Bishop Eddie Long Apologizes to Jewish Group for Ceremony

Feb 5, 2012 - 20:25
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Bishop Eddie Long Apologizes to Jewish Group for Ceremony
Colorado Rabbi Ralph Messer wrapped Bishop Eddie Long in a sacred Torah scroll and had four men carry the Lithonia pastor around on a supposed throne

A Georgia megachurch leader is apologizing to a Jewish group that criticized him for taking part in a ceremony in which he was wrapped in a religious scroll and exalted as a "king."

Bishop Eddie Long said in a letter to the Anti-Defamation League that he didn't mean to offend the Jewish community by taking part in the ceremony.

A video shows Rabbi Ralph Messer, a Messianic preacher, wrapping Long in a large scroll that is purported to be the Torah. Messianic Jews believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah, which is at odds with traditional Jewish theology.

The Torah is one of the most sacred objects in Judaism. Bill Nigut of the Anti-Defamation League has said the ceremony was "completely inappropriate and really awful."

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.