What Will Bishop Eddie Long Say to the World in His Sunday Press Conference?

When sex scandals catch up to celebrities there are usually a few different options when considering damage control. However, where clergymen are concerned, things are a bit touchier. Bishop Eddie Long (senior pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church) has dodged the press ever since the first accusation of sexual misconduct reared its ugly head. A few drips and drabs have leaked into the media; according to stories in the press, Eddie Long "categorically denies" any involvement in these misdoings. But we all know that these kinds of cases have a way of swinging wildly from left to right within a matter of moments. The magnanimous preacher is set to address these charges to his congregation in two separate sessions on Sunday, September 26, 2010. The world is waiting with bated breath to hear what Eddie Long will say. There are a few directions in which address can go...

Waving the White Flag

It is quite possible (though highly unlikely) that Bishop Eddie Long will admit to all the claims - "categorically accepting" the accusations as the truth. This would have a profound effect on his congregation of thousands - men and women who have respected and followed the outspoken clergyman for years. But waving this white flag would open up a huge can of worms; if Bishop Long lets the cat out of the bag what will be his next step?

Healing the "Healer"

Bishop Eddie Long has come under fire for allegedly engaging in homosexual acts with some young men in his congregation. Ironically, the pastor has been linked to sermons and speeches inferring that homosexuality is something that can be "cured." In light of an impending admission to the charges, would Bishop Long usher himself into some sort of "treatment facility" to help him deal with his problems?

Bending Reality

Another approach to the scandal involves bending some the facts so as to confuse the public. Sure, Bishop Eddie Long mentored those young men. Certainly, they went on overnight trips to foreign lands. And of course, some of them received the benefits of "the hard work" that Long preached about in his sermons. Selling a preferred version of a story can easily be done by twisting the circumstances with half-truths. However, this tactic will be obliterated if Eddie Long's accusers produce more concrete evidence to the contrary.

Fighting Back

There's also the chance that Eddie Long will vehemently fight the charges - instead, redirecting the attention towards the accusers. Are these young men simply out to achieve recognition and money? Will the pastor use these incidents in order to validate his presence in the community? Long could fight back in any number of ways, utilizing all of his influence and resources in an attempt to bury the scandal. But with a fourth accuser coming to light, the sex scandal starts to smell an awful like the one Tiger Woods was embroiled in several months ago. Once the woodwork is cracked open, it's amazing just how many alleged "victims" may begin tumbling out...

SOURCES:

www.ajc.com
www.cnn.com
www.fox.com