CNN is reporting that two men in Georgia are suing Bishop Eddie Long in Atlanta, alleging that the powerful pastor used his influence to force them in to having sex. Filed in DeKalb County, the suit claims that Long used his position of authority at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to persuade the two young male employees in to various forms of misconduct.
One of the plaintiffs, Anthony Flagg, is a 21-year-old man who alleges that some of the misconduct occurred during overnight trips to various cities:
"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," according to the lawsuit.
Long's spokesman, Art Franklin, stated that "we categorically deny the allegations. It is very unfortunate that someone has taken this course of action. Our law firm will be able to respond once attorneys have had an opportunity to review the lawsuit."
The lawsuit is seeking unspecified amounts in financial damages and accuses Long on multiple counts, including negligence, breach of fiduciary duty and so on.
Well, it seems that while the summer in Atlanta was hot, the fall is going to be even hotter. I've never met Bishop Eddie Long, but I've always known of his vast presence in the city of Atlanta and throughout the world. He is second-to-none when it comes to mega pastors-and is certainly a historical figure.
At the same time, one has to be quite curious to determine if there is any merit to this lawsuit. I would imagine that if this form of behavior were going on in the past, there'd be rumors circulating throughout the black church community. I am not aware of such rumors, but once again, I don't run in the circle of black clergy.
The irony of this lawsuit is that it re-opens the ugly conversation about homosexuality within the black church. While African Americans lead the nation in homophobia, there are legions of black gay men throughout the black community, many of whom feel that they have to hide who they truly are.
I feel sorry for these men and hope that perhaps, one day, we can find it in our hearts to accept them. This might go double for Bishop Eddie Long, who led a march against gay marriage not too long ago. Should it be the case that Long actually is gay, one can only wonder just how much self-hatred a person needs to have to fight against the very thing he represents.
Again, without saying whether or not the allegations against Bishop Long are true, it seems that we can sort this issue into exactly what would be wrong if Long were guilty of any of the things for which he's being accused. There is nothing illegal about sleeping with a 21-year-old.
There is also nothing illegal about being gay (whether it's part-time or full-time). This incident would not make him a child molester either. At worst, he would be guilty of various forms of sexual harassment, which might be questionable in light of the fact that these men may have chosen to share a room with Long on these trips.
I also wonder -- if there was indeed coercion -- exactly how Long might have forced them to have sex. It's easy for someone to sleep with a person, get disgruntled and then claim that you forced them in to it. That's why I highly advise against sleeping with someone you deal with on the job.
While it's simple to presume that Long did something wrong, we have to remember that there are always people out there seeking to get money out of famous people by blackmailing their public image. I expect that the courts will help those who support Eddie Long to sort through the facts of this case.
Let's be clear folks: Any potential misconduct on the part of Bishop Eddie Long in this sex scandal would only go as deep as sexual harassment/coercion and the ethical violations that come with preaching the bible on Sundays and possibly doing "unbiblical things" for the rest of the week. But if it is the case that Long has positioned himself as a spiritual leader and failed to meet the standards he's imposed on his congregation, then he has become a black version of the Catholic priests who've abused their power over young men for many centuries. If Long is found guilty of such an allegation, then I will personally never forgive him.
But if you consider all the folks who go to church on Sunday and live a double life on the side, it might seem that nearly all the members of the black church would be guilty of things more dramatic than anything I could repeat on this page (that's where all the Tyler Perry movies come from). Oh, yeah, there's also that little thing about Bishop Long being married (he's pictured above with his wife, Vanessa), but I'll let his wife work that one out. This is certainly going to be interesting and life-changing for tens of thousands of people, and for that reason, this is a sad day for the African-American church.
Influential Black Spiritual Leaders
People around the world look to pastors, preachers, bishops and reverends for spiritual guidance and inspirational nourishment. In the black community, popular clergymen such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Rev. Al Sharpton are held in high esteem and have much influence over congregations and countless followers alike. Take a look at them and other influential black spiritual leaders.
FilmMagic / Getty Images
Influential Black Spiritual Leaders
Influential Black Spiritual Leaders
People around the world look to pastors, preachers, bishops and reverends for spiritual guidance and inspirational nourishment. In the black community, popular clergymen such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Rev. Al Sharpton are held in high esteem and have much influence over congregations and countless followers alike. Take a look at them and other influential black spiritual leaders.
