Eddie Long Case Reaches a Settlement, but the Issue is Not Settled at All

May 26, 2011 By Staff 74 Comments

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, YourBlackWorld.com

“Matters have been resolved,” according to an attorney familiar with the legal situation involving Bishop Eddie Long. The suit involved four young men who sued Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, alleging that Long coerced them into having sex with him. The alleged incidents took place while Long was the head of an academy designed to mentor young boys.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that Barbara Marschalk, a representative for New Birth, expects that ” the lawsuits will be dismissed, with prejudice, by close of business tomorrow.”

B.J. Bernstein, who represents the four men who sued Long and New Birth also confirmed the lawsuits had been settled.

No one is speaking about what happened behind closed doors and the terms have not been disclosed. The attorney for the plaintiffs, BJ Bernstein, said that none of her clients…Maurice Robinson, Jamal Parris, Anthony Flagg and Spencer LeGrande …would ever be available for an interview on what happened in the case.

When the suit first emerged, Bishop Long promised a prolonged and arduous battle with his accusers. ”This thing I’m gonna fight,” he told his congregation just a few months ago. But the fight that Long promised turned into a quiet little settlement. There has been no call for a public trial on behalf of Long, deepening the suspicion that this “man of God” who once openly attacked the gay community, may indeed be guilty of some of the heinous actions of which he has been accused.

I don’t know what happened between Bishop Eddie Long and those boys, and to be honest, I will probably never meet Eddie Long in person. Being equally honest, I can’t say that I would ever want to meet Bishop Long, because there appears to be quite a bit of evidence and testimony to suggest that he has long been in the business of causing irreparable damage to young people who’ve been placed in his care. If there is anything worse than a man who abuses children, it would be an abuser who pretends to be a man of God. So, not only does my heart weep for all the boys who’ve been sexually abused by Catholic priests who were expected to love them, I also feel pain for the young men who may have been sexually manipulated by Bishop Eddie Long.

Let’s be clear: Settling a case does not imply guilt. But Bishop Long’s promise to his congregation that the truth would eventually be exposed is contradicted heavily by the fact that he has shared almost nothing. If the members of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church are so naive as to simply allow Bishop Long to quietly return to the pulpit, they do so at the risk of knowing that Satan’s power has truly taken reign over their place of worship. New Birth’s congregation deserves to know the truth and Bishop Eddie Long should be willing to provide it.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

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Filed Under: Dr. Boyce, Featured, Politics, Uncategorized, Your Black World

Blinz

some things are better left unsaid.
Livingstone

A people get what they deserve. If those folks at New Birth’s congregation want to act like nothing happened, let them. It would be evident that they did not wish to hear the truth of Bishop Eddie Long’s relationship with the guys. Peace be unto them all.
Vgking504

i understand that this type resolution strongly suggeste that the truth is revealed quietly. May God continue to Bless all person supporting this method of worship. What a journey chosen by this congregation.
Mclaucd

It is apparent that the congregation of New Birth is not interested in the truth regarding their pastor, Eddie Long. However, it is safe to say, that The Lord is not pleased with the situation at New Birth. The Lord will reveal the truth in due season. For now, we, of the household of faith, must pray for Bishop Eddie Long, and New Birth.

CitizenKane

I see no reason to pray for Bishop Eddie Long OR New Birth. The Bishop has made a decision not to profess the truth but hide behind the church. New Birth has made a decision to bury their heads in the sand instead of demanding an explanation from their leader…instead I think I’ll pray for these four young men and pray that they choose not to carry on the deviation learned at the hands of Eddie Long to any other innocents. My only question regarding the Bishop is…how many others were there who have chosen not to come forward?

Mclaucd

It is apparent that the congregation of New Birth is not interested in the truth regarding their pastor, Eddie Long. However, it is safe to say, that The Lord is not pleased with the situation at New Birth. The Lord will reveal the truth in due season. For now, we, of the household of faith, must pray for Bishop Eddie Long, and New Birth.
Brook

If these people let him pastor their church again, they are absolute and total fools.
Brook

If these people let him pastor their church again, they are absolute and total fools.
Djphoenix46

Wow. I am not a member of Bishop Long’s church, however, I will assume that they know more about him than any of us in the blogs who do not attend the church and have never met Mr. Long do. To criticize these people by calling them ignorant, or unwilling to know or to accept the truth is just wrong. We don’t know why these people have remained at the church or what they may know that we don’t know. Let’s have some common respect. Not one parishoner was on trial here. Eddie Long was. Critique him. Leave these other people alone.

