Two Longs Don't Make A Right
By Keith Boykin, in spirituality
Sunday, May 14 2006, 12:05AM
Graduation took place as planned yesterday at Atlanta's Interdenominational Theological Center. But this was no ordinary graduation ceremony. That's because the commencement speaker was Bishop Eddie Long, the controversial and flamboyant anti-gay senior pastor of Atlanta's best known megachurch, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Long's invitation prompted a prominent theologian who was scheduled to receive an honorary degree to boycott the ceremony, the Associated Press reported. In addition to the boycott, 33 graduating seniors sent a letter to the school's president "questioning Long's theological and ethical integrity to be their commencement speaker." Good for the students. Bishop Eddie Long needs to be challenged. You can't pimp the black community in the name of God and expect never to be criticized.
As Long characterized himself as a persecuted preacher yesterday, a group of students wore green cords to protest his appearance, but others in the audience reportedly urged him on with cheers and shouts of "Sho' yo' right."
Anti-Gay and Pro-Bush
Long was aware of the controversy and addressed the issue in his 20-minute speech Saturday morning. Calling himself "conservative," Long told students that he believes gays and lesbians can "get out of that lifestyle" with faith and prayer. Not one to turn away a dollar, however, Long also said he welcomes those who disagree with him to come to his church anyway. The question I would ask is why. Why would any self-respecting gay man or lesbian go to a church where the pastor thinks there is something wrong with them just because of who they are?
Long told students that he believes gays and lesbians can "get out of that lifestyle" with faith and prayer. — Associated Press, May 13, 2006
I have been to Bishop Long's church before, and I know that black gays and lesbians attend the church. But if they won't stand up to Bishop Long, at least some courageous black leaders are. In February, NAACP Chairman Julian Bond declined to attend Coretta Scott King's funeral at Long's church because he felt that Long's views were inconsistent with the message and the legacy of the Kings. And just last week, theologian James Cone refused to attend the ceremony to receive an honorary degree because he objected to Long's message.
Cone is described as a King scholar whose influential books argue that Jesus identified with the poor and the oppressed, not the prosperous. A professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, he is considered the "intellectual mentor for a generation of black pastors who came of age in the post-civil rights era," according to AP.
In contrast, Long led a controversial 2004 march from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center where he called for a ban on gay marriage. He has been labeled by some as a "prosperity preacher." And last year, the Atlanta Journal reported the IRS was investigating Long -- who owns a private jet, a mansion and a Bentley -- on a "charity" he created that paid him a $3 million salary.
Bishop John Hurst Adams, a former chairman of the ITC board, also boycotted the ceremony, according to AP, because Long has "substituted the pursuit of justice for the pursuit of prosperity." The Rev. Amos Brown, a Morehouse graduate whose portrait hangs in the chapel along with that of King and others, said Long's presence "insulted" the founders of ITC, the Atlanta Journal reported. Brown said that Long would lead a march against gay marriage but wouldn't dare lead a march against President Bush to protest the war.
Just as E. Lynn Harris's timely new book, I Say A Little Prayer, depicts people challenging a fictitious homophobic black megachurch pastor, people in other cities are starting to challenge homophobic pastors. Now it's time for people of conscience to challenge Eddie Long. He can try to clean up his image at a public funeral, but when the lights are off and the doors are closed, just who is Eddie Long? You can't be in bed with George Bush all night and expect your family to forgive you in the morning. Two Longs don't make a right.
Comments conceal
John
May 14 2006, 9:48AM
EXCELLENT Bishop Long kwown for spiritual blackmail. Of gays and lesbians are extorted for services and time that straight parishners will not do. He is king of the religiuos pimps in Atlanta.
