other young male church members and employees.
WATCH: 3rd Lawsuit Filed Against Bishop Long (http://http://www.wsbtv.com/video/25121549/index.html)
The lawsuits also name New Birth Missionary Baptist Church at 6400 Woodrow Road in Lithonia as a defendant.
At a news conference Tuesday, Bernstein told reporters that the alleged abuse occurred when the plaintiffs were 17 and 18 years old. Robinson and Flagg are now 20 and 21 years old.
Bernstein described Long's relationship with the boys as odd.
"It was essentially a marriage ceremony where there were candles, (an) exchange of jewelry and biblical quotes given," said Bernstein.
During the conference, Bernstein also revealed that one of the plaintiffs was arrested in connection with a June 13 burglary at New Birth. Channel 2 first reported details of the break-in, in which DeKalb police said two men wearing dark hooded tops and white gloves broke into Long's office and made off with high-end electronics, including Long’s iPad, and jewelry.
Bernstein said she expects Long’s attorneys to bring up that arrest when addressing the abuse allegations.
“Maurice (Robinson) immediately told what he did when he was confronted about it. He returned the black diamonds, the gold, the things that he had in the bishop’s office,†Bernstein said.
“As bad as it is, if it weren’t for that act, I don’t know if we would have known about this because this young man exploded and realized that when he talked to his friends, he wasn’t the only one,†said Bernstein. “Bishop Long had other spiritual sons who had other relationships with him. It made him angry and confused and combusted in lashing out at the bishop in the only way possible.â€
According to the lawsuit, Flagg said Long shared a bedroom on overnight trips and engaged in intimate sexual contact with him. He said Long was also involved in advising and counseling him in areas of his personal life, the lawsuit states.
A spokesman for Long told Channel 2 Action News that Long denies the allegations and later announced that a news conference would take place Thursday to address the matter.
A statement released by Craig Gillen, attorney for Long, said, "Bishop Eddie Long adamantly denies the allegations. It is unfortunate that the two young men have chosen to take this course of action. We are reviewing the complaints and will respond accordingly."
Channel 2 Action News reporters Tom Jones and Eric Philips visited Long's church and neighborhood, where many people are expressing a show of support for Long.
One church member told Jones, "I just don't believe it. I know my Bishop."
Philips went to Long's house, but was told he was not there. He spoke with one of Long's neighbors, who said she "hadn't seen him [Long] in a while."
Copyright 2010 by WSBTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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This article re-runs a 2005 Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigative report on the finances of Eddie Long's "charitable" enterprise, the Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc.:
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METRO ATLANTA / STATE NEWS · 7:44 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2010
2005 AJC report: Bishop Eddie Long benefits from his own church's charity (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/2005-ajc-report-bishop-619032.html)
Between 1997 and 2000, Eddie Long received $3.07 million in compensation
By Special
For the AJC
Editor's Note: This story originally ran on Aug. 28, 2005, in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/buzzlong0403_jpg_2__671739l.jpg)
Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Renee' Hannans Henry/Special
In 1995, Bishop Eddie Long established a nonprofit, tax-exempt charity to help the needy and spread the gospel.
But it was Long, leader of the largest church congregation in Georgia, who became the charity's biggest beneficiary.
The charity, Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc., provided him with at least $3.07 million in salary, benefits and the use of property between 1997 and 2000 -- nearly as much as it gave to all other recipients combined during those years, tax records show.
It is one of at least 20 nonprofit and for-profit corporations that Long founded after becoming pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in 1987. Long's businesses include a music publishing company and a transportation service.
The charity's compensation to Long over that four-year period included:
> A $1.4 million six-bedroom, nine-bath home on 20 acres in Lithonia.
> Use of a $350,000 luxury Bentley automobile.
> More than $1 million in salary, including $494,000 in 2000.
Long said the charity, which reported that it stopped doing business after 2000, did not solicit donations from New Birth members. It reported that its income included royalties, speaking fees and several large donations.
The charity made $3.1 million in donations to others between 1997 and 2000, the records show, but they did not contain any itemized breakdown of the donations, as required by the Internal Revenue Service.
Nonprofit groups are exempt from paying state and federal income taxes if they meet certain criteria. In return, the federal tax code says their executives' benefits may not be excessive.
Long and his wife, Vanessa, were two of the charity's four board members. The charity gave a third board member, Terrance Thornton, a $160,000 loan in 1999 to buy a home site across the street from Long's house, tax records show.
Long's tax attorney, J. David Epstein, said an independent compensation committee, along with a second committee within New Birth and a national accounting firm, oversaw those decisions. He declined to identify the firm or members of the committees.
Long, 52, defended his compensation during an interview about his charity. He's transformed New Birth, based in Lithonia, from a 300-member church to a 25,000-member megachurch with a global presence, according to the church's Web site.
