Pastor Dennis A. Meredith: A Response to the Accusations about Eddie Long from Captain Crazy Productions, INC on Vimeo.
This video is a response to the current news about Bishop Eddie Long:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39297257/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39297257/
Hello, This is Pastor Dennis Meredith from Tabernacle Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA. I am writing concerning my anger and disappointment with Bishop Long (and other pastors like him) regarding sexual misconduct with young men.
I am an openly gay-bisexual pastor. I came out to my congregation in 2007. I have a membership of around 2000; and 85% are same gender loving. I know what it is like to be afraid to admit your human sexuality to your congregation. However, fear does not excuse you from taking responsibility for your actions -- especially in this case where young, innocent children are violated.
I am an openly gay-bisexual pastor. I came out to my congregation in 2007. I have a membership of around 2000; and 85% are same gender loving. I know what it is like to be afraid to admit your human sexuality to your congregation. However, fear does not excuse you from taking responsibility for your actions -- especially in this case where young, innocent children are violated.
I am appalled at the hypocrisy brought to this situation. Bishop Long has demonized and dehumanized the gay community. He has led marches against same sex marriage; and has a program in his church to exit the gay lifestyle. At the same time, he uses his power and influence to convince young and impressionable boys to have sex with him – as if this was God’s will.
It further saddens me, that not one word in his statement yesterday was in reference to the pain and psychic scars caused in the lives of these boys and their families – who continue to live in fear of what may happen to them. The real heroes in this case are the boys who had the courage to stop Bishop Long from continuing to violate young boys in the name of God. Bishop Long’s actions seem arrogant, hypocritical, and cowardice. Bishop Long has an opportunity today, to tell the truth, and liberate our church and society, who continue to hold oppressive dispositions that lead to secrecy, shame, and then crime!
I have lived this life for 57 years. I personally know that there are several pastors in this city and across this country who are just like Bishop Long -- and it's time to stop homophobic, hypocritical preaching from African American pulpits -- using the pulpit as a smoke screen for indiscretion and to legitimize violations and crimes against young children.
That's what you call a nutshell.
ReplyDeleteThat's what you call a nutshell.
ReplyDeleteWow Sir. Way to wait for the whole truth to come out. I hope all you said here is true, otherwise, you've opened your whole program up to libel suits.
ReplyDeleteDear Pastor: I think you have hit the nail on the head....not only Pastors but a lot of persons holding office in the church and some gospel musicians have turned young people out for many, many years!There is also a rash of pastors dating women in their congregation. That is why it is so hard for people to believe. I admire your courage for speaking out about your own life and not just pointing the finger at others. I'm a native Atlantan and am 57 also...these stories have floated around for years. I am glad people are beginning to at least inquire about who is delivering God's Word. I look forward to joining you one Sunday...though I am not gay...I too believe that God loves everybody! God Bless you as you serve His Children!
ReplyDeleteDear Pastor Meredith
ReplyDeleteI admire your courage to always stand up for what is right. I hope that you are an inspiration for all spiritual leaders who represent our community to always tell the truth. Wouldn't life be so much better if everyone could? Wouldn't pastors get so much more respect if they did stand up and be truthful about their walk with GOD, rather than speak hate against others. I think our community is in turmoil now because too few people have the courage to stand up and deal with the issues of today. There are many churches who have undercover pastors that need to stand up and confess about their relationships with their members. It is very refreshing to know that a spiritual leader is standing behind these young men as they are being threatened, ridiculed, and taunted for standing up and being real men...and being real about what happen. Thank you so much for being a REAL pastor, and a REAL MAN! I continue to pray for Bishop Long, the new birth community, and the accussers of the sexual misconduct. This is a time of SERIOUS turmoil, but I hope the truth comes out A.S.A.P. so that we can ALL heal, and walk in unity on our journey to be more humane, and spritually aware of our father. You and the City of Tabernacle are doing great things sir! Please continue to "Keep it 100!"
Pastor,
ReplyDeleteYou are an AWESOME MAN OF GOD. You speak truth and that truth liberates people like me everyday. My life was saved by the grace of GOD through you and your ministry. I love and accept who I am and I am a much better person because I am free to be me and still serve God and my church with gladness each and every Sunday. I love and admire you sooooo much. May God continue to bless your life as you are such a blessing to so many others. I love as always,CeeJay
You sound like a hypocrite calling the skillet black. How can you actually stand up and speak about Long when you are doing the same thing, well were doing the same thing now you are using your new theology to justify your homosexual lifestyle. It wasn't that you wanted to love on everybody that you begin this inclusion theology, you wanted to find a way to stand in the pulpit and preach Gods word which would not bring conviction to your soul. Don't fool yourself God will not be mocked and you will see eternal hell if you do not repent of your sins instead of justifying them. Homosexuality is still an abomination to God whether He loves you , the person or not. Stop misleading people, Jim Jones, anti-christ, devil and REPENT
ReplyDelete