In The News: Bishop Eddie Long Accused of “Sexual Coercion”

News like this really irks me, but we can’t ignore especially once it’s hit the mainstream news outlets like CNN. But according to CNN.com, two men have filed suit against Bishop Eddie Long, Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta for alleged “sexual coercion.”
I admit that the charge of “sexual coercion” is a new one to me. (Click here for more on Sexual Coercion.) Essentially, the two men filing suit claim/allege that Bishop Long used his influence and position to coerce young male members and employees of the church into sexual acts with him. One of the young men filing suit, 21 year old Anthony Flagg claims that Bishop Long took him on overnight trips to various cities across the country where they shared a bedroom and engaged in various sexual activities.
The other plaintiff Maurice Murray Robinson who is 20 years old, claims that Bishop Long took him to New Zealand for his 19^th birthday where they also allegedly engaged in sexual acts with one another.
The suit also alleges that Bishop Long along with other members of the New Birth staff took care of the two plaintiffs with lavish gifts such as money, college tuition and cars.
Bishop Long strongly denies the charges and in a statement from a spokesperson that says:
“We categorically deny the allegations.
It is very unfortunate that someone has taken this course of action,” he said. “Our law firm will be able to respond once attorneys have had an opportunity to review the lawsuit.”
It’s all so…. MUCH!
I’m really hoping these claims are false. This is an extremely messy and unfortunate situation. If these charges turn out to have merit and be true, the whole thing is sad for obvious reasons. It’s just wrong. But if it turns out these young men’s allegations are untrue and are simply for monetary gain or some kind of vengeance, then they’ve embarrassed and messed with the reputation of a well-known spiritual leader which just isn’t good. Add to that there are real instances of sexual manipulation that take place every day that don’t get reported because the “victims” are afraid of not being believed or attacked. When you make up a serious allegation, the folks who really experience that behavior suffer.
I’ll be watching this story but I can tell you right now, this isn’t good and it won’t end well. So let’s not be so quick to judge and let the legal system do its job while we do ours which is to pray for everyone involved. This will be an unpleasant experience for Bishop Long, the young men accusing him as well as their families, both biological and spiritual.
I really hate when these things come up. Praying.
Torrence