Standing before thousands of supportive congregants, Long used the pulpit of his DeKalb County megachurch, New Birth Missionary Baptist, to respond to a week of lawsuits by four young men who say he used his influence to coerce them into sex.

In his first public appearance since the lawsuits, Long said the past few days have been among the most painful in his life.

The 57-year-old pastor did not say much beyond the written statements issued earlier by himself and his attorney. Those statements declared his innocence against the sex accusations. His sermons on Sunday did not address the accusations directly.

He never specifically proclaimed his innocence. But he vowed to clear his name.

“This thing I’m going to fight,” he told the throngs of faithful who at the Lithonia church. And they cheered the pastor who built the church into a huge community of 25,000 followers.

B.J. Bernstein, the Atlanta lawyer for all four of the plaintiffs in the lawsuits, said she had no comment on Long’s remarks.

Dressed in a khaki-colored suit bearing the New Birth emblem, Long walked onto the stage accompanied by his wife, Vanessa. He spoke of his aim to “vigorously” defend himself, and that he would not play out the battle in the media but in a court of law.

Despite conjecture that he might step down or stop preaching during this church crisis, Long told his congregants: “I will see you next week,” and later, “I’m not leaving you, if you don’t leave me.”

The reaction to Long’s short sermons during two morning services ranged from enthusiastic approval to lingering uncertainy.

“I totally applaud him,” said Willie Brown, a 10-year member, after attending the 8 a.m. service. “I feel that his statement was just and accurate; not too little, not too much.”

Nikki James, 27, of Atlanta, called Long’s remarks “genuine” and said she’s ready to move on.

“I don’t believe any of the allegations,” she said. “It’s deterring us from what we want — building a closer relationship with God. And that’s what the bishop wants.”

But if Sunday was Long’s chance to strike back against the accusations, he failed to deliver the knock-out blow, said Carol Alexander, 51, of Mableton.

“Do we know if it’s true? No,” she said. “We’re praying that it’s not true.”

Christina Brown and a friend, Marcia McDonald, drove to New Birth from Covington to hear Long speak in person.

“This wasn’t very convincing,” said Brown, 34.

McDonald said she found the Bishop’s message “very vague.”

Long said he has not begun to fight in earnest.

In both sermons, among the most important of Long’s career, the embattled preacher compared himself to the biblical David against Goliath. “There is a giant in front of me. And I’m going to fight and fight vigorously,” he said. “And I’ve got five rocks and I haven’t thrown one yet.”

He did not elaborate on what form those “rocks” might take.

He made clear that he understood the gravity of the moment, as did his parishioners. Members of his DeKalb County megachurch started arriving before dawn. One couple slept in their green Lexus parked in a visitor’s spot. A platoon of reporters and camera crews joined them, and CNN broadcast his appearance.

“I realize many have been waiting on me to say something,” he said.

Long said he has never portrayed himself as a perfect man. “But I am not the man being portrayed on the television,” he said. “That’s not me. That’s not me.”

Long used Psalm 34:19 as his sermon scripture: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

At a media conference between services, Long made a short statement but did not take questions.

He said, “I am going to fight, fight very vigorously.”

Long let it be known that, on the advice of his attorney, he would not address the accusations head on at this time.

Tamadis Young, 36, of Atlanta, said Long was smart not to say too much: “It should wait until trial,” he said.

Long thanked the congregation for their support and prayers, saying, “I’m humbled by such a loving congregation.”

Long essentially repeated his remarks at the 11 a.m. service, but he appeared more buoyant and confident, smiling as he took the stage.

The four men’s lawsuits all claim Long, in his role as a church leader, coerced them into sexual relationships. Three lawsuits also name a mentoring program, LongFellows Youth Academy.

His latest accuser, Spencer LeGrande, whose suit was filed Friday, claims he was 17 when he began a sexual relationship with Long while accompanying the bishop on a trip to Nairobi, Kenya.

“Bishop Long categorically denies the charges,” church spokesman Art Franklin said Friday. “We believe that it is unfortunate the young men have chosen to take this course of action. The defense team will review the complaints and respond accordingly at the appropriate time and in the appropriate forum.”

Great anticipation accompanied Long’s first public appearance. Long was scheduled to appear on the Tom Joyner Morning Show last week, but that appearance was canceled at the last minute by his attorney, who went on in his place.

In another of the suits, Jamal Parris, 23, a former member of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, claims Long had Parrish call him “Daddy” and coerced him into sexual acts. Parris’ allegations are similar to claims made by Anthony Flagg, 21, and Maurice Robinson, 20, who filed suits earlier.

New Birth wasn’t the only church where Long’s troubles were mentioned Sunday. Rev. Jesse Curney, a former youth pastor at New Birth who now preaches at New Mercies Christian Church in Lilburn told his congregation he was “trying to get through the day without tears.”