"We're not just a church, we're an international corporation," Long said. "We're not just a bumbling bunch of preachers who can't talk and all we're doing is baptizing babies. I deal with the White House. I deal with Tony Blair. I deal with presidents around this world. I pastor a multimillion-dollar congregation.
"You've got to put me on a different scale than the little black preacher sitting over there that's supposed to be just getting by because the people are suffering."
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of a Senate committee investigating lavish salaries of nonprofit executives, said leaders of tax-exempt organizations must be responsible for the public trust they've been given.
"I'm worried that a few people are confusing the ringing of a church bell with the ringing of a cash register," Grassley said in a statement in response to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's inquiries about the charity. "When I hear about leaders of charities being provided a $300,000 Bentley to drive around in, my fear is that it's the taxpayers who subsidize this charity who are really being taken for a ride."
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/MARCH_ARROYO_1_JPG__671801l.jpg)
Bishop Eddie Long founded a nonprofit that provided him with a house and use of a Bentley. AJC File
As the popularity of televangelism, traveling religious shows and megachurches has skyrocketed, so has the money their leaders can earn. IRS enforcement of compensation rules has been light, and the agency rarely audits nonprofit groups.
In 2002 and 2003, TV evangelist and author Joyce Meyer had compensation packages of up to $900,000 approved by her ministry's board, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Bishop T.D. Jakes, who staged MegaFest in Atlanta this summer, has a $1.7 million mansion in Dallas, according to Time magazine.
With few exceptions, the public rarely gets a glimpse at religious leaders' compensation because churches are not required to file tax returns. Information on Long's salary and benefits was derived from the charity's tax returns, which are public records.
Churches must report to the IRS how much they pay employees, but those records are not public.
Long's charity and his church were separate organizations. The charity was incorporated under federal law as a nonprofit religious corporation -- not a church -- subject to rules to ensure accountability and prevent enrichment of executives at the public expense.
Churches and nonprofits are required to follow the same IRS rules regarding compensation. The IRS tax guide for churches and religious organizations says that neither group may "provide a substantial benefit to private interests," and their net earnings "may not [benefit] any individual." They are allowed to pay their executives "reasonable compensation."
"In general, an individual(s) salary and benefits should not be excessive and must be approved by the majority of board of directors who are unpaid and not related to the individual(s)," said IRS spokesman Mark Green in a statement.
Long's benefits went beyond reasonable compensation, said Jeff Krehely, deputy director of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, a Washington-based group that promotes accountability in the philanthropic community.
"After reviewing the compensation packages of foundation executives -- including those who have been written up in the press as being excessive -- I've never seen anything quite like what Long [was] getting, when you include his salary, the house and the car," Krehely said.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/RELlong4_JPG_187732_671733l.jpg)
This home in Lithonia was part of Bishop Eddie Long's compensation from a nonprofit, tax-exempt charity that he founded. At the time, it was valued at $1.45 million. AJC
Marcus Owens, a Washington attorney and former director of the IRS' Exempt Organizations Division, was retained by Long to look over Bishop Eddie Long Ministries as a result of inquiries about the charity.
Owens released a statement saying, "The Ministry has a comprehensive system of internal controls and policies in place that ensure that all funds are accounted for and spent for appropriate purposes under the tax code." He declined to elaborate or answer questions about the operation of the charity from 1997 to 2000.
'Touch a lot of people'
Long, accompanied by two attorneys and two publicists, talked about his charity in a conference room at New Birth's sprawling campus in south DeKalb County. He declined to answer most questions about his charity's financial transactions, leaving those responses to his attorney. He and Epstein later declined to answer follow-up questions, including whether Long had reported the house on his personal income tax return.
The church, dubbed "Club New Birth" because of the abundance of young black single professionals who attend its services, includes a school that goes through ninth grade, a fitness center and a 10,000-seat sanctuary, opened in 2001.
The church also ministers to drug addicts and prisoners, helped start a credit union near South DeKalb Mall, and has been involved in religious revivals as far away as New Zealand and Kenya.
"We touch a lot of people," Long said. "This is a world-impacting ministry, and I personally get a little offended when my integrity is questioned."
Long has drawn criticism before. In December, he and Bernice King, younger daughter of the late Martin Luther King Jr., led a march from the King Center promoting several causes. Critics said the civil rights leader would never have agreed to the march's call for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
A black conservative, Long calls himself one of God's "scarred leaders," someone God uses despite moral lapses that included being fired from a job for lying on an expense report.
Long established the charity as a nonprofit religious corporation in 1995. Incorporation papers filed in New York said its purpose was spreading the gospel and that no part "of its assets, income or profit" would be distributed to any directors of the charity except for "reasonable payment."
Epstein said it was created for Long to coordinate his charitable activities, including mission trips overseas and donations to churches and orphans.