Mel Smith
May 14 2006, 12:45PM
Bishop Long is entitled to his beliefs. However, I am entitled to mine too. Black gay people, if something is wrong with our sexual orientation, how come we make up a percentage of the world genuses(George Washington Carver, Audre Lorde, Harriet Tubman, Langston Hughes, Benjamin Banneker, Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Alexander Hamilton, etc)? Now, it is time for us to fight back and clean up our own damn houses(black communities)! Long is a clown for the white conservative agenda. We can only defeat them by educating ourselves.
The following information comes from religioustelorance.org: "Michael Kelly wrote of Jesus' attitude towards a same-sex couple as described in Matthew 8:5-13: and Luke 7:2: "One day a Roman Centurion asked him to heal his dying servant. Scholars of both Scripture and Ancient History tell us that Roman Centurions, who were not permitted to marry while in service, regularly chose a favorite male slave to be their personal assistant and sexual servant. Such liaisons were common in the Greco-Roman world and it was not unusual for them to deepen into loving partnerships....Jesus offered to go to the servant, but the centurion asked him simply to speak a word of healing, since he was not worthy to welcome this itinerant Jewish teacher under his roof. Jesus responded by healing the servant and proclaiming that even in Israel he had never found faith like this! So, in the one Gospel story where Jesus encountered people sharing what we would call a 'gay relationship,' we see him simply concerned about — and deeply moved by — their faith and love." Kelly implies that Jesus' sensitivity towards the gay couple might have arisen from his own bisexual or homosexual orientation."
maLana t.
May 14 2006, 5:58PM
Shame on Long, and good for the boycotters/protestors. Yes, we are certainly all entitled to our opinions, but when the holders of the opinions are seen as a reflection of a religious institution, one should call into question whether or not such thoughts are a positive representation.
On a side note, I read an article that the Senate will once again be debating a marriage ban in June. I would urge those who care about our marriage rights (because not all gays and lesbians do) to write your government officials and remind them that, no matter their religious convictions, this country was founded on religious freedom and no one's religious beliefs, even those of the majority, can dictate the rights for us all.
Love & Peace.
Darian
May 14 2006, 6:02PM
Keith I believe after the recent vicious remarks by Bishop Owens and the direct hatred towards the LGBT community by Bishop Long and his following, we're going to start seing our community fight back and finally counter the lies, stereotypes, and biblical hypocrisy that is coming from the black church. The picture you have posted of Bishop Long says it all, look closely at the sly grin he has on his face, he's obviously a man about business, just not the father's business.
hood
May 14 2006, 7:01PM
Long before I formed an opinion about Bishop Long I listened to a sermon of his, I personally did not feel the unfolding of the Word emminating from him. I'm not saying he wasn't called by God but may be like Jonah going in the wrong direction. Scripture does say that everyone that cries Abba will not enter the kingdom, also it says the in the latter days people will have a form of Godliness but denying the power there. God is not an author of confusion, Christians that preach intolerance have missed the essence of the Beatitudes, sorry this is not a sermon just my beliefs.
Jay![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.keithboykin.com/blog2/nav-commenters.gif)
May 15 2006, 3:10AM
Even the less versed believer in Christ knows that His overall message consisted of loving God then your fellow man as yourself. That was a very clear directive from the mouth of Jesus. Love doesn't include breaking down the very essense of a person no matter how anyone may disagree with whom or what they are. All that truly believe in Christ have a purpose in that we're challenged to strive to display that same UNCONDITIONAL love. How can anyone, whether they be a very prominant pastor or what's considered a nobody, say that they love The God of ALL creation which they have not physically seen with their own eyes yet do not show love towards some of the very same people they're able to physically see with their own eyes? I believe with all my heart (for whatever it may be worth for my own salvation) that The Lord God Almighty makes not one mistake in ALL of creation. Therefore, who has the genuine authority to say any other person is no more worthy of God's love, grace & mercy? We all will be held accountable for our actions and one day be ultimately judged by the same God that created you & those you choose to tear down!!
