I just thought that I would share with my readers some brief thoughts about how I feel about the allegations that Bishop Eddie Long sexually abused two Black men (one was 17 at the time and the other was 18 at the time). Before you rush to judgment about what this man of God might have done, I would like for you to think for a moment about this: These are two Black men—you are not going to coerce two Black men to have homosexual sex with you. I will admit that I do not have all of the facts, and neither do you, but I would like for you to think about how there are money hungry people out there who will try to ruin your reputation, record, and character just to get paid in court. I also want you to consider that there are people out there who will say anything to get some type of fame. I want you to, therefore, consider that this is all a grand scam to gain money and attention.

Do I think that it is possible that Bishop Eddie Long sexually abused these two Black men? Well, all things are possible. My instincts tell me, however, that he did not sexually abuse these men. Before you rush to judgment and convict this man in the court of public opinion, I encourage you to wait until a full investigation of these allegations is complete. We may never know the full truth anyway, so take that into consideration too.

For those out there who want to get a quick laugh off of the whole situation, you are simply stupid. How would you like for someone to simply make allegations about you that could ruin your reputation, record, and character? Hmm…not so funny now, huh? For those on the Left who would desire to critique him negatively because he opposes same-sex marriage, you don’t have all of the facts to make a judgment about him, so do the right thing and let adequate facts about these allegations emerge.

I look forward to more factual information coming out about these allegations. I pray for Bishop Long, his church members, and all of those affected by this matter. May God bless Bishop Eddie Long and you as well!

Antonio Maurice Daniels

University of Wisconsin-Madison