Bishop Eddie L. Long presided over a traditional Easter service on Sunday, making no mention of a potential settlement of four lawsuits that involve the pastor and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Even with the recent disclosure by DeKalb County State Court Judge Johnny Panos that a settlement was close, Long kept his message focused on Easter, though some of his comments easily could have described his own issues.
"In the worst moment of a person's life, there is a resurrected savior waiting to save you," Long said to his congregation, adding that Jesus wasn't "guilty of anything, therefore he would be a sacrifice for everyone."
The Lithonia sanctuary was nearly full, with some members directed to the balcony. Among those in attendance was former Atlanta mayor Bill Campbell, who sat a few rows behind Long.
The pastor, who was dressed in cream-colored slacks and a matching vest, also had no comment on the lawsuits or a possible settlement away from the pulpit, a spokesman said.
Since last fall, Long has had to deal with lawsuits filed by four men -- Maurice Robinson, Jamal Parris, Anthony Flagg and Spencer LeGrande -- who have alleged that Long coerced them into having sexual relations. The four claim that Long took them on trips and gave them expensive gifts in turn for sexual favors. Long has denied any wrongdoing.
After one of three New Birth services held on Sunday, several members said they stood by their pastor and hoped the church could move forward.
A woman, who identified herself only as M. Smith, said she has not dwelled on the lawsuits. "It's their word against his word," she said. "I think it's sad."
Smith also said it wouldn't bother her if a settlement was reached and she never learned what happened. "That's between him, his family and his God," she said of Long.
Nathan Lake, a member for six years, said word that a settlement could be close wasn't an issue for him. "I come here for God," he said. ‘We love our pastor."
Eric Williams, yet another member, said word of a possible settlement was good news, but he said his focus was on the Easter message, not the lawsuits.
If a settlement isn't reached, the case could go to trial this summer. New Birth Baptist Church and LongFellows Youth Academy are also named as defendants.
On Friday, Panos, the judge who is handling the case, said that talks could be over in a matter of days. It was unclear whether any negotiations were held over the weekend.
Panos said mediation between the parties has been tense at times and lengthy. At least one session began in the morning and lasted into the early morning hours of the next day.
The significance of the mediation taking place during Easter week was not lost on the judge.
"All these people are Christian people and they need to resolve this," Panos said.
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