GA - Bishop Long accused of coercing young males into sex

[Missizzy]

Do a search on Youtube for ~~ REUBEN ARMSTRONG "SNAKES IN THE PULPIT" ~~ from 2007. Also:

http://snakesinthepulpit.com/

http://snakesinthepulpit.com/media.html (also from 2007)

http://www.blacknews.com/news/crooks_in_the_pulpit101.shtml

So this guy was accusing Bishop Long, in two books, long before the four young men were. I don't think he's a prophet. I think he's just calling what he saw. No wonder the young men had to file suit. Long wasn't even shamed by his peers. Why, oh why, were Long's parishioners not willing to listen? One has to wonder how far back the list of victims go and how many in the church are complicit.

It's interesting to read the comments and reviews on the books as many people attack Armstrong for focusing on the negative and ignoring all the "good" done by the different "snakes". Yeah, I have that problem too.

 

[Missizzy]

This suit does NOT name Long, however, it sure seems to expose a certain "climate" at New Birth. My guess is that the floodgates might be ready to open. I am continuously appalled at the modeling of behavior shown to the children, teens, and young adults at this church.

http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-another-682625.html?cxtype=ynews_rss

Another lawsuit filed against New Birth


"New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is the focus of another lawsuit, this one by a former employee who alleges she was the victim of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination and retaliation.

TC, who is described in the lawsuit as a married resident of Georgia, claims a male supervisor showed her photographs of a male sex organ on a cellphone. In a lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, TC alleges she was harassed, demoted and later discharged from the Lithonia church after she complained...."

more at link

 

[Salem]

Hi All - I have edited a few posts and just want to add a reminder here. We need to remember to change names of all the innocents to initials. For this thread, I'm going to make a blanket policy that the only name that can be used is Long's. All other names should be reduced to initials.

Also - no discussion of Long's family members. For now, and until LE or MSM tell us different, they are victims in this mess. We don't want to make it easier for others to sleuth them. If you have sleuthed them, please don't post the info on the board because it will be removed unless LE or MSM tell us they have some culpability in all of this mess.

Prayers to Long's victims. May the receive justice.

Salem

 

[Missizzy]

The "grinners in my face"? Now that's real classy.

http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/eddie-long-says-church-685921.html?cxtype=ynews_rss

Eddie Long says church is still standing faithful


"Bishop Eddie L. Long, in an apparent reference to his recent legal problems, told worshippers that he thought he knew who his enemies were, but it turned out to be the "grinners in my face."

"You need to watch them people," said Long during the Tuesday night empowerment service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, which was viewed on streamingfaith.com. Long spent much of his sermon talking about standing in faith in the wake of life's storms...."

more at link

 

[Missizzy]

Not sure how reputable this news source is. However, they do seem to have a copy of the letter in question. Not a bad idea, considering the allegations:

http://bossip.com/298983/snakes-in-...v-and-std-testing-for-bishop-eddie-long30346/

‘Snakes In The Pulpit’ Author Requests Judge To Order HIV And STD Testing For Bishop Eddie Long


"[Rueben] Armstrong has requested via a Certified Letter to DeKalb County State Court Judge Johnny Panos requesting that the court mandate certain medical tests due to the allegations that have been brought against Bishop Eddie Long. Bossip has seen the certified letter.

In it, Armstrong is requesting that the Judge issue a court order for Bishop Eddie Long to submit to HIV, syphilis and hepatitis testing. While Armstrong stops short of accusing Bishop Long of having such diseases, he raises the possibility that if the allegations against Bishop Eddie Long are true, there may be a chance that Bishop Long exposed himself and others to such diseases...."

more at link (including excerpts of letter)

Note--Questionable ads on this site.

 

[Missizzy]

I'm extremely pleased that this young man won't be facing trial. However, I have a hard time believing that Bishop Long is just exhibiting forgiveness.


http://www.11alive.com/rss/rss_story.aspx?storyid=160450

Bishop Long Keeps Accuser Out Of Jail


".....MR's agreement will allow him to enter the county's Pre-Trial Diversion Program for first time offenders charged with non-violent offenses. Upon successful completion of the program, MR will be eligible to have his case dismissed by the District Attorney's office and his record expunged.

MR's acceptance into the program would not have happened without the consent of Bishop Eddie Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. An important stipulation for a defendant to be allowed in the Pre-Trial Diversion Program is the victim must agree to the ruling...."

more at link

And an interview with the fourth accuser:

http://gossiponthis.com/2010/10/01/bishop-eddie-long-fourth-accuser-speaks-out/

 

[Texas Mist]

Bishop Long Files Documents Denying Sex Abuse

Posted: 8:07 pm EDT November 1, 2010
Updated: 8:19 pm EDT November 1, 2010

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- A megachurch pastor accused of luring four men into a sexual relationships responded to the allegations in court documents filed late Monday.