But later, the charity's compensation committee decided to use some of the charity's assets to pay Long for his work at New Birth to make up for many years when he had been underpaid, Epstein said. Long had told his charity's compensation committee previously that he didn't want to be paid the maximum amount available to him, Epstein said.
"It was appropriate to do something to make a dent in the compensation that the bishop hadn't received," Epstein said.
"Bishop Long has never received the legal amount of compensation he is due by law," said Epstein. A Philadelphia lawyer specializing in church tax law, Epstein is the producer of a video for pastors called "How To Maximize Your Clergy Salary and Benefits Package."
At one time Long also received a salary from New Birth. A church spokesman said Long no longer takes a salary, but instead accepts "love offerings" made by church members. Long would not discuss his current compensation.
Land donation
The charity took out a $1,160,000 mortgage to purchase the home in March 1998, according to DeKalb County property records. The mortgage was paid off by 2003, records show.
In October 2002, Bishop Eddie Long Ministries notified the IRS that the charity was dissolving and pledged to transfer all of its assets to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
The house was never transferred.
Instead, a year later, Long signed papers relinquishing the charity's interest in the home, making himself the sole owner. The same day, Christmas Eve 2003, Long took out a $300,000 loan using the house as collateral.
State law in New York requires that a nonprofit religious corporation must get court approval and notify the New York attorney general's office of its intent to transfer real estate to one of its officers. The attorney general's office said it could not find any record of the transaction or of Long's charity getting court approval.
Epstein said Long earned much of the charity's revenue through royalties, honorariums and gifts from other pastors and churches. He and Long emphasized that none of the charity's money came through soliciting New Birth members.
"I have great integrity with my congregation," Long said. "I would never take their money and use them to build my own personal happiness."
Tax and property records show, however, that New Birth accounted for more than half the charity's income in 1997. Fulton County property records show the church gave Long's charity 13.7 acres of land that year. The charity later reported selling the property for $1.4 million.
Also, a single donor accounted for 90 percent of the charity's income in 1999 and 2000, tax records show. One donor gave $1.9 million in 1999 and one donor gave $1.6 million the following year. As allowed by law, the records do not identify the donors.
Long would not say whether New Birth was the donor nor talk about the church's decision to donate land to his charity.
'Last say-so'
Long said a church board oversaw his charity's decisions to compensate him.
"It's not like I wake up and say, 'I think I want a Bentley,' " he said.
In the past, however, Long has claimed he was the final decision-maker at New Birth. In a 1999 interview, he told the Journal-Constitution how he became the unquestioned leader at his church. After presiding over New Birth's explosive growth, he said he told his congregation that a biblical leader shouldn't have to answer to a board. Long said the board relinquished its authority over him with his congregation's approval.
In his book "Taking Over," Long described the event in more detail. He wrote that after seven years at New Birth, he was frustrated by its deacon board because it was "gripping the purse strings" of the church and "telling the man of God when to jump and how high." He said he received a revelation from God, who encouraged him to get rid of the "ungodly governmental structure" at New Birth.
"That was the day I became pastor," Long wrote. "Up until that time, I was the hired preacher . . . . "
Some pastors take advantage of a lack of denominational accountability to enrich themselves, said J. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma, a national magazine that covers charismatic churches. Grady said, however, that he didn't know enough about Long's ministry to comment on it specifically.
"There are many independent churches out there today that are accountable to no one," he said. "Their board structures are controlled by a few insiders and no one can bring correction. That is not healthy. But it will not change as long as the congregations don't demand change."
Several New Birth members said they approved of Long's compensation, home and leadership style. They said church boards often limit the vision of pastors.
"I know he's going to do the right thing," said Melvin Johnson, a member of the church's elder council. "He's going to sow the seed where it's supposed to be sowed."
Johnson said there was no New Birth board or committee that can overrule Long's decisions. "He would have the last say-so in terms of what ultimate decisions are made," said Johnson, a member for 17 years.
Everett Blakes, another member, said Long recently pledged to pay off the debts of 10 families and to buy a car for every unmarried mother at the church.
Blakes said it was New Birth's duty to support Long financially.
"We have to come bearing gifts," Blakes said. "When you come before the priest and he gives a word to you, then it's your duty to meet the needs of the priest."
'Jesus wasn't poor'
Several nonprofit experts and watchdog group leaders questioned how the $1.4 million home and the Bentley contributed to the charity's stated purpose.
They cited IRS rules warning that a nonprofit religious group could lose its tax-exempt status if it provides excess economic benefits to an insider.
"An organization can be a tax-exempt entity or a for-profit entity, but not both," said Rod Pitzer, a tax expert with Wall Watchers, a North Carolina-based watchdog group that monitors the finances of large Christian organizations.
Nonprofit experts and others who viewed the charity's records at the Journal-Constitution's request said that it did not appear to have an independent board.
