"LONG Road Ahead"

Bishop Long Accused of Sexual Coercion

The Story:  (CNN) -- Two Georgia men have filed a lawsuit claiming that prominent Atlanta, Georgia, pastor Eddie Long coerced them into sex.  The suits, filed Tuesday in DeKalb County, Georgia, allege that Long used his position as a spiritual authority and bishop to coerce young male members and employees of his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church into sex.

"Defendant Long has a pattern and practice of singling out a select group of young male church members and using his authority as Bishop over them to ultimately bring them to a point of engaging in a sexual relationship," the suits allege.

Long is considered one of the nation's top black preachers. His church has more 25,000 members
The story is very long and still developing.  To read more, including court documents, click here.

The Analysis:  Blog disclaimer:  Innocent until proven guilty...Mike Jackson, R. Kelly, just to name a few beat such cases although all are different in their own way.  However, very disturbing to say the least and really unfortunate. Classic case of the young men upping the price of the payoff and Mr. Long deciding not to pay (i don't know, just sounds like it).  Nevertheless, with the paid trips and lavish hotels etc, this one will be a tough one to win in favor of the bishop.  I would imagine that court documents will be sealed soon (prevents both parties from discussing it) and an agreement will be reached, however it does put a stain on not only Bishop Long, but his church as well.  I will reserve all other thoughts/comments for a more appropriate setting.