Bishop T.D. Jakes, The Potter's House AGE: 51 HOMETOWN: South Charleston, West Virginia ABOUT HIM: The entrepreneur and chief pastor of the The Potter's House, a 30,000 member non-denominational megachurch church in Dallas. FACTOID: Jakes, who was named among America's "Top 10 Religious Leaders" by 'Time' magazine, has recorded Grammy- and Dove Award-nominated music projects. He also produced the movies 'Woman Thou Art Loosed' and 'Not Easily Broken.'
Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Trinity United Church of Christ AGE: 67 HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ABOUT HIM: For 36 years, Wright was the Senior Pastor of the Chicago megachurch -- which boasted around 8,500 members. Controversial remarks made during his sermon shed negative light on the popular church, and one of its most well known parishioners: Illinois Senator and U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama. FACTOID: Named one of 'Ebony' magazine's top 15 preachers, Wright has received a Rockefeller Fellowship and seven honorary doctorate degrees, including from Colgate University, Lincoln University, Valparaiso University, United Theological Seminary and Chicago Theological Seminary.
Juanita Bynum, televangelist AGE: 49 HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois ABOUT HER: A former beautician, flight attendant and drug abuser, Bynum transformed herself into one of the most popular celebrity clergywomen after being introduced to the masses by Bishop T.D. Jakes. With a highly rated TBN show and a thriving television ministry, she gained national attention in 2007 when her estranged husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks, III, allegedly attacked her in a hotel parking lot. FACTOID: Bynum, a best-selling recording artist and author, has crossed over into entertainment. In 2008, she starred on episodes of the hit ABC Family network TV series 'Lincoln Heights' and will also appear in the big movie adaptation of the off-Broadway musical 'Mama I Want To Sing,' alongside Ciara, Lynn Whitfield and Patti LaBelle.
Bishop Eddie L. Long, New Birth Missionary Baptist HOMETOWN: North Carolina ABOUT HIM: He first served as pastor in 1987 for a congregation consisting of just more than 300 members. Now the Lithonia, Georgia-based megachurch's membership has totaled to over 30,000 members. FACTOID: Long has authored numerous books, including 'What a Man Wants, What a Woman Needs' and 'The Blessing in Giving.' The bishop is also featured on rapper Ludacris' latest album, 'Release Therapy,' and appeared on the hit Bravo reality show, 'Real Housewives of Atlanta.'
Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network AGE: 54 HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, New York ABOUT HIM: Mostly recognized as a staunch civil rights activist for people of color, the former James Brown tour manager is the founder the National Action Network, a nonprofit, civil rights organization with over 40 active chapters nationwide. FACTOID: A 2004 U.S. Presidential candidate, the divorced father of two daughters has written a memoir (with Karen Hunter) hosted his own TV show (on TV One) and nationally syndicated radio program.
Bishop Noel Jones, City of Refuge Church AGE: 57 HOMETOWN: Spanish Town, Jamaica ABOUT HIM: In 1994, Bishop Jones founded Noel Jones Ministries (NJM), formerly known as Jesus Alternative Ministries, in an effort to address religion's inability to offer real relevance to the changing climate of the times. His Gardenia, California-based church boasts 7,000 members. FACTOID: One of seven children born to Bishop Robert and Marjorie Jones, Bishop Jones attended St. Jago High School and went on to attain a B.S. in Theology from Aenon Bible College. He is the younger brother of entertainer Grace Jones.
Jamal Harrison Bryant, The Empowerment Temple ABOUT HIM: Bryant founded Baltimore's Empowerment Temple in April 2000, which became the fastest growing church in the A.M.E. denomination with over 11,000 members. Prior to his role as pastor, he served as director of the NAACP's youth and college division. FACTOID: Despite dropping out of high school, Bryant later obtained a GED and went on to further his education, receiving a degree from Morehouse College, a masters of divinity from Duke University and doctorate in ministry. Today, his 'Power for Life' broadcast is heard weekly across the United States, the Caribbean, England and throughout the continent of Africa.
Pastor Cynthia Hale, Ray of Hope Christian Church HOMETOWN: Roanoke, Virginia ABOUT HER: Hale is the founding and senior pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia, which has an active membership of 5,000 and an average of 1,500 in worship each Sunday morning. FACTOID: In 2004, Hale established a mentorship program to assist in the spiritual as well as practical development of pastors and church leaders. She has been recognized by Ebony magazine as one of the greatest black women preachers in America.