Channel 2 Action News obtained the four separate filings made by Bishop Eddie Long’s attorneys as the DeKalb County courthouse closed.

Long’s response denies the charges and asked a judge to throw out the lawsuit, according to Channel 2’s Jodie Fleischer.

Long denied having any sexual contact with his accusers, and Fleischer said the first line of each document said in bold lettering “The plaintiff’s claims of sexual misconduct are not true.”
.......................................................
And Long, for his part, has promised in church sermons that he would not let his legal troubles prevent him or his church from doing its work. "I feel like David against Goliath," he said in a sermon in September. "But I got five rocks, and I haven't thrown one yet."

more here - including links to .PDFs of filings

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25600014/detail.html

 

[Missizzy]

OK, then.

 

[KaylynnCouture]

*sigh* This is getting kind of absurd..

 

[Missizzy]

We've got a date.....or not. Can't we just sweep this thing under the rug and move on to the Lord's work?

http://www.bvblackspin.com/2010/11/22/bishop-eddie-long-has-his-first-day-in-court/

Bishop Eddie Long Update: Trial Date Now Set for Next Summer

"Bishop Eddie Long appeared in a courtroom Friday to deal with accusations of sexual coercion being brought by four young men who were once members of his church. The judge decided that the trial should begin by next summer, unless the case is settled via mediation before that time...."

more at link

And this:

http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=543763

"....in all four of the lawsuits, Bishop Long admitted he was a mentor to a number of young men, trying to build stability in their lives. He admitted to traveling with the young men and at times sharing a room.

JP said the Bishop lavished money, gifts, and support in exchange for sex and always wanted the young men to consider him their "daddy."

"You finally have a father that you've always wanted for and always dreamed of. He would just walk away from you if you don't give him what he wants. So you end up turning into something you never thought you would be, which is now a slave to a man that you love..."

more at link

And this:

http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/eddie-long-status-hearing-747210.html?cxtype=ynews_rss

"....Both sides seemed to be pretty open to discussion of a quick resolution of the case whether through trial or negotiation settlements...."

more at link

 

[Missizzy]

Is there NO end to the troubles in the Bishop's work??

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/26121210/detail.html

Megachurch Leaders Linked To Controversial Mortgage Venture

"CBS Atlanta News has found Bishop Eddie Long and another local megachurch leader, Gary Hawkins, are linked to a questionable mortgage venture that is being investigated by the feds. CBS Atlanta was the first to report on Matrix Capital's long list of victims. The company promised to lower people's mortgages for $1,500 upfront. Police say thousands of homeowners paid Matrix money, but according to investigators, most of them ended up in bankruptcy and losing their homes.

So many people trusted Matrix Capital front man Fred Lee because he made promises of lowering people's mortgages in the sanctity of their local church. CBS Atlanta first tracked down Fred Lee on the campus of New Birth, Bishop Eddie Long's church.
"You are not licensed, are you?" reporter Wendy Saltzman asked Lee.

"No not at all. But hold on, stop, stop, stop stop," he said.

On Wednesday nights, New Birth is where Lee convinced church members to pay him instead of their mortgages. That is where people started the process that would eventually cost many their homes....."

more at link

 

[Nova]

I'm getting quite tired of churches sticking their noses into the right to choose when they cannot control their ministers who rape and molest the children that have been brought into the world. They can be a voice, have an opinion, but it's time they stop pretending they talk for God on the matter of children.

Why is there no "Thank You" button on this post by debs?

I think she's absolutely right.

Other posters have used words like "sick," "perverted," and "twisted."

The "perversion" is twofold:

1. Using pastoral authority to coerce the behavior of men who, while over the age of consent, were still young and impressionable.

2. The bishop's publicly condemning behavior while allegedly engaging in that same behavior in private.

(ETA now I notice there's no "Thank You" buttom on my reply to debs. I'm tempted to blame some sort of Christian conspiracy, but that can't be it, can it?)

 

[stilettos]

I found it interesting that Long's wife wore a simple white sweater buttoned tightly over her bust while she stood by her husband. That signified to me that she's "holding herself together". I looked at past photos of her and that outfit was far more conservative and simple. Whether she knew consciously or not, she's got to be reeling. Does anyone know how old her children are? Long's eldest (by his first wife) works with the church. Surely he knew. And think of the "damage control" now necessary for well known church members. I'll bet George Bush wishes he could take back that hug.

The comments' by "J" about the funds coming out of church coffers are truly shocking. So the church board of elders were willing to pay these costs to keep a dynamic preacher in the pulpit while pulling in the tithes? That's disgusting. Each one of them who knew is somewhat complicit as they didn't alert the congregation nor act in such a way to protect young males. They just sat by and let the lion eat who he wanted. And they bankrolled the meal!!

