ATLANTA (CBS/WGCL) Bishop Eddie Long spoke out for the first time Friday about allegations that he had sexual relationships with at least three teenage boys in his Atlanta-area church.

CBS affiliate WGCL was the only news organization on a telephone conference call with parishioners from across the country who were looking for answers.

 

Long said he was in the middle of a battle.

 

"We will arise through this situation, and go forward, and we are moving forward," Long said.

 

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.

 

Story Contributed by CBS Affiliate WGCL



http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20017584-504083.html




Maaaaan.....I've heard some stuff from people I know regarding this scandal that has me shaking my head in disbelief.  I'm more amazed at the response from people than I am about the scandal itself.  So many people know people that have been going through the exact same thing as these men are alleging, with the Bishop. It's just crazy!

If this is true, because everyone is innocent until proven guilty, then he should be buried under the jail because that's just sick!  I can only imagine what this is doing to these young men mentally.  And what about the parents?  How do you explain allowing your son go across the world with another man, Bishop or not?  How do you explain the lavish gifts they were receiving from a man, Bishop or not?  Not once did they question why these kids got cars, jewelry, and free trips around the world?  One guy even said that the Bishop told him that he couldn't have a girlfriend.  Now why in the heck not?  Man.  So many unanswered questions.  They need to air his address to the congregation this coming Sunday, live.  That should be VERY interesting.

Oh, and one thing I heard today was that the young men's lawyer has cell phone records and emails between them and the Bishop.  I wonder what was written in those and what was said on the phone or in texts.  AND WHY DID THIS ONE GUY HAVE KEYS TO THE BISHOP'S HOUSE?!