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Bishop Eddie Long Steps Away from Pulpit

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Bishop_Eddie_LongBishop Eddie Long is on sabbatical from his mega church in Atlanta./Courtesy PhotoBishop Eddie Long, who rose to national prominence when his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta played host to four U. S. presidents during the 2006 funeral of Corretta Scott King -- only to fall from grace in the wake of sexual abuse allegations -- has stepped down from the pulpit.

The Dec. 5 announcement comes amid divorce proceedings launched by the embattled minister's wife of 21 years.

Long is taking a sabbatical to deal with family issues, according to reports. There has been no indication how long he will be away from his mega church ministry, but with several worshippers having already left the 25,000-member church, its future appears uncertain.

Long has been in the news the past year after four men in their 20s came forward, accusing him of sexual misconduct. The men said in reports that Long coerced them into homosexual relationships with promises of gifts.

Long settled with his accusers out of court, leaving some of his followers to question his innocence.

Last modified on Wednesday, 07 December 2011 21:39

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