EIwatson

DJphoenix46- you don’t have to be a member of his church to understand truth! NO ONE SETTLES A SUIT THIS DAMAGING WITHOUT WANTING IT TO GO AWAY!!! PERIOD!!! The fool is a pedophile! Plain and simple. Members of his church are fools if they let him back in the pulpit!
Anonymous

Save it, because you are judged by the company you keep and they keep company with him then they are guilty by association and therefore not exempt.
Theophilus

The Church IS to judge this matter: 1 Cor. 6:2-3. Furthermore 1 Tim. 5:19-20 clearly tells us how this situation should be handled – We are not to dismiss two or three witnesses when they make an accusation against an Elder, and we are to rebuke the Elder openly so that others may fear. The church is weak today because we choose to look the other way by not judging, refusing to obey the Word of God . What we fail to realize is that one day we will be judged for not holding leaders accountable. I Love You All
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_73CIKYA25XJQN4I3WN5CX6JTCU LEROY A

I have never heard Bishop Long say he did not do it, he uses a play on words. I will fight this. I did not do this was the first words the parishoners were waiting on, it still has not come.

Djphoenix46

Wow. I am not a member of Bishop Long’s church, however, I will assume that they know more about him than any of us in the blogs who do not attend the church and have never met Mr. Long do. To criticize these people by calling them ignorant, or unwilling to know or to accept the truth is just wrong. We don’t know why these people have remained at the church or what they may know that we don’t know. Let’s have some common respect. Not one parishoner was on trial here. Eddie Long was. Critique him. Leave these other people alone.
Mztalent

After a while you get tired of people saying we need to pray for them and leave it alone. If Jesus kicked over tables for people making His house a den of thieves when it was suppose to be a house of prayed, and Jesus called the religous sect hypocrites and vipors, then I wonder what response we would get out of Him when he walked in and caught the “Bishop” manipulating those young men with perversion?????? Probably would kick his butt right out of the house and call him a few names too!!!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nancy-Ellis/1152482769 Nancy Ellis

If the membership accepts him back without an explanation, they have opened themselves up to criticism and ridicule. They have become official Kool-Aid drinkers.

Ladybug7

I’ve been saying that for the longest…stop drinking the Kool-Aid. An old friend of mine goes to the church and her and I had a battle about this issue…she stands behind the Bishop….I told her to stop drinking the Kool-Aid and she got highly offended…LOL>>>needless to say she is not a friend anymore…some people are so naive. His church should be completely empty by now…Satan is running that church for real.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Shakka-Zulu/1379420279 Shakka Zulu

This was to be expected from this preacher/pedophile..If this church is still operational after this suit settlement, them the parishoners are as stupid as they come..If you were not guilty why settle? I hope these boys will be able to carry on with their lives after these traumatic incidents..This is the prime reason why we dont let our children alone with these swengali’s masquerading as preachers..Stay the hell away from all churches, you’ll keep your sanity and money…
EIwatson

No innocent person settles a case of this magnitude without full disclosure. Bishop Long is a disgusting predatory animal! PERIOD! The members of his so-called church are fools if they entertain the notion of allowing him to remain in the pulpit and in charge of any type of ministry espousing God as the leader! His is a mockery to all christians everywhere!
bluemirror

All of this is a shame. Bishop Long (for the sake of his own peace of mind) needs to face the truth – the truth that finally caught up with him. B.J. Bernstein is no joke. She goes in it to win. The congregation should insist on a response.
Anonymous

@facebook-1379420279:disqus People who practice a belief in the bible, god, and/or,jesus christ while knowing the history of the people who introduced it to us, are all stupid in the first place.

The descendants of African slaves should have learned by now, that practicing a religion the ‘white’ man introduced to our ancestors is virtually insane. The history of destruction everywhere missionaries have gone should also give pause, but obviously people want to believe so badly that they overstep, or bypass all history, knowledge, wisdom, intellect and common sense, among other things. They keep making the same mistakes from the same train of thought, over, and over again. They refuse to listen to reason and refuse to understand what it all means in terms of human life, and death.
That points to overall lunacy. Even many of those well versed in psychology cannot escape what has been grotesquely imbedded into a simpleton society!

