Bishop Long Denies Allegations in all Four Abuse Suits

In a CNN report, Bishop Eddie Long has denied all sexual allegations made against him, originating from four separate lawsuits, and has asked that all of the suits be dismissed. 

Long, a popular pastor in Georgia, issued separate responses to the lawsuits.  Each document is no less than 30 pages long with point-by-point detailed retorts to every allegation.  They all contend that, "The plaintiff's claims of sexual misconduct are not true."

The four suits were filed in September not only against Long, but also his 25,000 member megachurch.  The young men, Anthony Flagg, 21; Maurice Robinson, 20; Jamal Parris, 23; and Spencer LeGrande, 22, claim he used his position as their spiritual counselor to pressure them into engaging in sexual relationships.

All four state that the relationships began in their teens and lasted several months.  They stated that they received gifts - cars and money - while traveling throughout the United States, and abroad, while sharing a room so that they could engage in massage, masturbation or oral sex.

A church spokesperson, Long, and one of his attorneys, had previously denied all of the allegations publicly.

Long's attorneys have maintained that in an attempt to be seen as a father figure to the young men, Long provided financial help and encouragement.

Court documents read that Long had been, "successful at building a ministry at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church that places a special emphasis on outreach to men, reinforcing to men the importance of partnering with a ministry that will grow them spiritually and will help them develop the life skills needed to become successful in the workplace and teach them how to become entrepreneurs and leaders."

Documents further attest that, "Bishop Long admits that he mentors many young men from challenged backgrounds, who have often been without the benefit of a male role model.  The mentor/mentee relationship between Bishop Long as mentor and the mentee is firmly grounded on expressed promises of honesty and truthfulness."

The cars that Long provided were so that the men could get to either school or work, housing was made available when LeGrande's school didn't have a dorm, while another home was found for Flagg because his mother wouldn't take him back in after he had allegedly assaulted her.

Long claims to have found employment for many of his church members.

Representing all four men in their lawsuits, attorney B.J. Bernstein, said that while she had not received copies of Long's responses, she told CNN in September that Long groomed all of the men for sexual favors. 

Bernstein said, "He gets to know them and gets the trust, and then bit by bit -- first it's a hug. It's just like any sexual predator ... Ask any victim of sexual abuse. It is a progression."

Long admitted that he "provides opportunities for travel, education and personal growth to many members of his congregation."  During these trips he also shares hotel rooms with congregation members.

The LongFellows Youth Academy church group, of which the men where active participants, is also named in the suit, as well as the church.  Both are allegedly guilty of failing to warn the young men.

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