According to CBS News, Bishop Eddie Long spoke out for the first time today about allegations that he coerced three teenage church members into having sexual relationships with him.
CBS Atlanta affiliate WGCL was the only news organization on a telephone conference call with parishioners from across the country who were looking for answers.
“We will arise through this situation, and go forward, and we are moving forward,” Long said during the call.
WGCL reports that Long said several times that he didn’t know who was on the call, so he had to be careful what he said because the case is in litigation. He also said he would not take any questions.
In his first public statement since the allegations became public, he asked others on the call to pray for his wife, his children, and his church.
“I have never dealt with anything like this before. I have been under attack before, but everything else has been different levels and different challenges,” Long continued.
Never once did Long say he was innocent, but he said the truth would be revealed, and that he is praying for his accusers.
“Know that I am also praying for the families and the young men who are accusing. I always operate in the spirit of love, and we are going to move through this,” he said.
Update:
A 4th man has come forward to say he had sexual relationship with Bishop Eddie Long, who may step down as pastor of New Birth Baptist Missionary Church this Sunday.
