LITHONIA, Ga. (AP) — A megachurch pastor accused of luring four young men into sexual relationships says that he won't be pulled into a street fight and vowed that his faith has been strengthened.
Bishop Eddie Long did not directly mention the accusations on Sunday to thousands of cheering supporters. But his remarks seemed directly addressed to his accusers.
Long told supporters at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church that he is "not going to be pulled into a street fight" and that he doesn't hate anyone.
But he told his parishioners to turn to a passage in the Book of Job that read: "Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more."
As Long's devoted flock cheered, he joked that he accidentally led them to the wrong page.
© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.