by Dr. Boyce Watkins – Your Black World
Not seeking to replicate the actions of other celebrity wives with sexually-deviant husbands, Vanessa Long has filed for divorce. You might know Vanessa’s name because of the actions of her husband, Bishop Eddie Long, who has been accused by several young men at his church of coercing them into various sex acts.
Long initially promised his congregation that he would fight the charges and that the facts surrounding the case would be revealed. He later, however, decided to settle the case behind closed doors. Many are speculating that this may be the scandal that broke the marriage’s back and led his wife to find a better situation.
"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," Vanessa Long said in a statement.
Bishop Eddie Long remains the pastor at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, an institution that has seen its reputation undermined by a series of scandals. In addition to the allegations of sexual misconduct by Pastor Long, there was another situation in which several church members lost thousands of dollars in a bad investment arranged by Ephren Taylor, a financial advisor endorsed by Bishop Long.
Mrs. Long said more in her statement:
"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."
The Longs have been married since 1990. They have three male children.
We’ve spent probably too much time discussing the blatant and sad hypocrisy of Bishop Eddie Long. We’ve also spent far too much time this year being slammed by one scandal after another involving powerful men using that power to do unspeakable things to young boys. I am hopeful that the case of Bishop Eddie Long opens eyes and makes us aware of how to protect our children in a world where there are predators with an insatiable desire to feast on those who are most vulnerable.
I would say shame on Eddie Long. But I’m sure that no amount of disdain he receives from the public can match the disgust he likely has for himself. He appears to be a very sick man, and it is my prayer, right now, that he eventually gets the help that he needs.
I do not consider Long to be a sick man for being gay. Rather, the sickness stems around his desire to express his sexuality with young boys he’s been asked to protect, and the fact that he may not have come to accept his own sexuality. One of the saddest things about the Eddie Long scandal is that he spent many years condemning the gay community in ways that were unfair and in direct contrast to the spirit of Jesus Christ.
Thus far, Long’s indiscretions have cost him everything. I also don’t expect this to be the last we hear about Bishop Eddie Long. This pastor might spend Sundays preaching about the afterlife, but it appears that his hell is right here on earth.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.
4 comments:
The first thing I thought of was perhaps his Wife was motivated to try and capture as much money as possible before lawsuits leave only the bones .
I continue to be amazed that so many people worship these Men like they have some kind of special relationship with God and ignore their obvious devotion to money . Ministers like Frederick K.Price ( he has told his audience that he and his Wife drive a different color Rolls each day ) take advantage of those whose faith is strongest and steal money from those who can least afford it .
Can me crazy , but I would only respect Ministers who sacrifice and aspire to be like Jesus . The ones who drive Maybachs on Sister Jenkins hard earned money as a Home Attendant I have a problem with .
I don't blame Long for stealing I blame the folks who are too blind to see there is something wrong with Their Pastor sending photos of himself in spandex and having young boys stay in his hotel room .
DR. B. Watkins - ("One of the saddest things about the Eddie Long scandal is that he spent many years condemning the gay community...")
Isaiah 29:15 - "What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their evil deeds in the dark! "The LORD can't see us," they say. "He doesn't know what's going on!"
Isaiah 30:1 - "Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin;
Dr. B. Watkins - (In addition to the allegations of sexual misconduct by Pastor Long, there was another situation in which several church members lost thousands of dollars in a bad investment arranged by Ephren Taylor, a financial advisor endorsed by Bishop Long.)
Isaiah 47:10 - "You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, 'I am, and there is none besides me."
Dr. B. Watkins - (I do not consider Long to be a sick man for being gay. Rather, the sickness stems around his desire to express his sexuality with young boys he’s been asked to protect, and the fact that he may not have come to accept his own sexuality.)
Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"
Mark 7:21-22 - "For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly."
Dr. B. Watkins - (I do not consider Long to be a sick man for being gay....One of the saddest things about the Eddie Long scandal is that he spent many years condemning the gay community in ways that were unfair and in direct contrast to the spirit of Jesus Christ.
Leviticus 18:22 - "'Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."
Romans 1:27 - "In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."
God is the same yesterday, today and forever more. Pray that Mr. Long may find mercy and grace while the Lord may still be found. Please pray for the victims as well.
My heart goes out for Mrs. Long and her children. One could only imagine what they are feeling right now. Eddie Long is also in need of much prayer. He has allowed Satan to use him rather God the One he professed to be used by.
Hats off to Mrs. Long. My good friend died several years ago. Its my understanding that her name is on a door or a something at that church. Her name was Ruby A. Johnson. How hurt I am that he has done this. Ruby and I grew up in Mississippi together. She has rolled over in her grave several times. I understand that Rev. Long was a good friend of hers. How discussing that is to hear. Shame on you for your actions. Mrs. Long get out now.
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