Bishop Eddie Long Is Taking Some Time Off

The controversial Atlanta Bishop Eddie Long announced to his congregation yesterday (December 4) that he "is going to take time off to work with family." The decision comes after his wife, Vanessa Long, filed for divorce after 21 years of marriage.

During the service yesterday he stated, “I’m going to take a little time off to work with my family…I do want you to know that this is, for me and my family, especially with me, one of the most difficult times and things I’ve had to face, and only because my strength, other than God, is in Miss Vanessa…And I want you to rest assured that I love her and she loves me. … In all the things that I’ve ever had to deal with and being pastor, my rock has been to be able to come home to a virtuous woman who always had peace in my house…”

Art Franklin, Long's spokesperson, confirmed that Long would continue to serve as senior pastor, but said “he needs a sabbatical” and the family is "asking for privacy and sensitivity" while they try and put the pieces back together.

Known for being the anti-gay preacher who was accused of sexually abusing four young men in his youth ministry, indeed Long definitely needs this break to work on himself and his family. --Krystal Holmes