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December 6, 2011

Eddie Long Steps Back from Pulpit after Wife Files for Divorce

Vanessa Long said her initial decision to file for divorce was prompted after “years of attacks in the media.”

Morgan Feddes

Atlanta-based megachurch pastor Eddie Long will take time off to focus on his family after his wife filed for divorce.

"I'm going to take a little time off to work with my family," Long told his congregation at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday. "I do want you to know that this is, for me and my family, especially with me, one of the most difficult times and things I've had to face, and only because my strength, other than God, is in Miss Vanessa."

The decision came after Vanessa Long announced she had filed for divorce on December 1. An attributed statement released by Eddie Long’s church indicated she was planning on withdrawing the petition for divorce, but an attorney confirmed Vanessa Long was proceeding with the divorce as of late Friday.

The Longs were married in 1990 and have three children. Vanessa Long said her initial decision to file for divorce was prompted after “years of attacks in the media” against her and her husband. In September of 2010, four men accused Long of coercing them into sexual relationships by using his influence and giving them gifts, trips, and jobs while they were teens. Long denied the claims. The lawsuits were settled out of court in May with a non-disclosure policy.

Long’s first marriage ended in divorce in 1985 after Dabara Houston claimed that Long had a “vicious and violent temper,” and that she feared for the safety for her and her son.  

posted by Sarah Pulliam Bailey | Comments (4)

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Comments

Real pastors don't use non-disclosure policies.

This man, and so many like him, are destroying the body of Christ they lead. Personally, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes on judgment day.

Posted By: Robert | December 6, 2011 2:06 PM

The damage has been done.God has forgiven Eddie Long,and we as christians must forgive him also.he did the right thing by stepping down.Now he must and need to Repent to the world and ask the world to forgive him.Jeremiah 23 says woe unto you that scatter my flock.God is gonna deal with the Bishop.lets continue to love him and pray for him.we have got to move on.Let go and let GOD

Posted By: sandra horsley | December 7, 2011 5:51 AM

Forgive yes... Forget .... NO..... Leaders are held to a higher standard. Let go and Let God... are you kidding me??? Certainly you wouldn't feel this if one your family members were a part of this mess.... wait ... maybe you would... WOW!!! How sad.

Posted By: Lucille | December 7, 2011 1:43 PM

God won't forgive a person that haven't repented. Also, Vanessa Long was his 2nd wife & his first wife is still alive. He was living in adultery before the scandal with the 5 boys. He still haven't repented to God concerning the 5 young men but paid them off with settlement money. That's not repentance.

Posted By: derek | December 20, 2011 9:20 AM