Bishop Eddie Long | ‘Not in hiding;' tweets appreciation for support

By Staff reports

For the AJC

Since the lawsuits alleging he coerced males into sexual activities were first filed Tuesday, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church pastor Bishop Eddie Long has maintained a very low public profile.

New Birth spokesman Art Franklin told the AJC on Thursday afternoon that Long is not in hiding. He said those who think he is "will have a new perspective after Sunday," referring to Long's scheduled appearance at the church.

DeKalb school board member Eugene P. Walker, a longtime friend of Long's, said he has no problem with the silence from the Bishop.

"The less said the better," said Walker, a former state senator and state commissioner of juvenile justice. "This needs to be dealt with in the appropriate forum, not the media."

Long has scheduled and canceled at least one news conference. He also canceled an announced interview on a nationally broadcast radio show Thursday morning.

He has not been seen by reporters staking out his church and his house since Tuesday.

About 3:50 p.m. Thursday, a car pulled into the house's driveway with the front pointed toward the street. A man in the car cautioned reporters to move back when they approached the lawn.

About 4 p.m, a black SUV with tinted windows approached the car and was let into the garage, whose doors closed behind it.

About 45 minutes later, a message was tweeted from what appeared to be the church's account. It stated:

"Message from our Bishop.....Thanks for all your prayers and support! Love you all."