“I’m praying strongly that he will be vindicated,” Curney said. “I have known him as a man of good character.”

Curney said he went to New Birth last week “to let (Long) know that I am with you whether you are right or wrong,” Curney said. “Nobody knows what happened but those involved. That’s why I say pray for everybody.”

Rev. Timothy McDonald, pastor of First Iconium Baptist Church in southeast Atlanta and a longtime friend of the bishop, did not attend New Birth on Sunday but was happy Long addressed the allegations.

“I think a lot of us were waiting to hear from him,” said McDonald.

McDonald said the issue has implications for African-American churches.

“It’s about how we counsel and relate to parishioners,” said McDonald. “We have to be careful what we do and what we say to folk.”

David P. Gushee, a professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University, said Long’s remarks seemed crafted from a legal strategy.

“It seems to me that today Rev. Long took a legally-based approach of avoiding a direct denial of the accusations, while also avoiding any confirmation of any charges or acknowledgement of responsibility,” said Gushee. “ Eventually the truth will probably come out, but it was not revealed today.”

Source: ajc.com

“With everything that I’ve gone through, all my ups and downs, with people talking about me and saying that I would never make it because I had two kids, I was resting on God’s promise,” she said. “I’m hoping that people who listen to this CD will be uplifted and encouraged. I want them to realize that dreams do come true, so you should never give up on your dreams. When you get knocked down you get back up and just keep pressing through.”

“The Promise” is packed with inspiration, a message of faith, and encouragement says Crawley:

“The message in all my songs is that no matter what, no matter how down you are, there is hope right now-you are still blessed,” That message is also her personal testimony. “To go through the fire and, like the Scripture says, to come out pure as gold-that’s how I feel, that I’m pure as gold, like the light is just shining and everybody can see.”

MEDFORD, N.Y. – In Is She Dead Yet? The Story of How a Woman Struggled to Escape Domestic Violence and Build a New Life (published by AuthorHouse), author Lawanna Lynn Campbell provides a first-person account of living with domestic violence. She tells of a marriage filled with abuse, infidelity
and drug and alcohol abuse. This new memoir follows Campbell through her escape and includes tools and resources that other women can use to break the cycle of abuse.

Growing up with an alcoholic parent, Campbell walked on eggshells and learned to be submissive and codependent, seeking comfort and solace in Christianity and marrying at an early age. On the outside, Campbell and her husband were the perfect couple. But for nearly 23 years, she secretly endured domestic violence at the hands of her husband, who was also a business owner and church leader. Is She Dead Yet? describes the roller coaster ride of intense and violent episodes of abuse, followed by
periods of normalcy. Campbell narrates how she moved in and out of the family home as she struggled to cope with her husband’s extramarital affairs, drug and alcohol use and financial ruin. Learn what she did right, what she did wrong, the warning signs of domestic abuse and the five deadly marriage dealbreakers. Walk with her as she takes matters into her own hands and gets the legal, therapeutic and spiritual help needed to make a new life for herself.

This poignant, true story takes readers on a journey from the pulpit to the prison cell as Campbell strives to free herself from a life of pain, shame and guilt. Find out if she keeps the faith, or if she turns away from God as she faces her most devastating challenge of all.

About the Author
Lawanna Lynn Campbell is a survivor of domestic abuse. She was born in Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia public schools. Campbell graduated from Dobbins Area Vocational Technical School in 1975, ranking third in a class of more than 500 students, and also attended Temple University for a short time. She has worked in various secretarial, administrative and office supervisory positions and is currently an executive legal assistant at a major staffing company. Campbell’s lively and vibrant storytelling skills make her a sought after speaker and presenter. She has three adult children, is engaged and resides on Long Island in New York. Visit her online at: isshedeadyet.com.

AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. For a complimentary copy of this book for review, members of the media can contact the AuthorHouse Promotional Services Department by calling 888-728-8467 o emailing pressreleases@authorhouse.com. (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

Contact Information:
Lawanna Lynn Campbell
Tel: (631) 698-2552
Email: lawanna37@hotmail.com

“I’m extremely grateful and thankful to everyone who supported this CD. My prayer is that, through my music, people are able to see their own lives and gain a sense of strength, hope and faith,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to getting out there and ministering the new body of work, which I hope will resonate with listeners who were with me on my first CD, as well as connect with new ones.”

Like many artists’ work, every track on his album is a reflection of who he is and the experiences of his life. With uplifting, comforting lyrics, Wood’s music is bound to see no. 1

Since the release of her newest album “Won’t Let Go” Marjané has received another (1st round) nomination for a 2010 Stellar Award for Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, London’s Mp3 Music Award Nomination, and 5 Ensound Music Award Nominations.

