Megachurch Pastor Eddie Long Dies at 63 After Cancer Battle

Eddie Long, the charismatic lead pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, has died at age 63. According to the church, Long had suffered silently from what it described as an “aggressive form of cancer.” He died on Sunday, January 15, 2017.

New Birth is a megachurch outside Atlanta. Long had served as lead pastor since 1987, and during his tenure the congregation grew to become one of the largest megachurches in the nation. The church was not free of controversy during that time.

In 2005, a charity that Long had started came under scrutiny after it was revealed that Long was its largest beneficiary. An investigation found that he had received $3 million from the charity, which, according to the report, allowed him to purchase a $1.4 million home and drive a car worth $300,000.

Controversy returned to the congregation in 2010, when four men filed claims alleging that Long had coerced them into sexual relationships while they were attending the church. The case was settled out of court. Shortly afterward, Long’s wife, Vanessa, filed for divorce. The couple said they still loved each other but cited pressure from the media, and specifically from the pastorate, as the root of their marital difficulties. They later reconciled, and Vanessa withdrew her divorce petition.

Long maintained a loyal following after these controversies, though it was much smaller than the congregation’s peak of 25,000. He was last seen around New Year’s, worshipping at the church in a severely emaciated condition. The congregation was clearly overjoyed by his presence, and members are now rallying around his family to honor their late bishop, a picture of comfort offered to the grieving (Psalm 34:18). “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,” Vanessa said.

Long is survived by his wife, four children and three grandchildren. No plans for his funeral have been announced yet.

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