ATLANTA: Eddie Long Files Court Papers Denying Sex With Young Men

Bishop Eddie Long yesterday filed court papers denying that he'd had sex with young men in his congregation. Long is being sued by four male parishioners who allege that he used his position as church leader to coerce them into sex.

In his responses, Long acknowledged he took the young men on trips and that he showed them affection, as in hugs, but denied any sexual contact occurred, the AJC reported. The men called Long "Daddy," "Bishop" and "Granddaddy," but Long said many members of his congregation called those names as well, the AJC reported. "Bishop Long admits that he mentors many young men from challenged backgrounds who have often been without the benefit of a male role model," according to his filings as reported by the AJC. The court documents describe Long as as a "bold revolutionary spiritual leader" who puts "special emphasis on outreach to men, reinforcing to men the importance of partnering with a ministry that will grow them spiritually." The accusations against Long were somewhat shocking to many because of Long's strong anti-gay views, including a ministry as part of his church that works to "convert" gay people. Long also led a march through the streets of Atlanta against gay marriage as well as other for other issues, including health care.