Posts Tagged ‘Art Franklin’

Mo’Kelly wanted to wait and see if Bishop Eddie was only putting in a New Year’s

"Damn...forgot to put on my lacefront Toupee before I left the house. Gotta stop doing that."

appearance or two and then moving back to the background to sort out his familial “issues.”

Well, it’s been confirmed he’s back to business.  He’s evidently worked out his family ‘issues” to enough of a degree where he feels he can manged both the business of the church and his impending divorce.

Great job New Birth, you let him off the hook again.  Haven’t you had enough…yet?!

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From The Washington Post

Eddie Long has returned to public ministry. The senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church returned to preach during a New Year’s Eve service at the suburban Atlanta church. He took a leave of absenceto deal with family issues. In December, the embattled pastor’s wife of 21 years, filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” with “no hope of reconciliation.”

“2012 is here! Shake off the remorse, shake off the depression, shake off the financial burden, start using your hands again and reconstructing! God is more about your future than he was about your past,” Long said during the service, according to Charisma News.

“I’m still your pastor. You’ll still receive my direction,” the Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted Long saying. “You’ve given me some weeks to take care of some family business.”

Long will attend weekly services at the church, said his spokesman Art Franklin, according to an Associated Press story.

Long has denied allegations of sexual misconduct by four men, but in May 2011, the minister reached an out-of-court settlement with the former church members following months of mediation.

On Sunday, the church announced plans to reopen New Birth Academy Thursday, according to a report by Rolling Out.com. The school Long founded closed in December. The church cited the ailing economy and low enrollment as contributing factors for closing the school.

FULL STORY HERE.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Contact him at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Vanessa Long

The Mo’Kelly Report has been the LEADER in the coverage of the Bishop Eddie Long saga, BREAKING the story NATIONALLY that Vanessa Long had separated from Bishop Eddie.

In response, New Birth Ministries’ Art Franklin tried to disrespect the reporting of internet journalists generally and  Mr. Mo’Kelly specifically with a bogus statement to the media.

Today it was revealed that Vanessa Long has filed for divorce.

It is moments like these that it is imperative that Mo’Kelly reminds the non-believers. There is a reason I’m Mr. Mo’Kelly and have my official neighborhood superhero business card.  There is a reason why The Mo’Kelly Report is the most interesting blog in the world. There is a reason why Mr. Mo’Kelly prides himself on credible sources and solid reporting.  It’s never been about being first with a story, but always about getting it right.

Below you will find the statement from Vanessa Long.

After a great deal of deliberation and prayer, I have decided to terminate my marriage to Bishop Eddie L. Long. Accordingly, I authorized my attorneys to file for divorce on December 1, 2011,

It is my sincere hope that this matter can be resolved expeditiously, harmoniously and fairly. I ask that you respect my privacy and that of my family, as my attorneys and I have agreed that we will not try this case in the media, and I do not intend to make any further statements concerning this matter.”

Now…for the unbelievers, Mr. Mo’Kelly accepts your apology.  Art Franklin, still waiting on yours.  If you can publicly disrespect Mr. Mo’Kelly, you can surely publicly make amends.  Mo’Kelly won’t hold his breath either way.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal.  Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly.  Contact him at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Mr. Mo’Kelly -

Thank you for the New Birth updates, and for continuing to provide an avenue for current/former members etc. to share their opinions/observations with the rest of the world.

I am a former New Birth member – attended while I was in college in the late 90s. I was there just before it became the mega church. When I graduated I moved home for a few years. Upon returning to Atlanta in ’04, the church didn’t feel the same to me…too commercial, too slick, and dare I say a focus that was directed toward the ‘leader’ and not God. So after a couple of weeks, I left and found something else - normal and regular size, properly focused etc. I thought it was just me, now I’m seeing that it wasn’t.

When the news broke last fall all I could think was ‘oh God that could’ve been me.’ I could’ve still been sitting in those pews. I could’ve been financing exoctic trips for minors around the world – that could’ve been me… You’re absolutely right. Anything that happens now is totally on those who continue to worship there. Since they are not holding anyone else responsible or accountable. This is totally on them.

What I haven’t heard is any update on the Longfellow Academy. Is that still functioning? I noticed that the website is down – but does that mean it is disfunct? Are parents still putting their sons in that group? Are they still looking to the church to serve as a mentors for these young men? Does anyone have any information regarding that?

Thank you
M. B.
Dekalb County GA resident

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M.B.,

I actually do not know the status/future of the Longfellow Academy.  New Birth has not made any public statements as to the status of the church or the academy.  This has been a recurring theme of non-acknowledgment of these very important issues.  But you can be sure Mo’Kelly will report the information as soon as it is made available.

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Hi

I read your recent article about Eddie Long. I found it very interesting. I’m from B’ham, Al. It was a well known fact that Art Franklin was gay. He was a local newsanchor for several years in the area. So, I’m not surprised that he would be associated with Long. You know what they say, birds of a feather.

R.B.

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I can’t speak to whether Art is in fact gay.  At the same time it is no secret that Atlanta generally and New Birth specifically have a very visible gay community.  I say that only to say, for as anti-gay Long is, it is more than odd given the members of his congregation and some in his employ.

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Good morning, Mr. Kelly

Again, I must tell you I enjoy your writing! I wrote to you awhile back and expressed how I enjoyed the article you wrote about Halle Berry.

The article I just read about Bishop Eddie Long is ON POINT!  I agree with your every sentiment. I cannot understand how his congregation has stuck by him and is allowing him to continue to preach to them the word of God. Someone please help me to understand!

