UPDATE: Bishop Eddie Long has apologized to the Anti-Defamation League for the inappropriate use of Jewish religious symbols during the coronation ceremony at New Birth.
I finally saw the controversial video of Bishop Eddie Long being anointed a king at New Birth Church in Lithonia, GA. Rabbi Ralph Messer who is unlike any rabbi I’ve ever met or even seen conducted this anointing or coronation ceremony.
You have to watch the video to see the show and that’s exactly what it was. At one point Long is wrapped in a torah. He is also seated and in chair, lifted and carried by four men as if he is on a throne. The sight is amazing; I understand why there was so much controversy.
I have largely not taken a public position on Bishop Long’s challenges of the sexual scandal or his marital strife. I can only say that this latest “crowning” incident does nothing to help him in the eyes of reasonable, prudent individuals. This is just sad and disgusting.
Moreover, since this crowning ceremony used sacred symbols of the Jewish religion, an even larger audience of religious practitioners offended by his actions will now form opinions about Long’s troubles --- and not in a good way.
By the way, Bishop Eddie Long is now king of what?

Victoria Osteen, co-pastor of Lakewood Church and wife of Joel Osteen was found not guilty of assault in a lawsuit filed by Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown. The jury deliberated for about three hours before deciding on the verdict. 
PBS's 


Great Discovery: The Ministry of Marcos Witt
The guy was good. I didn’t understand EVERY word he said but he was speaking slowly enough that I knew it wasn’t the Cuban Spanish I’m accustomed to hearing. I called one of my co-workers over because surely she knew who this guy was, he was too good for him to not be super famous, right? But she didn’t know him either. She translated the parts I didn’t understand and then his name popped up on the bottom of the television screen --- Marcos Witt.
Of course I Googled him and found out more about him. He is the pastor of the Spanish speaking congregation of Lakewood and that already numbers about 40,000. Witt is American but was raised in Mexico with his Christian missionary parents and siblings. He is also a Latin Grammy Award-winning entertainer and that is apparent in the delivery of his sermon. He knows how to connect with people even in a foreign language. He has the gift.
With the Spanish speaking population in the United States continuing to grow, Joel Osteen was smart in selecting Marcos Witt to lead Lakewood's Spanish-speaking congregation. I look forward to watching more of Witt in action. You may want to check him out also; even if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll understand.
Related Links:
Marcos Witt
Lakewood Church
Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 03:56 PM in Commentary, Music, Religion, Television | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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