9/27/10
According to The Washington Times, Bishop Eddie Long spoke to his megachurch congregation of thousands this past Sunday morning, saying the television portrayals of him were inaccurate and promising to fight the accusations that he coerced young men into sexual relationships. Long did not directly deny the allegations, saying, “I have never in my life portrayed myself as a perfect man…” but he compared the situation to the story of David and Goliath, reminding listeners that “he (Long) hadn’t thrown any of his stones yet.” Lawsuits have been filed by four young adult men saying Long seduced them into sexual relationships with gifts and trips while they were members of the church’s LongFellows Youth Academy. Federal and state authorities have said they will not investigate the allegations because all four men were over the age of sixteen when the relationships began; sixteen is the age of consent in the state of Georgia. Church members who listened to Long’s speech said they would stand by their beloved pastor.
