Eddie Long Celebrated by Church Despite Renewed Controversy
Despite constant reports surfacing about Bishop Eddie Long’s accusers speaking out against the church leader recently, the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has decided to try and help the church leader overcome his worries by holding a celebration for him recently.
Long was recently celebrated in an event to mark his 24th Anniversary with the church, despite his accusers threatening to write a tell-all book detailing their alleged homosexual encounters with the clergyman.
In spite of the controversy surrounding the alleged bribes and sexual acts committed by Long to five young men who have accused him, the bishop posted a Facebook message that reflected him giving the situation to God.
“God is the redeemer of all situations,” Long wrote. “There is no amount of strength you can ask God for that He's run out of. Good morning!”
The post received 176 likes and 35 comments expressing support for the bishop who faced troubling times after being accused of sexual misconduct.
One of Long’s supporters, Robyn Rushing, expressed joy after seeing the bishop receive an overwhelming amount of support.
“Love you Bishop Eddie Long. So Still in Awe of Your 24th Pastoral Anniversary,” Rushing wrote. “You deserve every bit and some. That was a good thing to see so many honor you.”
Rhonda Riggins, a member of the New Birth Missionary church, thanked the bishop on his Facebook page recently.
“Good morning to my head Bishop! Thank you for just being you,” Riggins wrote. “Much love to you.”
Although Twitter and various media sources have focused on the news surrounding Long’s accusers speaking out despite their settlement, the bishop maintains that he would like to focus on his congregation.
“Unfortunately, we are in the media again and people are wondering what I am going to say,” Long said in a posting on the New Birth Missionary Church. “All I have to say is what we stated earlier. All parties involved decided to resolve the civil cases out of court. The decision was made to bring closure to this matter and allow us to move forward with the plans God has for this ministry.”