Just when I thought the spectacle that is Bishop Eddie Long could not get any worse, I am proven wrong.
You would think with everything on Long’s plate — like his on-again off-again divorce proceedings, closing of the school affiliated with New Birth and not to mention the young men, who despite the hush money paid to keep their silence continue to come forward — would slow the Bishop down.
I know that within the African American community, we are very formal and celebrate our titles and accomplishments; how many cardinals, bishops, doctors, reverends, notary publics, and attorney at laws have you known?
A recent service was held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta. Rabbi Ralph Messer, an invited guest, performed an unusual and sacred Hebrew ceremony that ends with the anointing of Bishop Eddie Long as king.
At the service, Bishop Long is sitting there holding sacred scrolls and other regalia like some Ms. Universe winner. All that is missing is a bouquet of flowers, a tiara and a sash for “Ms. Sexual Allegation at Large.”
If you thought the scene could not get any more surreal, they pick Bishop Long up in his chair and parade him around to the thunderous applause and cheers of his congregation.
This is where I kind of lose it.
Regardless of where you stand on issues of sexuality, All evidence suggests that Bishop Eddie Long is a lying, sexual predator who has abused his authority as a mentor and spiritual leader. That is the issue. What gets me is the absolute blind acceptance by his followers. This is not normal. Are they dipping the communion wafers in angel dust? Some critics, like Dr. Boyce Watkins, have even compared this behavior and Bishop Long’s influence to a cult.
I am not sure about a cult, but if I were to visit New Birth, I would not drink the punch.
I know as a people we have been historically very forgiving to many of our celebrities, such as Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Chris Brown and Kevin Hart. (I know Hart did not have a sex or relationship scandal but did you see “Soul Plane”?) But how do you explain the continued unwavering devotion by a seemingly well-adjusted group of people who continue to support a spiritually bankrupt leader and thus ultimately co-sign his inappropriate behavior and poor decisions?
I have said before that this is why so many are suspect of organized religion and again I did not say God. Should we not hold our spiritual leaders to a higher level of expectations? How can you talk about the condition of my kitchen when you have all those dirty dishes in your sink?
I watched the video, and I am saddened and enraged at the same time. What is it about some in our community that are so desperate for leadership that they will seemingly follow anyone? Maybe if the congregation had shown a modicum of support and forgiveness to the young victims that they have shown to Bishop Eddie Long there would be more peace in his Kingdom.
Comments