New Birth Missionary Baptist Church issued an unusual statement Tuesday denying recent Internet rumors that the wife of Bishop Eddie Long has moved out of their home.
Last fall, Long was sued for sexual misconduct by four young men, who claimed he lavished them with trips, gifts and jobs and pressured them into sex. The lawsuits, which also named the Lithonia-based megachurch, were settled in mediation and dismissed in May.
Terms of the settlement are confidential.
Since then, however, rumors of Vanessa Long leaving the couple's DeKalb County home have spread on the blogosphere and on social media sites like Twitter with one tweeter asking followers if they would move out of the house if they were married to Long.
The Mo' Kelly Report blog reported that "well-placed spies" and long-time church members allege Vanessa Long had moved out of the house "taking one of the children with her due to the scandal."
Now the church is having its say.
The statement, from spokesman Art Franklin, said New Birth and its leadership have chosen not to respond to "rumors," instead remaining focused on "God's mission for the ministry."
It called such claims hateful and damaging.
But in the digital world "many people can't discern the difference between legitimate journalists and irresponsible bloggers," the statement said. "Recently, some blog entries have surfaced claiming to have anonymous sources stating that New Birth First Lady Elder Vanessa Long has moved out of the house. That claim is completely and absolutely false. Mrs. Long is very much a loving, dedicated and committed wife and mother."
The church's Website does not mention the rumors.
But people are asked to join the Longs as they host an upcoming "Family and Friends Homecoming Celebration" from 4-9 p.m. July 2 at the church, 6400 Woodrow Road.
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