Georgia

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, led by Bishop Eddie Long, announced on Wednesday that it will cut staff and reduce employee salaries.

The Lithonia, Ga., megachurch said the cuts are in response to the economic downturn.

"Like numerous other churches and charitable organizations across Georgia and the rest of the country, New Birth and its faith community have been impacted by the nationwide downturn in the economy," the church said, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. more >>

First Lady Michelle Obama urged partner groups to keep asking “What can I do to help kids in my community lead healthier lives?” in a speech Wednesday celebrating the anniversary of the Let’s Move! campaign.

Obama spoke today at North Point Community Church to mark the one-year anniversary of her campaign to end childhood obesity through exercise and healthy food. In her personal speech, Obama considered the beginning of the initiative and looked ahead to the future to see what more needs to be done to reduce childhood obesity.

“One year later, Let’s Move! is far more than just a campaign. It is so much more than just a slogan. It’s a nationwide movement to give our kids everything they need – all the energy, strength and opportunities they need – to fulfill every last bit of their potential and achieve every last one of their dreams,” the first lady reflected at the evangelical megachurch in Georgia. more >>

The entrepreneur mentioned in the recent YouTube video appeal by Bishop Eddie Long has issued a statement responding to the charge that he and City Capital have not returned $ 1 million in investments to members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

In a statement, Ephren Taylor, former CEO of City Capital, called Long’s claims a "direct character assassination." Contrary to what Long said, Taylor asserted that he has been in cooperation with the City Capital's legal team even after his departure as the CEO and has helped to ensure that investors at New Birth each received a resolution package to resolve any outstanding issues.

"Paralegals confirmed that each member received a resolution package, and I personally reviewed an updated report on which clients were contacted, and when contact was initiated," said Taylor, who noted the resolutions are confidential. more >>

Just days after making his first media appearance since four young men accused him of sexual misconduct, Bishop Eddie Long appeared in a YouTube video making an appeal to City Capital and Ephren Taylor to return the $1 million in investments made by members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

The video, which runs under 3 minutes, was posted on Jan. 30 by the Franklin Media Group, headed by Long’s spokesman Art Franklin.

In the YouTube video, Long explained that about a year ago City Capital and Taylor delivered a financial seminar at his church. Some members of his 25,000-strong congregation have invested about $1 million in IRAs, retirement accounts, that have yet to be returned after the investments went “sour,” he said. more >>

Correction Appended

Amid mounting pressure from gay rights supporters, fast food franchise Chick-fil-A released Saturday a statement pledging not to champion any political agendas surrounding marriage or family.

In a customer letter released over the weekend, Chick-fil-A President Dan T. Cathy reaffirmed the company’s Christian values but denied allegations that it required franchises and program recipients to embrace similar beliefs. more >>

Highly coveted football star, Ray Drew, Jr., announced Friday his decision to commit to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Besides his stellar game on the field – ESPN Recruiting rates him as No. 2 defensive end prospect and No.13 prospect overall nationally – Drew is also a Christian minister. Standing high at 6’5’’ and weighing 245 pounds, Drew can be found Sunday mornings, when his schedule allows it, behind the pulpit at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, Ga., as well as at other churches.

The up-and-coming football star has been compared to Reggie White, who also played defensive and was an ordained minister. more >>