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One concern for both parties is whether their side is going to be required to give their depositions first. Bishop Long's attorneys have requested that the men who filed suit against him be required to be deposed first. But the plaintiff's lead counsel, B.J. Bernstein, would like for Long's side to go first.
"We just want a fair and balanced deposition schedule," Bernstein told the Associated Press. "Not just one side."
The order of deposition is important in legal proceedings because the side that moves last has more time to ascertain the strength of the other party's case. They can better develop questions for cross-examination and may even change their willingness to settle.
The sexual misconduct suit against Bishop Eddie Long involves four men who've accused the megapastor of using his power and influence to lure them into sexual relationships. The men claim that Long used gifts, expensive trips and his influence to get what he wanted. Long has denied the allegations in legal filings, only admitting that he has shared a room with members of his congregation on a few trips. He claims that there was no sexual misconduct.
Most interesting about the case against Bishop Long is that both sides appear interested in resolving the case very quickly. Resolving the case quickly does not mean that it has to be resolved privately, but I suspect that's what will happen. If the facts are not revealed and Bishop Long returns to the helm of The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, his position as a spiritual leader will always be under question. It is important that he get the public hearing he seemed to demand in the beginning.
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: (41)
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By: Deut818 on 1/06/2011 2:55PM
Neither party has submitted a deposition as of YET? Because either party is not willing to be the FIRST to submit a deposition to gave an advantage against the other? That's SUSPECT on both parties party IMPO...the last thing the BISHOP should do is not be forth coming..if he has NOTHING to hide..now is the time to admit what mistakes he made less the sexual accounts against him..like SENDING cell phone pictues in him underwear in the bathroom..or like sharing a bed with any oton these boys at anytimes when he may not had have too..
The Bishop wants a public hearing and he should stick with that position... for me mediation is out of the question(IMPO)...the Bishop has appeared to be macho and arrogant-- curly toupee'and all..with his short stature..what is he 5ft-2inches?.. Folks don't know he's SHORT below average height for a man.
I betcha a dollar to a donut.. this will be settled out of court when the rubber hits the road and all the details are proven the Bishop compromised his position as BISHOP with this boys..
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By: Trisha on 1/06/2011 3:43PM
Bishop Long may have to settle due to his error of being too trustworthy and for making unwise decisions, but this does not mean that he is guilty of what he is accused of doing. MJ was guilty of the same behavior. You would have to know the character and the nature of these two people to understand them.
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By: smac on 1/07/2011 10:13AM
I think he is admitting guilt just by going to mediation. What happened to the stones he was supposed to be throwing. I do not know any Pastor, mega church or store front who shares rooms with congregants on trips. I sorry if he has issues that it between him and God, but he needs to be man and own up to what he did wrong. I have lost so much respect for him. Also some can say he just wants to get this issue resolved, but I do not know of any man who is not gay who would not stand in court and let the evidence be presented to show he is innocent of the accusations in question.
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By: machevilli on 1/06/2011 8:49PM
Trisha,
If someone accused me of something that bad and I know I didn't do it I would have no problem telling the world what happen. The fact that it is private mediation tells me something happen and the pastor doesn't want it to get out.
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By: SMAC on 1/07/2011 10:39AM
THIS IS TO TRISHA
I watched that video clip and was not moved much by what the other minister said, but one thing did catch my attention. The man said to Bishop Long "the Lord said is it going to be me or them". Could it have been God was giving him a chance to get on the right track because he was entertaining things that were contrary to the word of God. See the problem with many of us Christians is we get caught up in worshiping MAN and not GOD. I understand he is a man, he may have short comings, and God can STILL use him; however, he must be willing to admit his weaknesses before man and God to really prevail. I continue to pray his strength, but he will continue to be weak until he can be transparent.
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By: LILLIE on 1/08/2011 1:17AM
THAT WHY PRAYER IS SO IMPORTANT FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST. BECAUSE IT KEEPS US ROOTED AND GROUND AND ALLOWS GOD TO DIRECT OUR PATH.
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By: DARRELL on 1/30/2011 8:51PM
Really?? Eddie Long's entire reaction to this horrible episode are the actions of a very guilty man. As a Christian I am ashamed for him. The right way for a man of God to have handled this would be to admit fault, ask forgiveness and try to rebuild his life. As far as A Ministry is concerned....Well, you blew that when you blew them boys!
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By: Mensa on 1/06/2011 5:02PM
In the end it won't matter whose case is stronger or not. This case will most likely be judged more so on principle than anything. The blinders have been lifted and those who didn't know now do. I think these young men have struggled with the identity of their sexuality and were left with no room for compromise once in the sights of the Bishop. They're probably just happy to see him in a position where he's forced to be accountable for his actions and that now this issue is finally being addressed, period. I'd bet the wife feels the same way - no more hiding or lying about what her husband is truly interested in. It must feel like a weight has been lifted.
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By: stare k on 1/06/2011 9:27PM
If he settle out of court , there will always be this cloud hanging over his & members head . If he know he did not do any thing , why not go to court & let it all hang out, beside the TRUTH ONLY GO ONE WAY. But lies , lies ,they can be spreaded in so many directions . He know if it go to court
detail after detail will come out . So he want to settle out of court . If the do he will ask for a
agreetment , NEVER TO BE DISCUSSED BY THEM AGAIN.
Do any one know wheather he has lost any members? I can't imagin all of them are still there .
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By: Trisha on 1/06/2011 11:05PM
Of course he has lost members; some who really didn't care for him anyway and others who were too confused to stay.
Sometimes people are too hurt to fight back. This has taken a lot out of Bishop Long, innocent or guilty. The cost of court would only add more to the church's deficit. Right now, they are struggling to stay afloat. Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ICeUoNXGwA&playnext=1&list=PL7EE517B0EBF4F08A&index=8
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