Recap: Bishop Long Scandal

Get a recap of all the developments in the Bishop Long Get a recap of all the developments in the Bishop Long scandal here.

Bishop Long Scandal - This year, megachurch Bishop Eddie Long came under fire when four young men filed lawsuits against him accusing him of using his authority, along with cash and gifts, to lure them into sexual relationships. After weeks of silence, Long addressed his congregation late in September about the allegations saying that while he’s not “perfect,” he’s not the man being portrayed in the media. Recent reports indicate he’s looking to settle with the young men.
Background - Bishop Eddie Long has been with New Birth Missionary since 1987. The church has grown from 150 members to the 25,000-person congregation that it boasts today. Long is married with four children.
The Allegations - The suit, filed in DeKalb County, Georgia, alleges that Long engaged the men in “intimate sexual contact” and created his own spiritual ceremony in which the boys became his “spiritual sons.”
Another Motive? - Before the plaintiffs filed suit, one of the men, Maurice Robinson, was arrested for burglarizing Bishop Eddie Long’s office in apparent retaliation for his abuse. Stolen items included jewelry, high-end electronics and an iPad, which Long later used during the sermon in which he denied the sexual abuse allegations.His Stance on Gay Rights - Considered one of the most anti-gay pastors in the country, Long once called homosexuality a “spiritual abortion.” In 2004, Long led a parade of thousands of people through the streets of Atlanta in protest of gays and same-sex marriage.

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Background - Bishop Eddie Long has been with New Birth Missionary since 1987. The church has grown from 150 members to the 25,000-person congregation that it boasts today. Long is married with four children.

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