"With a wife approving her husband's salary, it appears that this board's stamp is really just a rubber stamp," said Grassley, the Iowa senator.
Board members other than Long did not comment for this article. Long's wife, Vanessa, declined to comment and Thornton did not return telephone calls. A fourth board member who served for several years could not be located.
Daniel Borochoff, president of the American Institute of Philanthropy, said Long shouldn't build his prosperity on the back of a nonprofit religious corporation.
"It's wrong to use tax-subsidized dollars to support luxury goods for nonprofit executives," said Borochoff. "If he wants these things, then he should get people to give him money outside of a nonprofit organization."
Long said he represented a "paradigm shift" in the black church. He said he won't be like other pastors who died broke while giving everything to congregations that "wanted them to live in poverty and preach to them about prosperity."
Any problem people may have with his charity, Long said, was rooted in some people's expectations that pastors should be poor.
"I would love to sit with you and walk with you through the Bible to show that Jesus wasn't poor," he said.
His congregation is inspired by seeing its pastor do well, Long said.
"I'm not going to apologize for anything ..."
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Are we sur this guy ain't Wayne Brady?
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Are we sur this guy ain't Wayne Brady?
Ya mean... this guy (http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Brady)?
Wrong age, amongst other salient characteristics! :rofl:
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METRO ATLANTA / STATE NEWS · 6:20 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long | Megachurch had modest beginning (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/bishop-eddie-long-megachurch-618781.html)
Ministry has included anti-gay crusade
By Larry Hartstein
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When Eddie Long became pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in 1987, it had about 300 members.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/newbirth_923-6_671866l.jpg)
The entryway of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church at 6400 Woodrow Rd in Lithonia. John Spink jspink@ajc.com
Today the Lithonia congregation is 100 times as large, with a 240-acre campus, syndicated TV shows, an array of community programs and ministries, and satellite churches in other cities.
Born in North Carolina, Long, 57, worked as a manager at Ford Motor Co., then Honeywell, before pursuing the ministry. He got a Master's of Divinity degree from Atlanta's Interdenominational Theological Center in 1986.
The Christian magazine Charisma once described Long as on a mission "to reform our culture according to biblical standards. And he is not afraid to get in anyone's face to do it."
Long has crusaded against homosexuals and led a 2004 march against gay marriage.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/MARCH_ARROYO_3_JPG__671784l.jpg)
Eddie Long (holding torch) and Bernice King at the start of a 2004 march against gay marriage and other issues at the Martin Luther King National Historic Site. Nick Arroyo, AJC
The following year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that a charity Long created -- Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc. -- made him its biggest beneficiary, supplying him with at least $1 million in salary over four years, a $1.4 million home and use of a $350,000 Bentley.
Long defended the compensation.
"We're not just a church, we're an international corporation," he told the AJC then. "We're not just a bumbling bunch of preachers who can't talk and all we're doing is baptizing babies. I deal with the White House. I deal with Tony Blair. I deal with presidents around this world. I pastor a multimillion-dollar congregation.
"You've got to put me on a different scale than the little black preacher sitting over there that's supposed to be just getting by because the people are suffering."
In 2006, Long was chosen by the family of Martin Luther King Jr. to officiate Coretta Scott King's funeral.
Long's first marriage ended in divorce, and he has used that experience as a way to connect with church members.
"I [use] my own personal struggles, what I'm going through, what I'm dealing with, what I've been through," he told Charisma magazine. "And so it immediately started getting folks to identify with me."
Long married the former Vanessa Griffin in 1990. They have four children.
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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From the above CNN article, "Atlanta pastor to respond to lawsuits (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=383924#p381219)":
Long will make a statement Thursday morning, he said. Long's attorney and supporters are expected to stand with him.
Syndicated columnist and CNN political analyst Roland Martin said on Twitter that he will talk with Long at 7:15 a.m. ET Thursday on "The Tom Joyner Morning Show," a syndicated radio program.[/list][/size]
Ah well... I guess that 3rd lawsuit kinda did a number on those plans...
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DEKALB COUNTY NEWS · 11:33 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long | Radio interview, press conference canceled in wake of 3rd lawsuit (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-radio-619062.html)
By Megan Matteucci and Christian Boone
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mega-church leader Bishop Eddie Long has canceled a previously announced appearance on the Tom Joyner Morning Show Thursday after a third man filed a lawsuit accusing the prominent minister of using his pastoral influence to coerce him into a sexual relationship. In addition, Long's attorneys canceled plans for a press conference to address the growing scandal.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/Pastor_Abuse_Allega_671893l.jpg)
AP Photo/Gene Blythe, File
The syndicated radio show, heard locally on Kiss 104.1, had issued a press release saying the leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church would discuss the allegations on-air. However, the show's Roland Martin, who was scheduled to interview Long, said on his Twitter account early Thursday that "the lawyers have made the decision that due to the third lawsuit that Bishop not to do interviews tomorrow."
