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Local Pastor weighs in on Bishop Long
Posted: 09.26.2010 at 6:12 PM
Updated: 09.27.2010 at 8:20 AM
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On Sunday Bishop Eddie Long from Lithonia mega church New Birth Missionary spoke publicly for the first time

Bishop Eddie Long
Photo

LITHONIA, GEORGIA -- On Sunday Bishop Eddie Long from Lithonia mega church New Birth Missionary spoke publicly for the first time.

“I have been accused... I'm under attack. I want you to know as I said earlier. I am not a perfect man but this thing I’m gonna fight,” Long told his congregation.

Four men are suing Long, claiming he lured them into sexual relationships with gifts and overseas trips.

Long says he is being advised by his lawyers to keep quiet on specifics, but at no point did he deny the accusations.

“I want you to know one other thing. I feel like David against Goliath but I got five rocks and I haven't thrown one yet,” Long said.

While some people doubt his innocence, Bishop Victor Powell of Albany’s Rhema word ministries isn't rushing to any conclusions.

“Because we don't know yet. And we have to say that. We don't know yet. Whether you believe it whether you don't believe it, whether it is true or false. We don't know yet,” said Powell.

Powell has been a speaker at Long's church three times and says he knows him personally.

“I know him to be a man of God. That has not changed. He's a gracious brother, a man that has made a large contribution to our nation. Not only Atlanta, but to our nation,” said Powell.

People who have been to New Birth Missionary say Long is a charismatic person and speaks passionately to his congregation.

“It is approximately 25,000 members there were a lot of people there. The experience was great it was outstanding, very energetic, a worship experience. It was really good. Bishop Long definitely had a word for the house and for me that day,” said Morenda Wilson.

That's why these accusations are so hard for her believed.

“I believe you're innocent until proven guilty and I believe in covering my brother, and bishop long is a brother to me and the Lord,” said Wilson.



 

 

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