Keep practicing antiquated religions and believing in people you can never truly know, and these human animalistic frailties is what you will continuously be faced with. Lunacy of mankind is a key principle of a mammal that selfishly views itself as better than all other species on this planet as we alone manage to destroy everyone and everything in our way.

It appears that once an individual is fully indoctrinated into religious belief and god, there is no method to bring them out of the illusion. This is similar to the situation that Jim Jones and those so-called cults influenced hard headed humans. This is similar to humans selling their worldly goods in preparation of a fools predictions. I could go on and on, but as I’ve said before. Nothing can unhinge lunatics from their perch on a fictitious, superstitious and antiquated belief system. They still come to my house and try to bring me back into the insanity, but what if I went to their homes and tried to bring them out of it? They would attack me verbally and some physically. Such is their lunacy!

And here we are African-Americans, after virtually swallowing the ‘White Man’s’ religion lock stock and both barrels. We are still treated less than second class citizens, drugs dumped into our neighborhoods by the CIA, our men, women, boys, and girls incarcerated in mass for the same reason that ‘whites’ generally get off with a slap on the hand. A president who looks like us and does nothing to even slow down the racist abuse we are subjected to, and we happily praise the god they indoctrinated us with!

If you think our kidnapped ancestors were singing the praises of jesus when they were chained, and stacked in the hulls slave ships (finance by Jews) and brought here for raping and torture, then you are truly insane! Considered two-thirds human by those who taught us the bible and you still follow them like little babies? Lunacy personified!

But here’s the thing. If every ‘black’ in this country decided to denounce the white-man’s religion. You can bet your bottom dollar that these same so-called Christians would try to wipe us all out! Pedophile pastors and all! Lunacy prevails in a bloody-based America!

gladys

shakka zulu, I feel you, untill you came to our president. He can do nothing for me, nor you, he already has. He had the courage, the know how, to have run for office and won. The same reasons why we continue to accept the white man religion, we should not ask our president do anything collective for us. He gave us a parable, an example, to think in our minds, that thinks, if he can do it , so can i you. We need not another MLK, Malcom X, we have a mind, to choose what we want. We are a rich people, our ancestors owned their own minds back in the day. We maybe slowly collective loosing our own, but individually we are knowing our own and progressing, one at a time, lets take the examples and parables from those progressed individuals. Ask not what some one can do for you, but what you can do for someone.

Anonymous

@1bf347c96313219ff03d109fc0d4b00a:disqus :Your worldview appears quite narrow, and you have no grasp on what is happening to our people or other peoples of the African Diaspora, and what,or who is the cause of all of this.

When your mind has been tarnished by an Anglo-Saxon oligarchy and everything you think, live for, and desire is based on what a ‘white’ supremacist society has raised you, and your family into, you cannot understand the signifcance of the bias of your thinking. It is as if they conditioned you in such a way that you cannot find your way out of it.

There is a way out of this kind of robot-like mind conditioning, but you must try very hard to first see that you are in it, then struggle very hard to understand how it effects you, and whether you want to get away from this patterned form of thought. It appears many are satisfied to stay mentally, just as they are, because they are convinced that it is the place to be.

When you quote a piece of Kennedy jargon, it behooves you to understand just what kind of man/politician JFK really was. Obviously you have no idea, but I don’t expect you to. I don’t expect much from anyone who is following the status quo, and not trying very hard to see what is hidden just beneath the surface.
Brook

That’s bullcrap. If everyone else asks the president to do things for them, then we should too. If he doesn’t want me asking him for help for my community, then that negro should not be coming around asking for my vote every two years.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Shakka-Zulu/1379420279 Shakka Zulu

Tell that to the gay and hispanics not to ask for anything..He seems to go out his way to make sure their needs are met..He even came to El Paso, TX and spoke to the largest hispanic labor union promising them to help them along with the Dream Act..The jewish lobby get their 10 billion every year tax free, and that is not an american territory the last time I checked..So if you want to be satisfied with your Obama poster, mugs and tee shirts, that’s on you, but dont tell me he should not be doing anythign fr black people..I expect if you run for office, you are the people’s employee and not the other way around..We have a damn right to expect something from him..