Craig Gillen, an attorney for Long, was interviewed on the radio program instead. Gillen said there was "miscommunication" about a press conference today, and that there would not be one. On Wednesday a Long representative issued a release to media members that a press conference would be held Thursday.
A lawsuit filed Wednesday by Jamal Parris, 23, a former member of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, claims Long made Parrish call him "Daddy" and coerced him into sexual acts.
The suit, similar to two filed on Tuesday, accuses Long of using his power to force the plaintiff into a sexual relationship. In exchange, Long placed Parris and the two other men on the church's payroll, bought them cars and other gifts, and took them on lavish trips, according to the suits filed in DeKalb County Superior Court.
Long adamantly denies the allegations (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-lawsuits-618573.html).
Stephen M. Brown, senior vice president of media strategy at MS & L's Atlanta office, questioned the time it's taken Long to make a personal statement about the allegations.
"Something definitive needs to be said, for sure," he said. "I think he needs to explain what the relationship was between himself and the people making these allegations and detail any misunderstandings."
Parris' allegations are similar to claims made by Anthony Flagg, 21, and Maurice Robinson, 20, who filed suits Tuesday.
Robinson and Flagg say Long began having inappropriate relations with them when they were 16. They are seeking a trial by jury and unspecified damages.
"It is unfortunate that these young men have chosen to take this course of action," Long's attorney, Craig Gillen, told the AJC Tuesday night.
Parris and his mother joined the church in 2001 when he was 14.
Within two weeks, Long gave Parris his personal cell phone number, the suit alleges.
Their relationship intensified during the 2004-05 school year, with Long often inviting Parris to his guesthouse on Snapfinger Road.
"Initially, Long engaged in sexual touching during their encounters and then escalated the activity to oral sodomy and other acts of sexual gratification," the suit reads. "Long would discuss the Holy Scripture to justify and support the sexual activity."
Parris claims he left the church in 2009 "disillusioned, confused and angry."
Attorney B.J. Bernstein, who is representing the three plaintiffs, has said they do not want to comment. Phone calls left with them and their relatives were not returned.
Meanwhile, gubernatorial candidate Roy Barnes has canceled a Friday morning fundraiser that Long was to co-host.
"While these allegations are troubling, we will refrain from commenting until all the facts are known," Barnes spokesman Emil Runge said in a prepared statement.
Bernstein claims Long abused his pastoral relationship with the men and convinced them that the sexual relationships were a "healthy component of [their] spiritual lives."
Parris' suit claims that Long took him on trips on his private jet as far away as Trinidad and Honduras.
On some of the trips with Robinson and Flagg, Long would use the alias "Dick Tracy" when he checked into hotels. According to online service Accurint, a Dick Tracey Long lives in Lithonia at the same address as Eddie L. Long.
The three suits each allege 11 counts, including fraud and negligence, against Long, the 25,000-member church and the Longfellows Youth Academy.
The three plaintiffs were each members of the academy, which is aimed at helping men "love, live and lead."
Two of the men have criminal records, including a recent arrest for a burglary at Long's office.
In June, Robinson and Anthony Boyd were charged with using a secretary's key to enter Long's personal office at the Lithonia church. Robinson and Boyd, who were captured on surveillance cameras, took an iPod, iPad and jewelry, according to a police report.
The case is still pending, said a spokesman for the district attorney.
Bernstein said Robinson and Flagg, who was there the night of the burglary but not charged, were angry at Long and seeking retaliation after learning he was involved with other men.
Court records show Flagg was charged with simple assault in 2007 and sentenced to an anger management class. A warrant was issued after he failed to show up for court, court records show.
After that arrest, Long had Flagg move into a friend's house in Lithonia, the suit alleges. Flagg was still attending Miller Grove High School at the time, but his mother thought the move would be good for him, Bernstein said.
Instead, Long used that time to engage in sex acts with Flagg, the suit alleges.
Despite that, Flagg, and Robinson, both graduated from Miller Grove in 2008. They still live in DeKalb. Parris now lives in Colorado.
The sex acts occurred when the men were 16, which is the legal age of consent in Georgia, Bernstein said. But Bernstein said some of the acts which occurred at hotels in other states could be considered criminal, which is why she contacted the U.S. Attorney's Office, Bernstein said.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney said Justice Department policy prohibits him from confirming or denying any possible investigations.
DeKalb school board member Eugene Walker, who has known Long for more than 20 years, said he did not believe the allegations.
"Ever since I have known him, he has reached out and lifted up our young people," Walker said. "These allegations are absolutely not true. They have accused me of a whole lot of wrong things and they, like this, weren't true. He's a great servant and I can't say anything wrong about him."