Bishop Larry Trotter, Sweet Holy Spirit Church HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois ABOUT HIM: Since 1981, Trotter has expanded his congregation at The Windy City's Sweet Holy Spirit Church from 22 members to over 5,000. FACTOID: In addition to his preaching ministry, Trotter is also an accomplished musician who was nominated for a Stellar Award in 2003 for his rendition of 'Jesus is the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me.'
Innocent until proven guilty, ok that’s fine. Long may be totally innocent, but here is thing. The appearance of impropriety!
Just like Big Mouth Maxine Waters, Shaky Charley Rangel. A person in a position of responsibility “MUST” avoid even a whiff of inappropriate conduct. They don’t seem to understand that.
Also last year in his book “Snakes in the Pulpit” a cat named Ruben Armstrong, made these same charges against Long. He said Long was on the down low and Longs staff know it.
I found it interesting that no one sued Armstrong for liable; he also made some explosive charges against Dollar and Jakes. Armstrong is looking more and more credible.
I believe its T.R.U.E. I'm tired of these PREACHERS! They have been doing this for YEARS! My pastor was just caught in sexual harassment and embezzlement just recently. Our church has split people who loved the pastor left because the Bishop got rid of the pastor. People are at the church because they are mad as HELL with the pastor. When I started attending this church 14 years ago, I became friends with my pastor’s wife and my pastor started going after me. He put me in a leadership position at the church. I went to my grandmother about my pastor liking me and my grandmother rebuked the Devil. I acknowledged my pastor’s lust and my pastor preached a sermon about me without calling my name. He became acting mean and angry to me as though I had done something WRONG. He was constantly saying inappropriate things to me. I left the church after ten years I got tired of hearing him talk about people from a bully pulpit. He talked about me for the last time. I returned back to the church after the Bishop got rid of him. I hope he, his wife, the church business manager and ANY OTHER people who have stolen money from the church GO TO HELL!
I read the book "Snakes in the Pulpit" by Rueben Armstrong and I believed him because as you said no one tried to sue him or speak out against what he said. But the thing that got me about Long was if he was supposed to be a Bishop and knew protocol then why would he expose his naked looking natural body like he did by wearing all those tight tee shirts Right In The Pulpit? Did not he know what protocol for a Bishop is? Suppose a woman would have got in the pulpit with a skimmpy tight top like that on, what would the people and her congregation had a said!! Hummmm? So what goes for the goose also goes for the gander; and he just looked and talked like he was the most disrespectful Bishop I've ever seen or heard in my life. He really has outdone himself with all the money, fame, and power it was really much too much for this man to have attained. Oh that he himself will take his messages and apply them to his life and humble himself under the mighty hand of God and seek Him to want to be DELIVERED HIMSEL.
Hello can i get a comment about the catholic church? and it's preist many of which are still working in church's and some retired and walking the streets!every church will have to give an account black or white!
Oh wow I need to get that book. But, anyhow it is so hard to read the messages that beat down these young men. Jesus said in his word, " He who is without sin cast the first stone. I dare you throw one--- go ahead throw one! It will ricochet and hit cha back. You calling these young men names like thugs and RATS, this is not Godly. As I told Pastor Thompson on pg. 4, I was assaulted when I was seven years old( I can talk about it cause I am delivered from that hurt). Going through something so tragic will make you do some heck of a thangs. I burgalarized, commited arson, I was the one that persecuted the christians (lied on them). Until I met Jesus on my road to Damascus.) But, you calling them names is the same as beating a seven year old while telling her, "he didn't do that!" Pray for them. Pray for Bishop! Exposure brings closure- They will be exposed for there acts are he will be exposed for his hiden and sliden, dippin and slippen. This is God's season to clean out the pulpit. Enough is enough let's stop playing church, God is calling for HOLINESS!
Slick, I do believe that you are aready judging, is that a log in your eye? one must look at the things that are in our closet, before even attempting to clean out someone else, remember God is the author and finisher of all our lives.Keep God first in your life, then when crap happens, we will not be so down hearted about life.
Ms Crowder you have no basis for your comment. I twice wrote clearly "Innocent until proven guilty". But God didnt make me a fool, he gave me common sense and intelligence for a reason.
