This week in Christian history: Eddie Long dies, Altona Confession released
Eddie Long dies – Jan. 15, 2017
This week marks the anniversary of when Eddie Long, the controversial pastor who led the Georgia-based New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, died from cancer at the age of 63.
A native of Huntersville, North Carolina, Long received a master’s in divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1986 and became the senior pastor of the New Birth the following year.
Long was outspoken on a host of social and political issues and has been credited with increasing the congregation's size. He engaged in multiple philanthropic efforts.
However, Long was also the subject of many controversies, including accusations from four men that he sexually abused them when they were young and questions surrounding the abrupt closure of New Birth's academy in 2011.
“I am confident through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place,” said First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, Eddie Long's wife of 27 years, in a statement released at the time.
“Although, his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he's at peace.”