I have to question the video I saw of a woman handing him a stack of cash during a Sunday service. I believe that was just a spectacular act he put together to get the rest of the members and visitors to hand over more of their money. They still don’t seem to get it.

As for Kemp, we can conclude that relationship was consensual. The only way I would think someone would tattoo another person’s name (other than a beloved relative) on their skin is if that person was, let say……. “Backing you up”.  LOL No pun intended.

Keep up the great work. I love it!!!

Denise B.

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Thank you Denise, I appreciate the words of encouragement and support.  As for New Birth…it is clear that it is all about appearances, for the sake of the business.  To announce “expansion” in the week after the settlement and the stack of cash video only speaks to the true purpose of New Birth’s existence.  It’s not about saving souls, it’s about fleecing those without any good sense.  As I said before, shame on them and blame on them.

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The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit http://mrmokelly.com.  Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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UPDATE 1: Mo’Kelly just now reached out AGAIN to Art Franklin as to his statement and why it wasn’t sent TO Mo’Kelly and to the accuracy of his statement’s contents.

Check out what he had to say…note the rhetoric was toned down.  No further admonition or request for retraction…of course.  Didn’t even mention it. So it seems that Art’s email does work…and so much for “demanding” a retraction.  See this for what it is readers.  Mo’Kelly is absolutely and completely transparent.

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artfranklin@franklinmediagroupllc.com

to: mrmokelly@gmail.com

Tue, Jun 14, 2011 at 10:20AM

Subject: Re: RE: Really Art…really?

Really Art…Really?  Was there someone ELSE who broke and stayed on top of this story?  Was there someone ELSE who was referenced in EVERY story regarding this around the net?

Really Art?

Let’s start telling the truth Art.  You didn’t even send the statement to Mo’Kelly.

UPDATE 2:

New Birth Ministries is going to mess around and make Mo’Kelly mad.  In fact,

Art Franklin

Mo’Kelly can’t type this post fast enough in order to get this out.

Here is the statement released by Art Franklin/New Birth regarding Vanessa Long…which was NOT sent directly to Mo’Kelly or The Mo’Kelly Report.  To my knowledge it wasn’t even sent to ANY blogger directly.  Keep that in mind as you read it.

See HERE.

Despite a very public attack against New Birth Church and its leadership, New Birth has chosen not to respond to rumors but remain focused on fulfilling the mission that God has for the ministry.

However, in this new digital world, along with a steep decline in quality reporting, many people can’t discern the difference between legitimate journalists and irresponsible bloggers. Recently, some blog entries have surfaced claiming to have anonymous sources stating that New Birth First Lady Elder Vanessa Long has left her husband. That claim is completely and absolutely false. Mrs. Long is very much a loving, dedicated and committed wife and mother.

It is unfortunate that anyone would make such hateful and damaging false claims of this nature. These cruel and insensitive rumors have the potential to cause immeasurable pain and suffering. Those involved should feel obligated to retract their earlier statements.

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The above statement was NOT sent to Mo’Kelly.  Also, requests for retractions are ALWAYS sent to the media entity DIRECTLY, not in the form of a general statement to the press alleging “hateful and damaging” claims.

If all of what New Birth says were true, there should have been a cease and desist sent TO Mo’Kelly, not a general statement to the mainstream media about a story which (prior to now) hadn’t hit the mainstream media.

Going further, if everything which New Birth alleged was true in their statement, they’d be suing Mo’Kelly, not obliquely referring to Mo’Kelly.

Lastly, HERE is the original and unedited email sent to Art Franklin, dated and time-stamped asking for either a STATEMENT, an INTERVIEW or some other RESPONSE…PRIOR to publishing.

Art was contacted June 8th.  Clearly, they thought they could ride Mo’Kelly out and that Mo’Kelly had no real voice.

Wrong.  This is just gamesmanship and New Birth’s move.  Mo’Kelly will make the next one.

They messed with the wrong one.  This is what Mo’Kelly does.  Mo’Kelly WILL have his own “statement” forthcoming.

Game on…

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(Mo’Kelly) mrmokelly@gmail.com

to: artfranklin@franklinmediagroupllc.com

Wed, Jun 8, 2011 at 3:51PM

Subject: Re: Vanessa Long – The Mo’Kelly Report

Mr. Franklin,

I wanted to reach out to you in regards to sources which are reporting to me that Vanessa, the wife of Bishop Eddie Long has moved out of the family home, in fact taking one of the children with her.

Now I am not naive to believe that you would corroborate this story.  This is not the point of my email.  I did want to offer New Birth the opportunity to put forth a statement regarding the state of the family to include in my posting regarding this information.

My sources are very, very strong.

In the interest of fairness, New Birth should be allowed equal opportunity to refute or disprove any of the aforementioned suggestions.  Please forward a short statement to mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Or, if you are available for an audio interview (without any respect to settlement particulars) we could do that as well.

Respectfully,

Morris O’Kelly

The Mo’Kelly Report

********** (m)

mrmokelly@gmail.com

http://mrmokelly.com

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You can’t “settle” with Mo’Kelly Bishop Long.  Very nice to see a letter from YOUR publicist denouncing bloggers and no response from your wife.

New Birth had Mo’Kelly’s request almost a week ago.

The story stands.  You didn’t even send the statement TO Mo’Kelly, Mo’Kelly isn’t retracting jack.  The sources are strong and corroborated.

You’re welcome to sue. The Mo’Kelly Report will neither be intimidated nor influenced by New Birth Ministries.