People in positions of (Great) responsibility must avoid in the slightest hint of impropriety! The reasons are obvious.
Also Id suggest the proper use of scripture. Mat 7:3-5 suggest noticing or critizing a moral flaw in one person while posessing that same quality in oneself. My dear Im not accussed of sleeping with boys or abusing my position.
Further, this cat my get off, but that doesnt make him innocent. We operate by a higher standard, and by that I will most certainly will make a "JUDGEMENT" about his morality. I cant not condemn, but I can make a determination about his chracter.
I have been in ministry for many years I have seen all sorts of attacks against men and women of God. The fact is we don't know them, but if it is true and he repents and seek restoration, God will use him to go into higher heights.
I was a minister in a church and I went back to drugs and whorermongering. I asked God to take these drugs out of my life again, and I will serve you cleaning bath rooms for I didn't won't to be trap by my sins any longer. I repented, went through restoration and three years later I am an associate minister at on of the most prominent and influential church in Souther Tier of Western New York state.
We can't judge but we can pray. Moses was a murderer but God found a use for him, David committed adultrey and murder to cover up the fact that Basheba was with child and God allowed Jesus to come through that blood line. Joseph was sold into slavary, accussed of raping his masters wife, thrown in prison only to come out to the most second powerful man in Eygpt, which allowed a family to become a nation.
I have followed Bishop Long's Ministry for years and he and the ministry is blessed an anointed, but I can't stand in judgement of him I am not nor is anyone else qualified to stand as his judge accept God. I just want people to ask themselves can your life stand up to the spot light? Everyone has bones in the closet and some of them still have meat on them. Be bless beloveds.
True Believers understand, that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
'Sons Of Anarchy' Another 'Shield' Star
Monique Ruffin: Moms Change the World: Kenya Stevens
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (404)
Add a comment
By: slick on 9/21/2010 6:55PM
hahahahahahlololololrothflmao
Innocent until proven guilty, ok that’s fine.
Long may be totally innocent, but here is thing. The appearance of impropriety!
Just like Big Mouth Maxine Waters, Shaky Charley Rangel. A person in a position of responsibility
“MUST” avoid even a whiff of inappropriate conduct. They don’t seem to understand that.
Also last year in his book “Snakes in the Pulpit” a cat named Ruben Armstrong, made these same charges against Long. He said Long was on the down low and Longs staff know it.
I found it interesting that no one sued Armstrong for liable; he also made some explosive charges against Dollar and Jakes. Armstrong is looking more and more credible.
But again innocent until proven guilty.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: ARNEADER on 9/21/2010 8:45PM
I believe its T.R.U.E. I'm tired of these PREACHERS! They have been doing this for YEARS! My pastor was just caught in sexual harassment and embezzlement just recently. Our church has split people who loved the pastor left because the Bishop got rid of the pastor. People are at the church because they are mad as HELL with the pastor. When I started attending this church 14 years ago, I became friends with my pastor’s wife and my pastor started going after me. He put me in a leadership position at the church. I went to my grandmother about my pastor liking me and my grandmother rebuked the Devil. I acknowledged my pastor’s lust and my pastor preached a sermon about me without calling my name. He became acting mean and angry to me as though I had done something WRONG. He was constantly saying inappropriate things to me. I left the church after ten years I got tired of hearing him talk about people from a bully pulpit. He talked about me for the last time. I returned back to the church after the Bishop got rid of him. I hope he, his wife, the church business manager and ANY OTHER people who have stolen money from the church GO TO HELL!
http://www.mississippilink.com/news/article_dae76ebe-bc22-11df-a848-001cc4c002e0.html
http://www.mississippilink.com/news/article_31e2b786-c1ab-11df-8d39-001cc4c03286.html
http://www.mississippilink.com/news/article_f4afc8fe-b11f-11df-963c-001cc4c002e0.html
Report This
By: Trudy on 9/21/2010 11:50PM
I read the book "Snakes in the Pulpit" by Rueben Armstrong and I believed him because as you said no one tried to sue him or speak out against what he said. But the thing that got me about Long was if he was supposed to be a Bishop and knew protocol then why would he expose his naked looking natural body like he did by wearing all those tight tee shirts Right In The Pulpit? Did not he know what protocol for a Bishop is? Suppose a woman would have got in the pulpit with a skimmpy tight top like that on, what would the people and her congregation had a said!! Hummmm? So what goes for the goose also goes for the gander; and he just looked and talked like he was the most disrespectful Bishop I've ever seen or heard in my life. He really has outdone himself with all the money, fame, and power it was really much too much for this man to have attained. Oh that he himself will take his messages and apply them to his life and humble himself under the mighty hand of God and seek Him to want to be DELIVERED HIMSEL.