Bahati Sobukwe

Well said, wizardg! I can’t agree with your thoughts on President Obama. I share Gladys comments below, all the way.
Jasmine Williams

Christianity was first established in Ethipoia–no pale skin there at the time.

kappaman1911

TRUE

http://www.facebook.com/people/Shakka-Zulu/1379420279 Shakka Zulu

I spent four hours of my time today talking to some Nigerians about their love of the bible and jesue to no avail..I have an invitation to come back and speak to them, so there is still hope I might be able to get them to change their minds..

Anonymous

@facebook-1379420279:disqus This is a phenomenon that bends all logic. How can humanoids be so easily convinced of religions of which they have no true knowledge, just by having someone else tell them about it?

It would be a great psychological study to find out what makes it so easy to accept this mythology, as opposed to their own cultural beliefs , and what causes people to be so convinced, that they will fight to keep the belief intact?

Everywhere we look we see the horrid results of the people who have brought this belief system to those with different cultures, and superstitions. We have seen the complete destruction of cultures and the theft of their peoples, and lands. Yet even when we try to point these terrible facts out to people who have been [infected] they are literally stuck on stupid, or rendered completely retarded and oblivious to facts.
(Catholics now know that priests have had a license to violate children and whatever else they desired, yet they still hold, no, cling to this system) This confirms my contention that humans are all lunatics of varying degrees!
[You must read Sarah Vowell's book 'Unfamiliar Fishes'].

The same basic religion has been distributed around the world with mildly different stories and so-called prophecies added according to cultural behaviors and superstitions, and the perspective masses are easily raised to believe, and pass it down the generational ladder. Yet the American Christian refuses to believe they would be Islamic had they been born in another hemisphere. (Not to fear, Christianity is rapidly devouring the globe). Some day humans the world over may all be robotic slaves to mythological/superstitious Christianity! (Just as someday humans may annihilate the population of the world).

Religious belief: It is indeed a tool to be feared and admired at once!

http://profiles.google.com/greeneink Renee Greene

In one sense I agree with you and in another, I do not.

Christianity, Judaism and Islam are all the BLACK MAN’S religions, came from African nations. All three major religions were founded in Africa. They did, however, get TAINTED by European ideas and cockamamie superstitions. It’s like blacks in America who were raised to salute the flag and pledge allegiance to a country that was treating it like dirt and even lower.

Like a beaten and bruised woman who keeps going back to the lover who abuses her; that is is characteristic of blacks, especially blacks in America. And the Bible has foretold all of these things–the reason why this is happening to us and why it is lasting through so many generations. The Bible is the only real black history book that we have.The same principle applies as when someone can take your stuff, turn you into a slave and force you to work for them so they and only they profit, then turn around and tell you can buy it back – at a premium plus interest, But by then, they’ve so economically disenfranchised you with slavery and low-wage garbage can jobs that they are laughing because they know you will never be able to buy it back. Ever. It is unredeemable because they’ve set it up so you can never get it back, even when it wasn’t theirs to take in the first place.

So it was with foundational beliefs and religions.

The European nations took something that wasn’t theirs, i.e., Judaism, Islam and Christianity and poisoned and tainted it with lies about who was who, who came from where, and who God’s favor was with — and black folk chewed it up and swallowed it. True enough, it’s called ignorance. Blind ignorance. But it happened for a reason.

The eyes were blinded and turned ignorant for a reason; according to the Bible. The Times of the Gentiles are at hand. But the Lord is coming soon.
Okpara

Wizardg. …your words are the sounds of the universe…The message for correction has hit upon all ears that can hear and all eyes that can see….Truth and justice is now natures call….Peace!

Leta

The bottom line is God sits high and looks low beholding all the evil and the good and what is done in the dark will still come to the light. My question is where were the mothers that were allowing their kings in training to fly all over the world and accept these expensive gifts. They were no where to be found until the law suits manifested. If by chance they were violated God knows and will deal with the Bishop as well as have mercy on him. If the young men fabricated these stories God will deal with them as well and have mercy being that He is a just God.

