Long’s Lasting Legacy

Last year, at the age of 63, Bishop Eddie Long passed away, leaving many without closure on the conflicts he created throughout his ministry.

Once pastor to a 25,000 mega church, Long fell from grace after he settled suits with four different young men from his congregation who accused him of sexual misconduct. Long’s influence over the masses may have dwindled over the past few years, but the legacy he left behind still leaves raw wounds on those who believed in him and based their faith on his teachings. He may be gone, but the lasting scars he left behind are slow to heal.

Long at his peak was one of the most popular and influential figures in ministry. He spoke before Congress, visited with President Clinton in the White House, and hosted Coretta Scott King’s funeral service. However, he was also flamboyant, flying in a private jet, driving a $350,000 Bentley, and living in a $1.4 million house. He was also accused of receiving money from charities that were supposed to be non-profit. Once the allegations of misconduct surfaced, the end was in sight for Long’s broad reach.

Not only were the allegations shocking because of Long’s social standing and teachings, they flew in the face of marches he had taken part in, denouncing homosexuality. Not to mention he was married to his faithful wife, who would threaten divorce but in the end stuck by Long until his death.

Long’s death was unexpected to the media, though some suspected he had been fighting an illness as he rapidly lost weight. He denied any health issues until it was finally revealed that he had been fighting an aggressive form of cancer. While Long may be gone, the effects of his betrayal of the church are far-reaching. In speaking of Long’s influence, NPR’s Michael Martin said:

“Bishop Long’s ministry, although, it did a lot of good – let me be very clear when I say that there were a lot of moments of positive ministry moments where lives were changed in terms of social-economic standing – but the way in which that ministry took place was an emphasis on personal piety, holiness and not much the prophetic witness against injustices in the broader society.

And so in the African-American church, Eddie Long is one of those kinds of figures that is worth examining as a tipping point in the way in which the African-American church has centered itself in the community and the message that has been preached, specifically in the African-American community.”
How are parishioners supposed to trust in their leaders with an example like Long’s? With such a great following, he had become a poster-child of ministry, and the depths to which he fell make many wonder who they can trust in the church. If not this man followed by so many, who?

Long’s death has stolen any further chance for answers or retribution. It leaves the church to find a way to get back into the hearts of its followers, to re-establish trust where it has been betrayed in one of the greatest ways possible. Not only a betrayal in principle, but one that directly affected the lives of those who were abused in insurmountable ways.

It is important that the conversation continue, long after those affected have moved on. Because through conversation, communication, and awareness, the gospel community can learn from these blights. They can make things better. And instead of being victims, they can become advocates to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.

Our thoughts are with Long’s family, and we pray for them to find peace in this time of sadness.