Eddie Long

Bishop Eddie Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church responded to rampant reports that he is hospitalized with a terminal illness.

Rumor has it that Long is on his death bed at an undisclosed Atlanta hospital.

The mega church released a statement to the media on Tuesday, hours after supporters called on church members to pray for Long.

The statement reads:

“I am recovering from a health challenge that I trust God to deliver me from. It is unrelated to the eating for life diet consisting of mostly raw vegetables that I am continuing, as part of a holistic approach to good health.

At this time my family and I are requesting that you respect our privacy.

I truly appreciate your prayers and support for me, my loved ones and my beloved New Birth Church Family.”

Rumors began swirling when the embattled preacher uploaded a video to his Facebook page that revealed his shocking weight loss.

In the video posted on Aug. 12, the charismatic preacher, who once tipped the scales at a robust 239 pounds, explained that he was taking medicine to help boost his immune system.

“I’m on the medicine that God gave you to feed your immune system to build you up,” he said. “You know what, if you really want to move through this world and have influence you gotta be spiritual and you have to walk by His commandments and you have to be healthy.”

He also said he was avoiding a “slave diet” of fast food.

Meanwhile, the death watch continues.

Thanks to loyal reader Jessie Mae Justice for the tip.