Christ First Forum

Scandal preacher cheered on first day back in pulpit
AP
Last Updated: 2:18 AM, May 30, 2011
Posted: 2:18 AM, May 30, 2011

LITHONIA, Ga. -- Bishop Eddie Long was back in the pulpit here yesterday, the first Sunday since he resolved the lawsuits brought against him by four former members of his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Last fall, the young men alleged Long had coerced them into sexual relationships with gifts, including cars, cash and travel.
At his 8 a.m. service, several hundred congregants clapped and cheered as Long appeared. He did not address the allegations or the settlement, which was reached Friday.
Last fall, the four young men alleged Long abused his spiritual authority and forced them into sexual relationships with gifts including cars, cash and travel. The scandal tainted Long's reputation as an influential spiritual leader who transformed his suburban Atlanta congregation of 150 into a following of 25,000 members and built an international televangelist empire that included athletes, entertainers and politicians.


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