EDDIE LONG RESPONDS TO RUMORS OF WIFE MOVING OUT

About a year ago, on September 21 and 22, 2010, Maurice Robinson, Anthony Flagg, and Jamal Parris filed separate lawsuits in DeKalb County Superior Court alleging that Long used his pastoral influence to coerce them into a sexual relationship with him.

On September 24, Spencer LeGrande, a member of a New Birth satellite church in Charlotte, North Carolina, filed a similar suit, making him the fourth man to file a lawsuit claiming sexual misconduct by Long. The plaintiffs state that Long placed the men on the church’s payroll, bought them cars and other gifts, and took them separately on trips to destinations such as Kenya, South Africa, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad, Honduras, New Zealand, and New York City.

The lawsuits stated that Long would “discuss the Holy Scripture to justify and support the sexual activity.” Flagg’s suit claims that Long presided over a “covenant” ceremony between the two of them; Flagg’s attorney said that the ceremony was “essentially a marriage ceremony, with candles, exchange of jewelry, and biblical quotes.”

On September 26, Long spoke to the New Birth congregation but he did not address the issue directly. Long spoke of painful times and said, “I’ve been accused. I’m under attack. I want you to know, as I said earlier, I am not a perfect man, but this thing, I’m going to fight.

Months after saying he would fight the accusations, several weeks ago Long and the church settled the sex scandal out of court under terms that preclude any discussion about the settlement or the young men’s allegations.

Church members quickly informed BMS of a $15 million dollar settlement mostly paid via church insurance. Long allegedly only offered a private apology to the young men despite what they really wanted, a public apology and money. Church members were upset and many are leaving the church they once called home.

Days after the sex settlement, Dr. Martin Luther King’s daughter Rev. Berniece King, who had been an honorary and longtime member announced that she was leaving the church to start her own ministry. SEE VIDEO:

Long and New Birth announced recently that they they would open up satellite offices in Denver and Birmingham.

As with most sex scandals, many will leave your side but there are a few who stick around, like his long time mega church friend Creflo Dollar who told Long’s flock who fled his church because of the scandal to go back to Long and give money. Listen as this fool alleged man of God tells the congregation “Long had a minor accident, we all have them, but he had insurance so he’ll be ok”.

Sunday twitter and facebook went crazy after a woman walked up to Bishop Long and handed him a stack of money as if they were in a strip club. Many on blackmediascoop’s facebook/twitter feed say it was a set up to entice others to give because the church is now hurting for cash and members. See video.

The latest rumor bombshell hit the internet Tuesday morning claiming that Bishop Eddie Long’s wife, Vanessa allegedly packed up her bags and moved out of the $1.5million dollar home. Long married Vanessa Griffin in 1990. She worked on the Board of Directors for the Faith Academy. She also headed many ministries, mostly those dealing with women’s issues. They have 3 children together Edward, Jared, and Taylor.

She allegedly took one of the children with her to stay at an undisclosed family members home! This is Long’s second go around at the chapel of love. He married Dabara S. Houston in 1981 and they have one son together Eric Long.

Late Tuesday, Bishop Eddie Long’s people responded to the internet allegations saying that his wife had not left their home and the allegationsare not true. See statement —-

“Despite a very public attack against New Birth Church and its leadership, New Birth has chosen not to respond to rumors but remain focused on fulfilling the mission that God has for the ministry.

It is unfortunate that anyone would make such hateful and damaging false claims of this nature. These cruel and insensitive rumors have the potential to cause immeasurable pain and suffering. Those involved should feel obligated to retract their earlier statements.”

So what do you think? Should Bishop Long be taken at his word? Should Long come out and answer questions from the media? Should the media focus their attention on other news stories? Should church members be told more details regarding the settlement or should everyone move on with their lives?

SOURCE: BMS/WIKIPEDIA/WGCL/WSB/AJC.COM/