Theophilus

The Church IS to judge this matter: 1 Cor. 6:2-3. Furthermore 1 Tim. 5:19-20 clearly tells us how this situation should be handled – We are not to dismiss two or three witnesses when they make an accusation against an Elder, and we are to rebuke the Elder openly so that others may fear. The church is weak today because we choose to look the other way by not judging, refusing to obey the Word of God . What we fail to realize is that one day we will be judged for not holding leaders accountable. I Love You All

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_OWNBVD7VB6235TPWVCCKVWWAUM deb

Personally, I feel very uncomfortable judging someone whom I have never met. I know that there are two sides to every story. However, it is quite evident that Bishop Long took advantage of these young people and he needs to stand up as a man and admit what he did. But, if he feels he cannot do this, then he needs to step down as Bishop because what he may have done to these young people is a sin against God and he is supposedly God messager. It’s very very sad.
Anonymous

The fact that none of the young men “will ever be available to talk about the settlement” seems to me to be clear indication that no wrong doing is going to be admitted and he’s paid them off to keep quiet. If this is the case and his congregation falls for it then I have little respect for their integrity either. I have no problem with him being gay or bisexual. What I have a problem with is his hypocrisy and the hypocrisy of religions in general.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_OWNBVD7VB6235TPWVCCKVWWAUM deb

I agree…
http://goodgiant-mikeharris.blogspot.com Mike Harris

I feel where you’re coming from 100%… However, this entire world can be deemed as hypocritical on a religious, political, corporate, educational & the list goes on, basis.. The fact that there’s a gag order written in the settlement is merely a legal strategy used to suppress tabloid gossip with intentions to protect the Bishop’s reputation.

HERBCAROLL

I have chosen to step back and watch how ALMIGHTY GOD works this out. One thing I know for certain, it will be to HIS glory in the end. Every child is the heart of GOD! Whatever you do don’t harm them in any way, including you Bishop Long.
HERBCAROLL

I have chosen to step back and watch how ALMIGHTY GOD works this out. One thing I know for certain, it will be to HIS glory in the end. Every child is the heart of GOD! Whatever you do don’t harm them in any way, including you Bishop Long.
HERBCAROLL

I have chosen to step back and watch how ALMIGHTY GOD works this out. One thing I know for certain, it will be to HIS glory in the end. Every child is the heart of GOD! Whatever you do don’t harm them in any way, including you Bishop Long.
HERBCAROLL

I have chosen to step back and watch how ALMIGHTY GOD works this out. One thing I know for certain, it will be to HIS glory in the end. Every child is the heart of GOD! Whatever you do don’t harm them in any way, including you Bishop Long.
Melva Brown

Your point is very well taken. I agree this is not truly a man of “God”, a man of “God” would never be involved or implicated in this type of behavior. I am almost embarrassed to be living the metro Atlanta area and this issue is discussed. No, I am not a member of his church, and thankfully so.

Keep up the good work.
S. WIlson

Most folks, that I spoke with about this, that followed the situation never thought that Eddie Long would allow this to get to open court. That would end the charade that he has perpetrated all these years about his disdain and intolerance for gay people.
He is not the first minister to be busted saying one thing and actually doing another and he will definitely not be the last. It is just a shame that the “real” facts will never be heard so that the kool-aid drinkers could be slapped in the face with the truth that they so desperately want to pretend doesn’t exist.
What straight heterosexual “MINISTER” does anyone know that would send half-naked pics to another male????? Talk about inappropriate!!!!! Keep drinking the kool-aid folks….
maryland71

smh……..
Think About It

I wonder about how the congregation is going to accept this. I know that I would require a full explanation about what happened and why. Be that as it may, the best thing for all of us to do is to lift the Bishop and all his followers in prayer that the Lord will guide their decisions and actions. Remember that we are all fall short at one time or another, and think how you would feel with someone who only read what was printed making judgments about you. Let’s just pray.
Suederooster

Yes…The settlement does not imply guilt but we all know that it means something that was not exactly “cool” took place and for a person who holds his position…it’s even more “un-cool”!! I doubt the church will survive in the long run.
http://www.facebook.com/emma.wisdom Emma J. Wisdom

I don’t always agree with Dr. Watkins, but in this case involving Bishop Eddie Long, I think you were absolutely on target. The Bishop has tried to paint himself as the aggrieved one. The members of his congregation should open their eyes to the facts as they were presented.
Marvin Smith10

“Bishop” Eddie Long, like too many of
the so-called “men of god” is something much less than the
“sinners” they purport to be saving. Eddie Long assured his
congregation that they would have the opportunity to know the truth, but the
truth is he never intended for anybody other than those young men, that he
probably sexually abused, to really know the truth. Eddie Long’s career could
possibly be salvaged if he had enough guts to go to his congregation, tell the
whole truth, and ask for his congregation’s forgiveness if he has done
something wrong.

