Megachurch Bishop Eddie Long Takes Leave from New Birth

Dec 4, 2011 - 17:30
Dec 12, 2011 - 18:30
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Megachurch Bishop Eddie Long Takes Leave from New Birth
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Eddie Long

LITHONIA, Ga. - Megachurch leader Bishop Eddie Long has announced he's taking time off to focus on his family after his wife filed for divorce.

Long's spokesman, Art Franklin, said that the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church leader told his congregation Sunday that he will continue to serve as senior pastor at the church in Lithonia, an Atlanta suburb. But Long said he needs a sabbatical.

Long's wife, Vanessa Long, filed a petition for divorce Thursday in DeKalb County Superior Court to end her 21-year marriage to the embattled minister.

The split comes more than a year after allegations that Eddie Long used his lavish lifestyle and position of spiritual authority to lure four young men into sexual relationships. Eddie Long settled the cases but has never admitted to any wrongdoing.

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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.