--Staff writers Jeremy Redmon and Shelia Poole contributed to this report
MORE: Lawsuits are the talk of Atlanta (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/bishop-eddie-long-lawsuits-618703.html) | Photos of the church through the years (http://http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/metro/atlanta/eddie-long/)
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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CBSNews.com
ATLANTA, Sept. 23, 2010
Bishop Long Scraps Interview, Repeats Denial (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/23/national/main6893415.shtml?source=related_story&tag=related)
Pastor Accused of Coercing 3 Young Men into Sex Cancels Appearance on Tom Joyner Morning Show; Plans to Speak Sunday
(http://http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2010/09/22/image6891285g.jpg)
In this Jan. 18 2007 file photo, Bishop Eddie Long, of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, in Lithonia, Ga. gestures during an interview in Lithonia. (AP Photo/Gene Blythe, File)
(AP) The pastor of a nationally known Atlanta-area megachurch took other young men on trips as part of a mentoring program but stands by his denial of claims that he had sex with three of them, a lawyer for the religious leader said Thursday.
Bishop Eddie Long plans his first public response to the allegations Sunday during services at his 25,000-member church, attorney Craig Gillen said on the Tom Joyner Morning Show after Long canceled an interview with the nationally syndicated radio program.
In lawsuits filed this week, three men who were members of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church claimed Long coerced them into sexual relations with gifts including cars, cash and travel when they were 17 or 18 years old. The sprawling church in suburban Lithonia counts politicians, celebrities and the county sheriff among its members and hosted four U.S. presidents during the 2006 funeral of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s widow, Coretta Scott King.
One of the claims in the lawsuits is that Long had sexual contact with the young men, who were enrolled in New Birth's ministry for teen boys, during trips he took them on in the U.S. and abroad. Gillen said the travel was part of a mentoring program that other young men also participated in.
"The mentoring process involving travel is not exclusive to the three plaintiffs making these allegations," Gillen said.
Gillen also read a statement from Long in which the pastor, a married father of four, said he's anxious to respond to the allegations but that his lawyer has advised him not to yet.
"Let me be clear. The charges against me and New Birth are false," Long's statement said.
Gillen also said the three making the allegations were motivated by money, adding that one of them is accused of breaking into Long's office.
In addition to canceling the radio show appearance, an expected Thursday news conference with Long was also called off.
Gillen said Long will speak directly about the allegations to his church congregation Sunday.
B.J. Bernstein, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said she opened her investigation after getting a call from one of the men. The Associated Press normally does not name people who claim they are victims of sexual impropriety, but Bernstein said all three - Maurice Robinson, 20, Anthony Flagg, 21, and Jamal Parris, 23 - have consented to making their identities public.
Bernstein said she didn't trust local authorities to investigate the claims.
"This is a really large church that's incredibly politically powerful," Bernstein said. "There are pictures of this guy with every politician around. With something this important, how can I trust that word didn't get back to the bishop?"
DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown has been a member of New Birth for more than 15 years and sits on the advisory board for Long's Longfellows Youth Academy. He said he would stand by the bishop and bristled at Bernstein's suggestion that local authorities couldn't be trusted.
"I take offense to that," he said. "It does not merit a dignified response."
Their pastor has been silent and so are most at Long's 25,000-strong church. But those who will speak say they are supporting him.
Lance Robertson, who joined New Birth nearly two decades ago and has coached youth basketball there, said Wednesday that members were hurting.
"I support and will stand with my bishop, but right now in the court of public opinion, it does not look good," Robertson said. "This affects too many people. As the bishop goes, New Birth goes. He built New Birth."
Bernstein said that her case hinges on her three clients' testimony and that she doesn't have much physical evidence backing up her complaint. Long sent dozens of e-mails and phone calls to her clients, though they weren't "overly sexual," she said. Bernstein said she plans to subpoena records from Long that will show he traveled with the young men to New York, Las Vegas, New Zealand and elsewhere.
Robertson, the church's youth basketball coach, said he wants to hear Long respond to the accusations.
Long was appointed pastor of New Birth in 1987 and built it up into a complex on 250 acres with a $50 million, 10,000-seat cathedral and more than 40 ministries. President George W. Bush and three former presidents attended the church's 2006 funeral service for Coretta Scott King. Long introduced the speakers and the Rev. Bernice King, the Kings' younger daughter, delivered the eulogy. She is also a pastor there.
The church was among those named in 2007 in a Senate committee's investigation into a half-dozen Christian ministries over their financing.
Long has called for a national ban on same-sex marriage. In 2004, he led a march with Bernice King to her father's Atlanta grave to support a national constitutional amendment to protect marriage "between one man and one woman."
This isn't the first allegation against a religious leader who has crusaded against gay marriage. Ted Haggard left New Life Church of Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2006 after a male prostitute said Haggard paid him for sex. Haggard denied the allegations but later admitted to "sexual immorality" and launched a new church in June 2010.
