In addition to accusations of blatant conflict of interest, subscribers and others say Gospel Today lobbed some weak questions at the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church as well as sugarcoated Long’s potentially cataclysmic dilemma.Gospel Today publisher Teresa Hairston defends the Nov./Dec. issue titled, “Bishop Eddie Long at the Center of the Scandal That Rocked the Church World” and denies that Long influenced the creation of the cover story.
“The Word of God teaches us that God is love; and far too many times we have been unbalanced and unloving — all in the name of a God who not only loves, but loves unconditionally and restores sinners — us included. Whether Bishop Long is guilty or not; whether the young men are guilty or not, the BODY OF CHRIST must handle this situation according to the Word of God! The mainstream press has painted a hideous picture; some have even called for Bishop Long’s resignation! They’re not even members,” says Hairston.
Some have said there is a stench wafting from the magazine cover because the bishop of Long’s church in North Carolina is on Gospel Today magazine’s board of directors. Hairston said on the publication’s Web site that she declined to broach the legalities of Bishop Long’s precarious position, opting instead to present a scriptural perspective of the situation. This is something she says is conspicuously absent from the witch hunt stance of mainstream outlets.
“Gospel Today did not explore the legalities or the issues; we presented a biblical perspective — something no other outlet gave. For those who don’t want to ‘deal’ with or look at this situation; I encourage you to read this story so that you can have a BIBLICAL perspective to help you ‘answer’ the mainstream perspective. Yes, you should pray and speak about the ‘hope’ that you have that God will turn this situation into something that will be used for His glory! Yes, you should respond! You should ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.’ [1 Pet. 3:15],” says Hairston.
Undoubtedly, most true worshippers of God believe there should be unqualified forgiveness for transgressions committed by imperfect people. But with two pastors of Bishop Eddie Long’s churches on Gospel Today’s board, has the journalistic integrity of the publication been compromised? –terry shropshire