Report This
By: rightorwrong on 9/22/2010 1:15AM
Hello can i get a comment about the catholic church? and it's preist many of which are still working in church's and some retired and walking the streets!every church will have to give an account black or white!
Report This
By: cogicgirl33 on 9/22/2010 1:18AM
Oh wow I need to get that book. But, anyhow it is so hard to read the messages that beat down these young men. Jesus said in his word, " He who is without sin cast the first stone. I dare you throw one--- go ahead throw one! It will ricochet and hit cha back. You calling these young men names like thugs and RATS, this is not Godly. As I told Pastor Thompson on pg. 4, I was assaulted when I was seven years old( I can talk about it cause I am delivered from that hurt). Going through something so tragic will make you do some heck of a thangs. I burgalarized, commited arson, I was the one that persecuted the christians (lied on them). Until I met Jesus on my road to Damascus.) But, you calling them names is the same as beating a seven year old while telling her, "he didn't do that!" Pray for them. Pray for Bishop! Exposure brings closure- They will be exposed for there acts are he will be exposed for his hiden and sliden, dippin and slippen. This is God's season to clean out the pulpit. Enough is enough let's stop playing church, God is calling for HOLINESS!
Report This
By: Gloria Crowder on 9/22/2010 6:01PM
Slick, I do believe that you are aready judging, is that a log in your eye? one must look at the things that are in our closet, before even attempting to clean out someone else, remember God is the author and finisher of all our lives.Keep God first in your life, then when crap happens, we will not be so down hearted about life.
Report This
By: ARNEADER on 9/22/2010 7:17PM
A must read! Bishop Eddie Long's lawsuit. Dirty b@st@rd!
http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/archive/00671/Read_it__Lawsuit_fi_671754a.pdf
Report This
By: slick on 9/23/2010 11:24AM
@Gloria Crowder
Ms Crowder you have no basis for your comment. I twice wrote clearly "Innocent until proven guilty". But God didnt make me a fool, he gave me common sense and intelligence for a reason.
People in positions of (Great) responsibility must avoid in the slightest hint of impropriety! The reasons are obvious.
Also Id suggest the proper use of scripture. Mat 7:3-5 suggest noticing or critizing a moral flaw in one person while posessing that same quality in oneself. My dear Im not accussed of sleeping with boys or abusing my position.
Further, this cat my get off, but that doesnt make him innocent. We operate by a higher standard, and by that I will most certainly will make a "JUDGEMENT" about his morality. I cant not condemn, but I can make a determination about his chracter.
Report This
By: minister ron richardson on 9/24/2010 10:50PM
I have been in ministry for many years I have seen all sorts of attacks against men and women of God. The fact is we don't know them, but if it is true and he repents and seek restoration, God will use him to go into higher heights.
I was a minister in a church and I went back to drugs and whorermongering. I asked God to take these drugs out of my life again, and I will serve you cleaning bath rooms for I didn't won't to be trap by my sins any longer. I repented, went through restoration and three years later I am an associate minister at on of the most prominent and influential church in Souther Tier of Western New York state.
We can't judge but we can pray. Moses was a murderer but God found a use for him, David committed adultrey and murder to cover up the fact that Basheba was with child and God allowed Jesus to come through that blood line. Joseph was sold into slavary, accussed of raping his masters wife, thrown in prison only to come out to the most second powerful man in Eygpt, which allowed a family to become a nation.
I have followed Bishop Long's Ministry for years and he and the ministry is blessed an anointed, but I can't stand in judgement of him I am not nor is anyone else qualified to stand as his judge accept God. I just want people to ask themselves can your life stand up to the spot light? Everyone has bones in the closet and some of them still have meat on them. Be bless beloveds.
True Believers understand, that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Report This
By: mhyoung357 on 9/25/2010 1:08PM
I'm going to read Armstong's book!
Report This