And they are all responsible equally for this perversion. Justice cries out on behalf of these young men. Bishop Long...Bishop not for long!

 

[Nova]

Hey Nova - I checked with my cohorts at the Catholic Conspiracy HQ, and the "Thanks" button thing is not one of ours, although now we're going to consider it at our January meeting. It could be the work of those splitters over at the Judean People's Front however. You know how they get.

With that said, I just looked at the post and I see a "Thanks" button and 9 "Thanks"...

You never get a "Thanks" button on your own posts, under the assumption is that one agrees with one's own posts so it's not needed. We try to be responsive, so if this assumption is incorrect please let us know!

Adnoid, I SWEAR that at 4:30 a.m. PST I checked twice and there was neither a thank you button or a list of thank-yous under debs' post. There is now and I have added my thanks there.

As for thanking myself, I really need to do that, as so many times I'm the only one... :-(

(Thanks for explanation, my friend, and have a very happy holiday!)

 

[Missizzy]

Nova--I've found that now that I have slower internet service (satellite, out in the country--rather than wireless, in town), that the page has to fully load before the "Thanks" button becomes available. Hope that helps.

And ignore Adnoid. LOL You've got my permission to be up any dang time you want to be!! Nothing like WS and a nice glass of wine in the middle of the night....

Happy holidays to all of you too.

 

[Nova]

Nova--I've found that now that I have slower internet service (satellite, out in the country--rather than wireless, in town), that the page has to fully load before the "Thanks" button becomes available. Hope that helps.

And ignore Adnoid. LOL You've got my permission to be up any dang time you want to be!! Nothing like WS and a nice glass of wine in the middle of the night....

Happy holidays to all of you too.

The weird thing was that lots of other posts had their thank-you buttons, even while that one post did not. Oh, well.

As for adnoid, he's right. But I'm just so excited, waiting for Santa! I wouldn't go to bed at all tonight, but I know Santa doesn't come until all the good boys and girls are fast asleep!

 

[LyndyLoo]

It seems that large churches, whether High Profile Preachers..or or Televangelists..It is just far too frequent for taking advantage of vulnerables..It is sickening..and to think these folks get tax breaks, deductions and all sorts of benefits...It comes down to Greed, and feeling they can get away anything..
I have linked a rather humorous clip..I am not making light of what these guys do..but just trying to lighten up the mood...
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw94TwKqH_c&feature=player_embedded[/ame]



Televangelists who take advantage~~

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXOEAz46vMk[/ame]

The world is full of pitfalls..Please be careful!!:angel:

 

[singers]

The weird thing was that lots of other posts had their thank-you buttons, even while that one post did not. Oh, well.

As for adnoid, he's right. But I'm just so excited, waiting for Santa! I wouldn't go to bed at all tonight, but I know Santa doesn't come until all the good boys and girls are fast asleep!

this has happened to me on another thread. Just one post, the thanks button went missing. Perhaps it was overloaded? Don't worry you are not going crazy!! i have seen it before too

 

[Missizzy]

Thanks LyndyLoo--I needed a giggle. The disappearing "thank you" button....hmmmm. I'm thinking it's gotta be Adnoid, just playing with people's heads.

 

[Missizzy]

And this surprises us how? From a great commentary by Dr. Boyce Watkins:

http://www.bvblackspin.com/2010/12/...say-they-broke-into-office-to-obtain-evidenc/

Bishop Eddie Long Accusers Say They Broke Into Office to Obtain Evidence



"....Several of Bishop Eddie Long's accusers now claim that the reason they broke in to his office earlier this year was to obtain evidence against Bishop Eddie Long for a pending lawsuit. This is in contrast to previous reports that the men broke in to Long's office for money. "That man was hurt," said one of Long's accusers, JP. "He wanted to get evidence to prove what was happening to him and to all of us....."

and

"....JP's story is corroborated by the fact that the buglars took Bishop Long's I-Phone and I-Pad, copying all of the information off of it before giving it back. Additionally, there was more than $100,000 in jewelry left in the Bishop's private bath that could have been easily stolen. The young men did, however, take some of Long's valuables during the break-in.

"They are feeding the media that this was about money," JP told Fox 5 News in Atlanta back in September. "But it was about more than that, these men were collecting evidence because they were tired, tired of being hurt and used - so they decided to stand up for themselves and do what they had to do to get attention."

When it comes to the Bishop Eddie Long sex scandal, my head has been spinning for months. First, I must publicly wonder why a man has more than $100,000 in jewelry just laying around his office? Is he a Baptist minister or a gangsta rapper? Most black folks don't even have $100,000 in home equity or in their 401K account, let alone in jewelry. Second, the fact that the young men didn't take the jewelry supports their case...."

more at link


Yep.