Accompanying Gospel great Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir for the 2010 BET Celebration of Gospel and opening for Gospel great Karen Clark Sheard, Marjané is blazing the trail with her current hit bound singles “This Joy” & Get Your Breakthrough. Marjané is one you’re sure to love.

See The Video Below:

Visit www.youtube.com/jjanemusic for Official “Get Your Breakthrough” Video

See this video on gospeltube.com

To Visit Artist Official Website visit www.marjanemusic.com

For booking information send an email to info@marjanemusic.com

All events take place simultaneously as follows This itinerary is subject to change: @ The Georgia World Congress Center Friday August 13th hotel check in, meet & greet session @ 8:00 pm Media Kick off Artist / Salute to Veterans Quartet Showcase @ The Georgia World Congress Center Saturday August 14th 9:00 amOpening Morning Prayer Ceremony & Breakfast Featured Artist (tba)10:30 Women In Ministry Panel All day Break out rooms and simultaneous workshops that include International Guest Speakers & Artist Showcasing9:30 am Health & Wellness Exhibit presentations, 9am, 10pm (located in the lobby pre function areaKids Nutrition Zone (featuring games, nutrition skits and drama presentation) Breast Cancer Screening Mobile Blood Drive, LifeLink Inc, American Diabetes Association American Red Cross American Kidney Foundation, Heart Disease, Stroke, Obesity,Physical Activity.

In this portion of our conference is to promote healthy living and will grant opportunity for health & wellness sponsors and exhibitors to present well informative lectures and demonstrations to the public and participants attending the conference. Included in this segments will be artist showcases, fashion shows throughout the lobby that support our exhibitors. Workshops begin at 9-4pm; Welcome/ Seminar: Where Do we go from here? Fashion Show Workshop, Praise Team Showcase, Choir Showcase, Hip Hop Showcase, VIP Food & Beverage RECEPTION 4PM. Concert@ 5pm sharp.

REMARKS DIGNITARIES MAYOR Health & Wellness Exhibit presentations, 10am – 6pm (In this section of our conference will grant opportunity for health & wellness sponsors and exhibitors to present informative lectures (15 to 20 min to all conference participants and to the public. Included in this segments will be artist showcases, fashion shows throughout the lobby that support our exhibitors

The success and growth of Gospel Fest 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the past 3 years has been tremendous therefore we have reserved the Convention Center for 2010 for the 5th Annual Conference.

Gospel Fest is designed to give exclusive networking opportunities, direction and focus to contemporary Christian and Gospel and Traditional music but you must attend the workshops in order to receive the complete gift of being involved.

Artists who come just to sing and showcase their God Given talents and do not attend the workshops miss out on future opportunities, therefore we strongly encourage you to attend all music related workshops. There is something for everyone. There will be three (3) performance stages with artists showcasing as well as choirs, praise teams, dance and step teams.

Click here for more info

Be Honest.

Be Beautiful.

Be Intentional.

Be Strong. Be You!

In this inspirational book by popular performers Mary Mary, the heart and faith of this urban gospel duo permeates every page and motivates young women to be the “U” that God created you to be. In it, Mary Mary reminds readers that to “Be U” has more to do with the strength God puts in our hearts than it does with how we look on the outside. It’s all about seeing ourselves as God sees us: beautiful, forgiven, cherished, and loved.

Inspired by Mary Mary’s popular songs, each message is complemented by journaling questions that make the message real, scriptures that inspire readers to grow strong, and a “Be U Affirmation” that helps readers boldly stand on the promises of God.

The mission of Mary Mary is to encourage young women to discover the true beauty that lies within, as they inspire an awareness of natural beauty and a celebration of inner uniqueness. Professing their faith in God, they consistently promote a message of strong family values and the joy of being a woman.

Order now from
Amazon.com | BarnesandNoble.com | BlackCBC.com | Books-A-Million.com | Borders.com

ABOUT THE GUEST The show’s first guest will be Bobby J. O’Neal better known all over the world as Dr. Love, from Vancouver, BC Canada and creator of a new board game for lovers (www.synchohearts.com).  The ladies will tear apart this new game while having some fun.  The show will also have features such as Hot Gospel, Church Funnies, Viewer Mail, Tough Topics, interesting and unusual guests, new artists, new authors, Fashion shows, cooking segments,  “what’s hot and what’s not about church, and of course the beautiful and popular co-hosts whose diverse backgrounds are a show segment all of its own.  You don’t want to miss this!

