Ga. megachurch pastor pledges to fight accusations

[sonomak]

Source: Associated Press

The famed pastor of a Georgia megachurch said Sunday that he will fight allegations that he lured young men into sexual relationships, stressing that he'd be back to lead the church the next week.

Addressing a New Birth Missionary Baptist Church sanctuary packed with thousands, Bishop Eddie Long declined to discuss specifics of lawsuits filed against him — or flatly deny the accusations. But he drew thunderous applause when he told his church that while he's not perfect, the picture painted by the allegations is far from accurate.

"There have been allegations and attacks made on me. I have never in my life portrayed myself as a perfect man. But I am not the man that's being portrayed on the television. That's not me. That is not me," he said as applause interrupted him. Long told the crowd that his lawyers had advised him not to "try this case in the media." While the remarks were short on details of the legal case, Bishop spoke at length about enduring painful situations.

"We are all subject to face distasteful and painful situations. Bishop Long, Eddie Long — you can put your name in that blank — will have some bad situations," he said. "The righteous face painful situations with a determined expectancy. We are not exempt from pain, but He promises to deliver us out of our pain." Long also invoked the biblical story of David and Goliath — casting himself as being under attack.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hb5f3cNbT0eJnGa3kMFS34MCjTNwD9IFL4EG0

[ruggerson]

1. What a thoroughly disgusting POS

[Faygo Kid]

8. +1

Well said.

[cbdo2007]

2. That's the problem here - he'll end up admitting he did tihs stuff and needs forgiveness...

he'll look like the victim to his church who will all give him even more money and power, and will forgive him which will "prove" Jesus is wonderful and will forgive people.

These things just strengthen these people rather than harm them, unfortunately.

[Bluenorthwest]

3. Let the man ramble on...

He has his private jet and mulitiple homes to prove he serves the least among us, he's got millions of Jesus Bucks to prove he is righteous!

[Rozlee]

13. I like to believe someone is innocent until proven guilty, but....

you're absolutely right that this guy and others of his ilk that preach their prosperity gospels are already guilty of being the money changers at the temple. Plus, it just seems that the stronger the homophobia, the deeper in the closet these idiots are. The Jesus of the bible was homeless and told his followers to take "neither staff, nor scrip, nor bread, nor money." He told them just to ask for their daily bread of those they preached to. This guy and those mega-church preachers have really added a lot of extra toppings to that "daily bread." They all look really chunky from it, too. I'm looking at you, John Haggee.

[AlbertCat]

4. That's not me. That is not me,

Yes... he's just a Christian martyr!

Christians just LOVE and THRIVE on persecution! I say... give all they can stand!

[Paladin]

5. The "LongFellows Academy."

With "friends" like this, Jesus needs a lot fewer enemies.......

[mtowngman]

6. Meanwhile, Bishop Eddie Long

is counting today's tithes. What a surprise, another judgmental religious creep.

[COLGATE4]

7. He'll remain defiant until the evidence comes out against him

at which point he will 'repent' and teafully beg forgiveness from his flock, which after a time-out of 'counseling' by fellow clergy will appropriately be granted, and he will be welcome back with hosannahs by the gullible. Old movie - too many remakes.

[awoke_in_2003]

16. "beg forgiveness from his flock"

I was thinking of something as I left home depot today. I made the mistake of being in the neighborhood of a mega church, and they were letting out (just in time for them to pick up beer and watch the game :) ). Anyway, as I am watching my tax money at work (the cops were directing traffic- not at the church's expense, of course), I thought- "why do humans find it insulting to be called sheep, yet churchgoers love to be a member of the "flock" and jeebus is often referenced as a shepherd. Strange thoughts go through this atheist's head on sundays.

[Techn0Girl]

9. As a fist step... he pledges to increase the number of choirboys to help spread the word.

[awoke_in_2003]

17. "Suffer the children"...

no, I won't go any further :hide:

[Hosnon]

20. Awesome typo. nt.

[activa8tr]

10. Saw some coverage on ABC and NBC this morning, what stood out were 2

two things:

George W Bush appearing on a video clip with him at one time, at least.

A report that up to THIRTY MORE people (30) have contacted the atty's office !!! So hold on, it's gonna be a rocky rough ride.

[Karenina]

12. Wonder how many it will take...

:popcorn:

[Hosnon]

11. "But he drew thunderous applause when..."

:puke:

[LiberalLovinLug]

14. That's the religious rights version of...

La La La La La...



They figure if they make enough noise and drown out all those pesky facts, gawd will sort it all out and prove their authoritative figure innocent.

[awoke_in_2003]

18. they don't call it a flock...

for nothing.

[DeSwiss]

15. K&R

Karma's a bitch.

[Yeahyeah]

19. Should he really be alluding to having rocks in his hand?

And claiming he hasn't gotten his rocks off yet?