Prominent Georgia Pastor Charged In Lawsuit With Sexual Abuse of Young Male Church Members

CNN reported yesterday that a lawsuit has been filed in a Georgia state court against a prominent Atlanta pastor by two men alleging that the preacher used his spiritual authority to coerce young male members and employees of his church into sexual relationships.  The suit claims that pastor Eddie Long, considered one of the leading black preachers in the U.S., chose plaintiffs and other to be his "Spiritual Sons", presiding over a spiritual "covenant" ceremony between them. Plaintiffs say they were given cash and lavish gifts by Long and by the church. Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has more than 25,000 members and was the site of Coretta Scott King's funeral in 2006. Long is known for frequently denouncing homosexual behavior.