Another unusual show guest will be the multi-talented and multi-faceted,  Minister Gene D. Viale, who penned the book “I REMEMBER GOSPEL And I Keep On Singing”(www.geneviale.com) Gene Viale entered the gospel music consciousness in 1964 when James Cleveland overheard him singing Charles Watkins’ “Heartaches” in his trademark delicate-as-a-butterfly-wing tenor. Cleveland immediately found a spot for the young unknown in his Cleveland Singers and recorded Viale singing “Heartaches” with the full ensemble. Viale’s membership also gave the Cleveland Singers the distinction of being one of the first black gospel groups to integrate a Caucasian vocalist. He’s a phenomenal tenor and you will hear him sing at VIEW from the PEW Launch Party.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER View from the Pew is slated to be one of the nation’s most popular faith-based TV talk show in history to cross secular lines.  It will target fundamentally secular and religious audiences. The VIEW from the PEW TV show is sponsored in part by Rejoice Magazine, Gospel World News, and produced by Women-N-Power Ministries, www.womenNpower.com, a non-profit organization. The show’s Non-profit producer Women-N-Power Ministries founded in 2004, has maintained a consistent presence in the faith-based and secular communities with conferences, seminars, and informative activities. The Show will release thirteen half hour show a season and View from the Pew will be carried by major TV network affiliated stations including ABC, NBC, FOX, and My Network TV.  In domestic syndication the first season will reach an unprecedented US TV household coverage of over 30 – 100 million via domestic syndication and cable. The show is carried on major Christian Networks World Harvest Television and Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters which can be viewed on cable carriers and Direct TV.

ABOUT THE HOST/CO-HOST

Inetta J. Cooper, (www.InettaJCooper.com) Columbia South Carolina Executive Producer of View from the Pew TV Show,  and Founder of Women-N-Power Ministries, Mother Wife, Author, Entrepreneur CEO of NPower Records and Gospel Entertainment, Publisher of NPower Online Magazine and CEO or WNP Advertising Agency;  Jolly Glover, (www.KingdomOrder.net)  Los Angeles California founder of Kingdom Builders Association and CEO of Kingdom Order.net. She is also the host of Christian Fellowship Connection, a radio program.  Coylette James, Las Vegas Nevada www.anointedevents.com, Minister, Author, Seminar Facilitator and Entrepreneur; D. Allen Woodside, Miami Florida, Graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Undergrad at Florida A&M, and wife  Val Scarbrough, Charlotte, NC Founder Of: “Diamond In Rough Women Ministry” A ministry speaking to the very depths of a woman and exposing “Taboo” subjects in the body of Christ, www.btwfministries.org;  Adrea Reavis, Atlanta GA, (www.naudre.com) 2010 Graduate of East Carolina, President of Naudre Agency , Commercial/ Print model who has worked with numerous cliental such as the Public Access Channel, National Billboards (Herman Hospital), J.C. Penny Catalogs, Hudson Belk, Cameron Village Library, and  Banana Republic runway shows. Lakeycia Jefferson, Jacksonville Florida www.TheInternationalPrayerNetwork Founder of International Prayer Network II, author, apostle, prophet, intercessor and entrepreneur. Samantha Dowdy, Charlotte NC, Pastor, Entrepreneur, Ministry Executive.  Lisa Hein, Parenting Author, Speaker and Radio Show Host, Mother and wife, (www.LisaRHein.com) Tamara Thomas Authors, Pastor, Teacher,  Founder of the Daughters of Zion Ministry, motivational seminars called “Tea Talk,” and owns Winning Choices Anger Management and Life Coaching www.faithcovenantfellowshipcenter.com

For more info on “VIEW from the PEW” log onto www.viewfromthepew.org, E-mail womenNpower@aol.com, or call 678-278-8441. Office location: 233 Mitchell St. SW Suite #350-N Atlanta GA 30303.  Make all tax deductible donations payable to Women-N-Power Ministries (a 501-C-3 Organization).

Calvary Episcopal Church will offer later this month its first “Perfect Paws Pet Ministry” aimed at giving area pooches and their owners improved odds at getting canines into heaven. The Danvers church plans to hold the service on the third Sunday of every month, complete with communion for the humans and special blessings for pets. Dogs will get special treats.

Church officials said well-mannered, leashed dogs are invited. People can submit a paper prayer if their pets are sick, not good around other dogs or deceased. Prayers can also be offered for other types of pets.

Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas told The Salem News dogs will have a say during service because barking won’t be banned.

Channel 4′s news partners at the Leaf Chronicle reported that the victim is 63-year-old Mary Beth Lumpkin, who died on Palmyra Road on Monday night.

She drove off the road into high waters on her way home from spending hours fighting flood damage at Amazing Grace Baptist Church, where her husband is a pastor.

She was on the phone with her youngest son when they were disconnected. He was the one who called for help.

Emergency crews found her car fully submerged. They were able to get her out, but she later died at Gateway Medical Center.

Lumpkin is one of 19 Tennesseans killed in the flood.

For the full story, go to TheLeafChronicle.com or call 880-1000.