At a church service Sunday Bishop Eddie Long stated that he was “not going to be pulled into a street fight”.
Long said he had no hate for anyone, then asked his congregation to turn to the book of Job, reading a passage which states “Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more.”
According to the Associated Press, Bishop Long told the thousands of parishioners at his church, “In times of challenge, there are several things that come out, your faith will be strengthened or weakened. My faith is being strengthened.”
Four young men have alleged in a civil suit that Long coerced them into sexual acts by rewarding them with trips, cash, cars, and other monetary gifts.
Long made no reference to the allegations in his sermon on Sunday, but did he had no hatred for those who have attacked him.
Atlanta’s gay community had tough questions about Bishop Eddie Long and the sexual coercion lawsuits filed against him. “Why would anyone spend so much time and energy fighting gays? Why is it so important to them?” asked Philip Rafshoon, owner of Outwrite Bookstore, which caters to the gay community.
“Perhaps they have something they’re trying to hide.” Bishop Long led an anti-gay marriage march in 2004 in Atlanta.
Long continues to receive support from the majority of his parishioners. Long’s more than four hour-long sermon was attended by thousands, who gave resounding applause in approval to his words throughout his sermon.
The parishioners had to deal traffic that went for miles through Atlanta after the service concluded. In his sermon Long mentioned one woman who told him he must be the “most prayed for person in the world.” The woman than reminded Long to pray for himself.
Bishop Eddie Long Scandal Update, Speaks At Sunday Service (PICTURES)
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