I am amazed that the Christian church now appears to
be more and more a breeding ground for homosexual activity. We as parents must
take our Children to church and stay with them, and refrain from the practice
of sending them to the local church thinking it is safe there, because it
actually may not be safe there at all. There are Eddie Longs and potential
Eddie Longs at all churches and at all other institutions in our community, and
this reality mandates that you must not abdicate your responsibility as parents.
Blaque Jade

I already new he would settle. Nasty azz, pervert Preacher. Theres still alot of Black people Cooning for this Muthafucca. They are dumb and naive. I feel no pitty for Child Molesters like Eddie Long Stroke.
Morriwon

Is Dr. Boyce a Gay man? If so, when did he publically come out?
Morriwon

I think someone deleted my question. I asked if Dr. Boyce is a Gay man. If this is common knowlege, at what time did he publically “come out”?
TheNico0000

He needs to be punish. I hate people who got money, who can pay there way out of trouble. Please checkout my blog http://www.TheNico0000.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZV7mx-U62w
Sansalcots2000

Painfully embarrassing! Who benefits. Did his
Church pay this settlement? Does he own this much money. A pastor
paying for silence!! – what about the five stones he was going to
throw?? David slew Goliath publicly!!
Morriwon

I’m new to this site and TWICE now my question/comment was deleled in regard to Dr. Boyce’s reputation in regard to the LGBT community. This board does not post the comments of all readers, their is someone selectively posting-editting-censoring legitimate commentary here! Remove me from recieving these bias posts. Dr. Boyce and/or his office/monitors should be ashamed of themselves!
Anonymous

The sad part is that he is not the only “man of the cloth” using God words to try manipulate others.
Case inpoint:
#1. He asked what I was my ex-spouse like. I explained and then I asked him how did he get a child in between his marriage to his wife before she died. He said it was too painfu for him to talk about all he knew was that he loved all his kids. I said to him that if he thought his past ws too painful ,he shoud have considered mine may have been for me. He said; you did not have to answer. I said: do unto to tohers as you would have done unto you. He said: you dropped me like I was a bad habit. I said: I dropped yo buefor eyou became one.
#2. He texted and inappropriate text to me while I was at a business retreat. I text back: you made a mistake and sent a text to me. He said: why did you think it was a mistake? I told my church head about it and message was he did not mean anything he says what he says to everybody(translation-you are over reacting). He: inappropriately said some things to a younger young lady and now he is looked at differently.
#3. He always siad God spoke to him. He talked in the thee, thou, thy and thus as if God was speaking to him in that way. I questioned if God was not current and still was into the Old English style of talking. He stopped talking that way immediatley. He prophesied of everyone prospering except him, his blessings had to come from someone elses. He whinned a bit much to be a man of the cloth. I questioned why he whinned so much and where was his faith? He said: I do not want to hurt you. I said: I can help you with that and that was th elast time I talked to him.

blkgalusa

If this actually did happen to you, I feel really sad for Bishop Long because eventually, the truth will come out.

Anonymous

It did happen, but most importantly it does not matter if you believe it or not.
Long and the guys accusing him know the truth-some people get too caught up in the person and not the behavior or Gods word.

Dee Dee

Did you actually believe this case was going to go to trial (lol). You remember how vocal BJ Bernstein was early in September of 2010? That was to get your attention and to expose this national figure. As they got closer to a settlement, we heard nothing from her, you know why? Because New Birth had to pay her, the accusers some Shut Up Money. They had to pay them an offer they wouldn’t refuse. The question is, how much money would it take for you to no longer talk about an unfortunate phase in your young life? I’m sure some therapists will probably reap some of the benefits of the millions they will probably make (at the expense of New Birth members).
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000839929925 Muata Nowe

I will keep this brief. Eddie Long is a fraud. A sham. He is a disgrace to God’s pulpit.