Terry Howcott
May 15 2006, 3:28AM
Nicely done. But, I think Mr. Long - who just happens to be a preacher-Bishop could care less, and in fact probably welcomes the debate. The discussion and redicule of him is valid and necessary, but it also gives him leverage. I don't know what we do about that piece.
I do think he doesn't deserve a smiling photo of himself on this website and he certainly doesn't deserve a link here to his online church space. What he deserves is a spanking which I think is secretly exactly what he wants.
Also, the Atlanta Theological Center needs to lose some potential students because of this decision. If they want to affirm bigotry then fine - but it would be nice to see them lose a bundle of money every time they do.
Terry Howcott
gs
May 15 2006, 10:48AM
I may be going against the grain on this one, but not all gays put their spiritual beliefs and committments above their sexualities. Long has a right to his beliefs just as a gay activist has to theirs. I don't believe his view that a person can change if they want to is homophobic. He has not condemned gays to hell or not welcome them in his church. He has not kept it a secret about his own past and said that he made a choice. So, gays going to his church just may have decided that their spiritual feeding is far more important than who they sleep with. Not every gay person wants to attend a Metropolitan or United Church of Christ. Like it or not, many of the mega pastors are excellent biblical teachers and empowering people (including gays).
Mel Smith
May 15 2006, 1:32PM
gs, why does it always have to be about sex? Homosexuality makes up our identity, regardless, if we have sex or not. I don't like the message Bishop Long is preaching to young kids. Why should we be ashamed of who we are? Again, if something is wrong with our sexual orientation, how do people explain our contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and the Harlem Renaissance? Also, I think Bishop Long can't use the Bible for his argument because Jesus never said that someone should change their sexual orientation. From my understanding, homosexuality was common doing Biblical times. How come Jesus never mention it. How come homosexuality is not in the Ten Commandments? Various people have contributed to the Bible. I'm only concerned with Jesus views(read my first argument). He never said anything negative about homosexual people. Why would he?
Derrick from Philly
May 15 2006, 1:51PM
The same argument used against gay people are the similar arguments used against black people's freedom years ago. I don't give a hoot whether people like Bishop Long ever accept me. All I know is he shouldn't get a cent of public tax payers' money if he preaches intolerance against a segment of the American community. Religious views (Christian, Jewish or Muslim) should not dictate American public policy and law. Gay people now think of themselves as a legitimate segment of the American population. If you aint got sense enough to accept my existance, then so be it. I really don't expect you to, but you keep your filthy hands off tax payers' money, and stay away from public institutions paid for with taxpayers' money.
gs
May 15 2006, 5:25PM
Ok, ease up on the anger and hostility. Like I said...the man has a right to his opinion just as gay activists have a right to theirs. I really don't think he and the other so-called enemies expend as much energy on this subject as we do. All gays don't think the same and are content and happy with being an individual beyond their sexuality. Over ninety percent of the population is not gay or bi, so there are a whole lot of people you can walk around and be angry at. I'd rather spend my energy with something more productive. For the most part, I can't agree with the approach taken by most gay activists because their angle is so clouded with bitterness, anger and vindication. Not much different than Rev. Phelps and his silly ass....just the flip side of the coin.
Terrell
May 16 2006, 2:42AM
A guy on another message board who attends Long's church said everything at the ceremony went well and no one "boycotted". So what was the fuss all about?
Jai
May 16 2006, 9:35PM
Gay (or otherwise) men/women must cease looking outside themselves, for acceptance from others. Here’s what I ‘spiritually’ know (whether you want to accept it or not), and I keep in mind that it reminds me who I really am. I certainly don’t need some ‘pimp’ looking reverend, telling me if I’m worthy. And since God is man, and man is God -- why would anyone want to keep giving his/her power away to these charlatans.
