Callywood After Dark From the Pulpit to the Pillow

Four men filed civil lawsuits last week alleging that Long had used his status as pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to coerce them into relationships when they were in their late teens. Speaking publicly about the accusations for the first time, Long did not address the specific allegations contained in the four lawsuits. "I've been accused, I'm under attack," he said, bowing his head and softening his voice from behind the pulpit at the suburban Atlanta church. After his 20-minute sermons, delivered at two services, the 57-year-old pastor put down his microphone and walked offstage to deafening applause from the thousands who had come to hear him.