Regardless of where I stand w/ da great opiate (religion) I know that a pulpit should be clean.Free of dirt. Its shameful that men/women claiming to be called by God are making a mess in the pulpit. According to the hebrew bible (OT) no one should mess w/God and those wanting to be of righteousness. I pray God’s payback is as servere as it is recorded in the hebrew bible.Now that coming from me a man who questions the events of the bible (God causing destruction) means that I am in support of God’s murder of those who jerk god around.Please, hebrew bible, be true. Amen!

http://muatatruthtelling.blogspot.com/search?q=eddie+long
Pastor Criswell

Bishop Long case is settled. Lets move on and let the healing take place. God will judge Bishop Long if he is wrong. Nobody can do wrong in God’s site and get away with it.Galatians 6:7 (KJV) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
I do respect God’s church. Nobody is perfect. We all need the bible for spiritual adustment according to God’s will. I agree, we do need leaders who model what they preach. More so, we need to pray for all and learn to forgive. We cannot close our eyes to sin, but God will see that justice is served. In the mean time lets do the best we can to love one another. Also, my prayers go out to the young men in this case.

Anonymous

Dear Pastor Criswell,

I agree and also respectfully
disagree with you. Yes, you correctly quoted Galatians 6:7
(KJV). God will most certainly judge all of us including the bishop. However,
too much “moving on” has been done in the past. Leaders of churches have to
answer for their actions. Whatever they do, they are modeling a behavior that
is acceptable or unacceptable in God’s eyes. How can we allow known iniquity to
be in the Body of Christ, and do nothing about it. We would if we don’t know
the word of God, don’t love God, and don’t care anything about His Church.

Paul, Peter, and others dealt with Church issues during the
first century (Acts 15). Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:1-5: “If any of you
has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for
judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the
Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you
not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge
angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes
about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is
scorned in the church? I say this to shame you. Is
it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute
between believers?”

If we do nothing or want nothing to be done, knowing or
unknowingly, we would be subscribing to any anything goes culture in the Body
of Christ. Not all leaders are reproaches to the kingdom. When King Saul messed up, God had David waiting in the wings. Galatians 6:7 also applied
to Saul, even though it wasn’t written at the time.

If God didn’t will His Church to be different from the
world, Jesus wouldn’t have prayed, and asked God to sanctify us with His word,
the truth. The only thing that prevents leaders from stepping down after
messing up in this manner is shame and pride. If we crucify the flesh, and let
the Holy Spirit lead our lives, none of us would find ourselves in such
situations. It’s all about love, the love of God, and for God.

Blessings

Charles

The notion that a person who claims to be a ‘person of the cloth’ should be held to a higher standard than others is NONSENSE. They are merely folks who profess a certain faith experience that is no more, or less, profound than any other cultural feature. It is time that we cease confusing cultural features with universal principles-which they are not. Eddie Long is a propaganda specialist peddling his brand of confusion just as Billy Graham does. Nothing more.
Eldon Pittman

Eddie Long and his type (hypocrites) is the very reason I do not buy into this tithing nonsense. God has no reason to want 10% of my money, and neither does sister Eddie!
Anonymous

Hello! Dr. Boyce,
I believe I read two articles you wrote on Bishop Long’s issue. I
wholeheartedly agree with you. I am a Christian, and live a life of
forgiveness, because I believe I have been forgiven for all my sins. Having
said that, I also believe this issue has to pivot from Bishop Long to his
congregation. Bishop Long is a flawed man like all of us, but as a
“bishop,” he has to set a good example. Now that case has been
settled in the manner it has, his congregation should see to it that he
relinquish his leadership. If the congregation loves Jesus more than him, they
would ask him to set aside. Leaving or staying in the church would be his
decision.

The Church is under attack from inside and outside and things would happen.
What is unacceptable is for us believers putting any individual above the word
of God, or the lifestyle Jesus requires of us.

Even though the case against Bishop Long will be dismissed, because it was settled out-of-court, and he didn’t fight it as he said he
would, his church family should also do three other things: First, since Bishop
Long didn’t allow the Holy Spirit to lead him, he needs to get appropriate
therapy, and three different therapists should have to declare him
“wouldn’t offend again” before he is allowed around young people with
others. I believe this cost will be a lot less than the settlement cost.
Second, see to it that he is not alone with young people; other adults have to
be present at all times. Finally, he needs to repent in church publicly before
his congregation. This act would teach all of us that when we become a reproach
to the Church, the least we can do is to humble ourselves before God and men
and women. The Church is bigger than any of us despite our role in it. I love
Bishop Long. I never met him, only heard about him, and I have forgiven him,
but I love the Church more than any person, including myself.