© MMX, The Associated Press.
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Comments (http://http://www.cbsnews.com/8601-201_162-6893415.html?assetTypeId=30&tag=contentBody;commentsStandAlone) left for the above article, "Bishop Long Scraps Interview, Repeats Denial (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=383972#p383944)" (Sept. 23, 2010; CBSNews / AP):
by cdraper5 September 23, 2010 10:29 AM EDT
Let me ask you a question. How many men do you know send pics of themselves in muscle shirts to other men? I'm for Gay rights and equality but don't say you aren't when things that you do say you are.
by kippertoo September 23, 2010 11:22 AM EDT
He was on the 'down-low'. At least thats what all of the black closet gays call it. They think if they're not the one taking it in the kisser then they're not really gay. What a pig.
Copyright ©2010 CBS Interactive Inc.
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Two Questions that are still unanswered:
1) When Bishop long was asked if he did those things to those boys he responded: “I am not a perfect man…†If he were innocent why didn’t he just respond: “No I did not�
2) Is “Bishop Long†the name he used in church or was that his porn name?
...
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Two Questions that are still unanswered:
1) When Bishop long was asked if he did those things to those boys he responded: “I am not a perfect man…†If he were innocent why didn’t he just respond: “No I did not�
Actually, Bishop Eddie Long did say, "I did not do those things," or some variation of that statement. He avers these lawsuits are just a "shakedown" and/or acts of retaliation. Read back through the earlier articles.
From the most recent CNN article above, "Atlanta pastor to respond to lawsuits (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31255&p=383977#p381219)," a quote from Art Franklin, the pastor's spokesman:
Long "categorically and adamantly denies these allegations," Franklin said.[/list]
The "I am not a perfect man" statement refers back to Eddie Long's professed honesty and forthrightness re. the travails of his life prior to his knuckling down and becoming a true disciple of the Lord. I imagine his first wife might have plenty to say about all this!
2) Is “Bishop Long†the name he used in church or was that his porn name?
:roflmao: It's apparently his real name.
Some similarly salacious remarks were made on the first page of this thread re. the origins of "LONGfellow Academy," before folks realized that their jokes were actually... closer to reality than anticipated!
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Some interesting professional background with regards to the plaintiffs' attorney...
Fwiw: The prefacing Editor's note which introduces this article appears to have been written prior to breaking news of the third lawsuit. In fact, B.J. Bernstein is representing all three of these former Longfellows Academy students.
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METRO ATLANTA / STATE NEWS · 12:22 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long | B.J. Bernstein a media-savvy courtroom competitor (http://http://www.ajc.com/news/bishop-eddie-long-b-618954.html)
By Jeremy Redmon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor's note: The two men who are suing Bishop Eddie Long, claiming that he had sexual relationships with them, are represented by Atlanta attorney B.J. Bernstein.
Bernstein is perhaps best-known for her successful representation of Genarlow Wilson, a Douglas County teenager who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for having consensual sex with a minor female. He was released after serving two years.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published this profile of Bernstein in July 2007 as the Wilson case went to the Georgia Supreme Court.
(http://http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/00671/020308bernstein_671768l.jpg)
Atlanta attorney B.J. Bernstein. File
Before B.J. Bernstein begins her frequent news conferences, she slowly and clearly spells her name for reporters covering the child molestation case against her client, Genarlow Wilson.
She warns a television cameraman when he is blocking the shot of a competitor. And Bernstein, who tops out at 5 feet, obligingly stands on an equipment box rather than force TV reporters to lower their microphones.
She is the feisty defense lawyer taking on Douglas County prosecutors, the Georgia attorney general's office and the state courts themselves, all through a sophisticated media blitz. She set up a Web site, http://www.wilsonappeal.com (http://www.wilsonappeal.com). She hired a media relations company. With her help, the case has continued to attract national news media attention. Wilson's story has appeared on CNN and ESPN and in The New York Times.
Bernstein is seeking to free Wilson from prison, where he has spent more than two years of a 10-year sentence for receiving oral sex from a 15-year-old girl when he was 17. His sentence, Bernstein argues, is cruel and unusual punishment for a teenager who had consensual sex with another teen, though the age of legal consent in Georgia is 16.
Her media-savvy approach has invited criticism as well as attention.
"There does appear to be more of an attempt for publicity and future book and movie deals and limousines and Web sites and publicists, that you begin to wonder whether or not Genarlow is the highest priority, " said state Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson (R-Savannah), who has been outspoken in his criticism of Wilson. "When you have a case, you try it in court. When you don't have a case, you try it in the media.
"That is what is going on."
Bernstein said she is not seeking publicity for herself, saying she is trying to highlight what she asserts is an injustice in Wilson's case so it won't happen again.
