As I’m typing the words to this post, I feel nervous about writing and publishing how I truly feel about the Bishop Eddie Long situation. I write this post, despite knowing that it will piss a lot of close friends and associates off. But in lieu of all the hateful comments I’ve seen on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, I have to get this off of my chest.
Before I do, I realize that at the time I am writing this post, that this is only the tip of the iceberg. I won’t pretend that I know that the allegations brought up by the four young men are true. This post is meant to simply react to the allegations brought forth and the reactions of the black community.
When I first heard this story, I was already in a contemplative mood. My great aunt died, and I was literally on the way to the funeral when I heard it on the radio. Although I wasn’t particularly close to her, death always makes me think of Christianity, spirituality and the afterlife.
When I heard the story I immediately sympathized with the boys who accused Eddie Long. I was also sad because I realize that allegations like these generally turn people off who are on the fence about Christianity. However, I tried to temper my sympathies with logic and patients – Long hadn’t spoken out about the allegations and I was anxious to hear his side of the story. Then, I saw a clip of his statement he made to the congregation at his church and I was supremely disappointed. He did not say “Yes I did it.” or “No I didn’t touch them.” However, I realized that his hands were tied ‘legally’ which is why he couldn’t say much of anything.
I have also been monitoring the conversations online from various social networks. The gay community is generally behind the accusers and believe their stories. The black community is divided. Some of the southern Baptist truly believe and support Long. They feel sympathy for him, they are praying for him and some have outright said that the accusers are liars. I’ve notice a trend in the questions being presented, they ask, “Why are they all just saying something now?” or “They are just mad because they don’t have Long’s money or support anymore.”
Here’s my view – if you support Eddie Long and believe what he says, that’s one thing. But if you think that the guys are only pursing this case for the money, but the allegations may be true, I think we’re asking the wrong type of questions.
EVEN IF these men are looking for money, EVEN IF they are doing this for all the wrong reasons, EVEN IF Long waited to do the heavy duty molestation when they were older, it does not negate the fact the he was engaged in an INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP and used his notoriety and position within the church to MANIPULATE them.
Although the motives of the young men are important, the big picture here is that a man of God allegedly touched a minor then possibly furthered the sexual relationship as they got older and let’s not forget the fact that he is married, with children!
If this is true, how can a man – who is known for his stance against homosexuality, have a sexual relationship with young men? I implore our community to ask the right questions. You don’t have to take sides yet – I think its fine to wait and see what comes about. To his congregation’s defense, I understand standing behind your spiritual leader and wanting to believe the best in people. However, let’s not call these men ‘faggots’, ‘gay’, or ‘liars,’ because we truly don’t know the full story yet, nor is it appropriate to call them names. Do I believe them? So far, I am partial to what they are alleging. Am I open to change my personal opinion? Absolutely. Let’s not be black and white, meaning, if the men are gay its okay or the men are in it for money or are scorned lovers. Let’s take the next few months and possibly years to truly follow this case and then let’s be mature about it. We have to deal with the negative aftermath that it will undoubtedly cause to the community, whether or not Long is found guilty.
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I really enjoyed this post, because it’s far to all parties involved.
Thanks for reading Crystal.
Sorry for you and your family’s loss. Secondly, your article is dead on. Why are we so quick to dismiss alleged victims as soon as we learn that their perpetrator is rich, famous, in a position of power, “heterosexual” or “Christian.” I work as a child and adolescent therapist and have worked with a considerable amount of victims of abuse, neglect, trauma–including sexual abuse victims. Perpetrators come in the form of male, female, young, old, black, white, Hispanic, rich, poor, middle class, soccer moms/dads, pastors, grandparents, coaches…the list doesnt end. At this point, I too am biased towards the accusers, and am appalled that some so called “Christians” would not offer support to our youth and young adults. Regardless of if Bishop Long is guilty or innocent, the victims too are owed our loyalty. I don’t think loyalties have to be divided. What is wrong with simply stating that we suppot the truth and whatever that entails.
Great read Rina. I’m not really religious, so I don’t consider myself on the fence, but you are absolutely right in the fact that THIS does tend to make people step back from Christianity. I think it all comes down to the simple saying “Practice what you preach” if he indeed committed these immoral acts. I believe ALL people should be able to live life the way they see fit within the limits of the law, so I don’t judge homosexuals but I am extremely against imposters. Think of all the lives BOTH parties have affected. So, whoever is lying or “telling half truths” should be honest with themselves and then the people whose lives they are impacting. We must remember there have been far worse deeds committed that we DON’T know about in history than those that we do so, EVERYONE should calm down and DON’T be “prisoners of the moment” and let ONE or FOUR( pun intended) foul deeds be the basis for which you determine your religious or earthly path. Just my thoughts.
@amillionbucks Your absolutely right – the ultimate goal should be the truth. I think its human nature to be opinionated and I wonder when the truth is presented to the public will we be willing to accept whatever the outcome is? @William I’m with you on the “Prisoner of the moment” I must admit when I saw the clip of Jamaal Paris I was totally appalled by the Bishop’s alleged actions! Then I saw the comments (via YouTube) and realized that reacting extremely can go both ways. I just wish that the community would be more logical (or at least try) instead of being driven blindly by emotions and making wild claims about the accusers.