Keep up the good work.
Guest

Settling shows his guilt.
http://profiles.google.com/greeneink Renee Greene

It not only implies guilt, it is an admission of it. If he was not guilty, he’d have tried a little harder to prove it. The only ones he has to explain this to are his wife, his kids and his god. The church? He needs to give them back the money he owes them and roll on. The only one to watch to find out the REAL truth … his wife. If she divorces him, whomp there it is.
kevintj

I do not understand why these young males would agree to settle out of court…

Contrary to many of my peers opinions, I do not agree a greater good was served by settling out of court. I believe deep down some of my peers suffer group guilt. In other words, they tend to internalize and take responsibility for the criminally insane, and just plain sick minded stuff some black folk in America do. So, they would much rather sweep stuff like this under the rug. In my opinion, this attitude is the same as throwing the less fortunate among us to the wolves. Why? Because no one wants to be identified with the losing team or bad guys. Yet, this sad mentality promotes and fosters an environment where people, like so-called Paster Eddie Long and others, can continue to do EVIL to our people, family, loved ones, friends, and neighbors.

peace
kevintj

I do not understand why these young males would agree to settle out of court…

Contrary to many of my peers opinions, I do not agree a greater good was served by settling out of court. I believe deep down some of my peers suffer group guilt. In other words, they tend to internalize and take responsibility for the criminally insane, and just plain sick minded stuff some black folk in America do. So, they would much rather sweep stuff like this under the rug. In my opinion, this attitude is the same as throwing the less fortunate among us to the wolves. Why? Because no one wants to be identified with the losing team or bad guys. Yet, this sad mentality promotes and fosters an environment where people, like so-called Paster Eddie Long and others, can continue to do EVIL to our people, family, loved ones, friends, and neighbors.

peace
Beverly Goodwin

Eddie is getting what he has been asking for unsubconsciously. I am sick of him and his ilk.
http://goodgiant-mikeharris.blogspot.com Mike Harris

All I have to share on this one is that you never know who to believe nowadays considering all of the madness going on, in this world… Based on what I’ve learned about the Bishop, he’s married with children & he has a strong following that have been extremely generous in their contributions. I will say, when the story first broke I saw the photos that he supposedly sent & I thought, to myself, that someone hacked in & got them from his phone or computer & set him up via the four y/men. Having said that, I do know the attorney is out for every dime she can get & based on her identity & clout with the judicial system thereof, in addition to circumstances at large, she’s got the upper-hand. I’ll also say that it’s common to settle these kind of cases out of court, in which the Micheal Jackson child molestation case is a prime example. People with the big money weigh out how much time they’re spending in court & how much on attorney fees versus an out of court settlement. I know the Bishop said he was going to fight it & that he was going to be like David was against Goliath but after he was exposed to how Satan’s legal system works, in my solemn opinion, he decided to follow his attorney’s advice & settle. On the other hand, if he sent the photos, he’s got some serious problems that overshadow him, family, the four young men & congregation.
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them–bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Peter 2:1
Vern

It seems that some of us cannot keep a mind on the issue. This is not about the president!!!! Why does every topic always come back to the president? My goodness people, try and stay focus!!!
As far as the topic goes, I don’t see myself being under a preachings of a person that I have questions about.
Aset631351

I have to agree with the comment below me. I feel if you stand on TRUTH than it will preveil and so Eddie Long has not prove to the gods that he has been falsely accused. Shakka Zulu I agree with you about the president of the United Snakes of AmeriKKK, he was hired to carry out a job and I feel he sold soul to take a job just to have staus he get off by saying this not a black america, and yet and still he do not care about any community for us. I vote until I can select who to place to be voted for. Eddie Long was train to think like the Caucassions.
AbundantDay

Any indiscretions Eddie Long has had are not because of Christianity or a white man’s religion. Indiscretions are personal and the work of man and not God or anything related to God. Those of you here who spread racial words and mentalities, it would serve you well to seek God, who created all. The Bible claims to be the same thing as God Himself. John 1:1. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the WORD WAS GOD.” God is not color blind and He instituted Christianity, since Jesus is His son. Your racial attitudes are from the devil. Also, do not expect the Pres or government to take care of you. It is God we are to trust and not any man or government. Surely you know the economy is not in any condition to take care of people too long. We need to seek God because we cannot depend on the world’s system. It will fall continually, according to God’s Word. Read it!