ATLANTA | The pastor of a prominent megachurch accused by three young men of coercing them into sex took trips with other male proteges in his youth ministry as part of a mentoring effort, a lawyer for the religious leader said Thursday.Bishop Eddie Long, who has denied the sex allegations, plans his first public response Sunday during services at his 25,000-member church, lawyer 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 pushed them into sexual relations when they were 17 or 18 years old with gifts including cars, cash and travel. Long, who opposes same-sex marriage, built up the sprawling church in suburban Lithonia that 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.
Strange they just decided to tell someone about this, rather than telling it when it happened.
ReplyDeleteVERY TRUE.... IT SOUNDS LIKE EXTORION
ReplyDeleteBy their own admittance these boys did not have a problem as long as the money was coming. I have always heard about him giving away cars even in his services. I also find it interesting that no Crome has been committed but the church records can now be subpoenaed. Was it not too long ago that his and other prominent pastors were being askedto furnish the records of their churches income. And why bj bernstien talking about the case as though he has already been tried ms convicted. My last point,the clothes that he is wearing look tacky but they are no more sexual than what he wears in public.
ReplyDelete'If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. Eddie Long must be put to sleep. He is a fraud. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Eddie Long has a $350,000 Bentley , a multi million dollar home and a private jet.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with that statement except for the FACT that we have not gotten that far yet. The man has not stood trial yet. No evidence has been bought forward yet. There has only been hear say. Everything else is being interpreted. These people may have been victims or may not have been but either way they are guilty of knowingly sitting up Ina church and living on the tithes of the people. I ask how long did these men prostitute themselves? Even their lawyer admits that no crime has been commuted. They really don't want this to go to court because they will be stuck nothing more ridicule. No Crome has been commuted therefore he doesn't owe them anything. They are too stupid to realize that. I say that IF he is innocent and if he is as smart as I think he is he will let this go to court and not settle, that way everyone will have the opportunity to either review the evidence or see the other side flee. What ever the case is I say a true christian would be praying for the body of Christ and preparing for the type of persecution that will inevitably come there way. You see the world does not know the word of God that is why they discount the God of the bible who clearly warns of false prophets
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It is written judge not lest ye be judged and by the same measure the ye judge. Seeings how you are better with interpretation than you are at studying to show yourself approved, allow me to interpret. That means don't judge unless you are being judged and don't go over board with your judgement. A sin is a sin. While we do not know whether or not the man actually commuted these crimes, death is certainly not the answer and you should careful what you imply partner. Because according the bible before Christ we should all be put to death. As a sinner saved by grace I say that perhaps you should keep your mouth shut and pray. Then maybe the lord will teach how to have compassion for those who maybe falsely accused. The truth is you are hating because you are broke. Your argument about his wealth is not relevant to the charges. Just like many of his followers your god is the god of money. You've somehow recorded yourself into thinking that his demise will change your status. The truth is you will always be miserable until you begin seeking after Gods richness in glory.
ReplyDeleteLet's see Eddie long has been molested Anthony Flagg. Anthony Flagg found our that he had been molesting his high school friend Maurice Robinson abs it only took 5 years to figure that out. So his solution was to steal $100. 00 more of the churches property. He got caught and decided to use sexual abuse as an excuse. All this happened in June or July of this year. Sinnott started calling channel 5 and other investigator around August which of course came after the fact. Anthony flagg's buddy Maurice Robinson files his own court case. Turns out that the age of sexual consent is 16 and up so try don't have a case. So the attorney, who is of course is expecting to get paid leaks photos, goes on the news talking about the bishop as though he's already been proven guilty and even posts the law suits online. Interestingly enough two other boys Jamal Parris and Eddie Legrande who according the Legrande also knew each other and apparently very well files law suits because of course they to did "not" about this. Mind you their attorney has already made it clear that there has been crime committed but feels the need to publicly humiliate the bishop as though they still have a case. Of course what are hoping is that he will settle. I find it interesting that the boys claim they tried to settle this thing privately. If there is no crime then how do they expect to win a civil case or ant case. While it true you can sue for any reason it is not true that you will actually be granted money for anything. Let's not forget that there is only speculation surrounding these encounters. After 5 years there certainly isn't any proof. I don't know the motive but this whole thing clearly about money. Just in case anyone saw the Jamal Parris interview he was allegedly upset after the bishops message Sunday but he didn't appear to be upset until the interview started did he.he was walking out of the store laughing and talking on his cell phone. If you ask me these boys would have had no gripes if the money continued to come. I also find it funny that until the "boys" felt the need to act out and conseal the truth but all of sudden they experts. Jamal says you have to keep in mind this man has been manipulating them they were children. The whole thing sounds off to me. Another thing, the bishop made it very clear that he denies the allegations. I have never seen case where the attorney allows their client to speak on a case publicly. I'm no Eddie long fan but I don't beloved a man is guilty until proven innocent. I do know that these boys particularly Anthony Flagg have already been proven guilty and everyone else in this case would appear to be putting on the puppy dog eyes. I've never seen so many sane damaged people before on my life. I'm curious are there any boy from the ling fellows that " Eddie ling is molesting" nowa days. I'm pretty sure that would have come up by now even if he did suddenly sever all IRS.
ReplyDeleteCome on he got told on by one of lovers. One of them got very jealous and told. So now Bishop Long's business is in the open what you do in the dark will come to the light. It's just too bad the way it had to come out. Now he needs to get some help and decide if he wants to be gay or straight stop lying to your congregation.
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