"Letting the world know about what is happening to Genarlow Wilson, " she said, "is the only reason we have a shot at saving Genarlow Wilson and protecting other kids."
Intense focus pays off
Brenda Joy Bernstein wasn't always so outspoken. She said she was shy, even "nerdy, " growing up in Columbia, the daughter of an insurance agent and a nursing teacher. She said she rarely dated and wasn't popular in high school, focusing on academics instead of cliques. She skipped her senior prom so she could attend a model United Nations conference, a forum for students to debate international issues.
"It wasn't like I had a date, " Bernstein said with a laugh.
Bernstein said she got hooked on the law in the eighth grade after she participated in a mock trial with the help of a real judge. She found she enjoyed explaining complex issues in public.
Paul Kurtz, who taught criminal law to Bernstein at the University of Georgia in 1984, said Bernstein's media campaign probably played a role in a Monroe County judge's decision last month to grant Wilson's appeal and order him freed from prison.
Attorney General Thurbert Baker is appealing that judge's decision to the Georgia Supreme Court, which has scheduled a hearing in the case for 10 a.m. today.
After she graduated from law school in 1987, Bernstein went to work as a prosecutor for about 6 1/2 years. She spent most of that time in Gwinnett County, working under then-District Attorney Tom Lawler and his successor, Danny Porter. For about two years, she worked on a special team assigned to child-molestation cases, invaluable experience that she said has helped her in Wilson's case.
Bernstein eventually opened her own law firm with $10,000 her parents set aside for her wedding. That wedding never happened, she said, because she hasn't met the right man. She lives alone in a Midtown apartment, doting over two cats, Jaedon and Yo-yo. The sometimes combative lawyer melts when she describes how the two furballs spoon with each other in her bed.
That soft side carries over to the people she represents, particularly the younger ones.
"I definitely pay more attention to them more, " she said. "I think that may be a little bit of mothering showing up in there. . . . Maybe because I was nerdy and not the cool kid, I can understand a little bit when they are a little out of place. And so it makes it easier to talk to them."
Bernstein's intense focus on her work paid off before she met Wilson, helping her snag several high-profile clients, including the platinum-selling rapper Da Brat, who faced charges of aggravated assault in connection with an early-morning brawl at a Buckhead nightclub in 2000. Bernstein also landed on TV as a legal commentator before she picked up Wilson as a client, discussing everything from Scott Peterson's murder trial to pop music star Michael Jackson.
Bernstein said she learned how to deal with the news media from veteran Atlanta criminal defense attorney Steve Sadow, who represented former Gold Club owner Steve Kaplan in his sensational racketeering trial in 2001. Bernstein shared an office with Sadow for eight years and considers him her mentor, saying he showed her "the balancing act between the public interest in needing to know about a case and making sure that a client was able to be fairly dealt with by the courts."
Sadow praised Bernstein's grasp of the law and her ability to connect with people.
"I give her better than 50-50 odds, " Sadow said of Bernstein's chances of winning Wilson's case before the Georgia Supreme Court. "I put my money on her."
Wilson's mother, Juannessa Bennett, hired Bernstein after hearing about her from Wilson's trial attorney.
Bernstein said she has been representing Wilson for free. A separate attorney not working on the case is administering a legal-defense fund for Wilson to which donors have contributed more than $10,000 during the past year. Some of that money has gone to pay the media-relations firm assisting Bernstein in the case.
"She is doing a great job, " Bennett said of Bernstein this month after attending a rally for her son at the Douglas County Courthouse in Douglasville. "Her heart is definitely in this case.
" I don't think I could have picked anybody to do a better job."
Sen. Johnson and others have been critical, saying Bernstein's chances of winning Wilson's freedom are extremely slim and that she should accept a plea deal Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is offering.
Wilson would get a 15-year sentence with five years in prison including credit for time served. And he would be able to avoid registering as a sex offender, McDade said.
"She is interested in publicizing the case for her own personal gain, " McDade said. "She has lost sight of what is best for her client."
University of Georgia professor Donald E. Wilkes Jr., an outspoken critic of Baker's handling of the case, said Bernstein's argument -- that 10 years in prison for consensual sex is cruel and unusual punishment -- has precedent in Georgia.
In 1997, the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that it was cruel and unusual punishment to sentence a man to 12 months in jail and fine him $1,000 for criminal trespass. McDade may have followed the letter of the law in prosecuting Wilson, but, Wilkes said, "Constitutional rights always trump statutes."
Bernstein says she has discussed McDade's plea deal with Wilson and that he will accept nothing more than a misdemeanor.
So the fight will continue.
"This is not about me getting famous, " Bernstein said. "It is just the stupidest thing I have ever heard. If people believe that, so be it.
"I have to be a lawyer, and after this is over, I am still a lawyer."
Staff writers Steve Visser and Jeffry Scott contributed to this article.
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution