According to CBS Atlanta 46, the long-suffering wife of embattled Atlanta prosperity preacher, Bishop Eddie Long, has filed for divorce.

Vanessa G. Long released a statement early Friday morning announcing her decision to terminate her marriage to Long, who is the leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia.

The statement reads as follows:

“After a great deal of deliberation and prayer, I have decided to terminate my marriage to Bishop Eddie L. Long. Accordingly, I authorized my attorneys to file for divorce on December 1, 2011.

It is my sincere hope that this matter can be resolved expeditiously, harmoniously, and fairly. I ask that you respect my privacy and that of my family, as my attorneys and I have agreed that we will not try this case in the media, and I do not intend to make any further statements concerning this matter.

I also ask that the public pray for my entire family during this difficult period of transition.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless and keep each of you.” Source

The divorce proceeding follows a tumultuous year for the Bishop, who, earlier this year, settled a sexual misconduct suit brought by 4 former Longfellow Youth Academy students, and a fifth man who was not included in the suit.

Photo: John Amis, AP