Something I’ve come across that I feel you may appreciate:
“ To this day most of you still do not know that God is you, that you possess within you the power to know and be all things. Thus you let teachers and religions and everyone else rule your life and interpret truth for you. You allow the understanding of others to complicate and clutter the simple truth that has been spoken for ages in your time, that the Father and the kingdom of heaven are indeed within you. What grander truth can be written than that? But many of you who do not know that still think you must go through dogma and certain mechanics, as it were – rituals, prayers, chants, fasts, meditations – in order to connect with God and become enlightened. Yet the more you do these things, the more you convince your soul that you are not what you are trying to become, that you are far from the love of God and the understanding you are seeking, for you are having to do arduous things in order to achieve it.” Ramtha: pg 199, The White Book
“ I tell you, God is within you. It has been there in all of your lives. You are already God, for that is the divine, creative intelligence that sits within the cavity of your being, the essence that has loved you into experiencing limitations and will love you back into unlimitedness again.” Ramtha: pg 200, The White Book
I would truly desire people know who and what they truly are, and not allow outside complications like religion(s) bottle up their divine spirit. And if you’re ready to let go of religious dogma, check out this brothah, check out how far he’s come, realizing the truth and living it. Scroll down to listen to his achieved show: http://beyondtheordinary.net/quentinvaughan.shtml
theeunuch
May 17 2006, 8:32PM
I pray that members of Long's congregation wake up and see him for the manipulator he really is. I've attended at least one of his services and got tired of his ranting and his sermon's interrupted with the phrase "Watch this." I just did not get it; his message was either over my head or beneath me, don't know which. Now TD Jakes breaks it down and makes it plain. Not so with Bishop Long Pockets, who places little emphasis on saving souls. Maybe they edit that part out. Bishop Long and Juanita Bynum are the most sickening people in the world to me. No wonder some people don't even go to church.
Shannon
May 17 2006, 8:37PM
First and foremost, this whole "Bishop" deal needs to stop! That man is the leader of ONE church! He is not a "Bishop," he is a pastor. Folks need to stop with all these fake titles. That alone should show a lot about his character.
I am so thankful that Dr. Cone spoke out about him! Dr. Cone is THE FOREMOST THINKER on Black theology. He practically coined the term. He is someone who can be respected. He has a deep understanding of the Word and of God's love. I know a Reverend who attended seminary with Long and he says EVERYONE knew how inefficient Long was then, and he still is. Long is a pimp. His congregation are his hoes. Sorry, but it is NOT hard out there for a pimp. That man drives a Bentley and writes it off as a church vehicle on his taxes. He's dishonest, shady, and hateful. Nothing like Christ. He has sold over his black congregants and followers for a sausage breakfast at the White House, a little power, and a bunch of money. I have no respect for him at all, and I think it's shameful that Union would let that man speak.
Carey Foster
May 18 2006, 4:40PM
Hello my name is the Rev. Carey Foster from Detroit,MI I agree with the Rev. Dr. James H. Cone of Union Theological Seminary in New York for Boycott the Gradute service for ITC Students in Atlanta. Because the Bishop Eddie Long's Homphobia. He's Homophobia is not Jesus. It is the Gospel of Hatred because this preachers are so dumb about the Gospel of Jesus. that preach love and acceptance for all people. Bishop Long is a preacher doesn't know about to preach the Good News. so he use the SIN WORD TO beat and whip people in the kindgom of God. that not of Jesus. Jesus was a nice and kind person that preach love and Acceptance that all people can be welcome in his Kindgom. I belive that Black Gay/Lesbian Christians need to boycott and protect Homophobic Pastors/Bishops like Bishop T.D Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long, Donnie Mckinlen, Jerry Farwell. WE need be like Great Theolgian Dr. James H. Cone and E.Lynn Harris's Book " A say a littie prayer" that protect against the Bishop Damien upchurch's anti Gay Marriage Message. we need to Boycott them too. Bishop Eddie Long church Membership will decrease and Hell will bust wide open!!!!
Sincerely,
the Rev. Carey Foster
Detroit,MI