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
____________
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.
____________
HiI 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.
____________
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.
____________
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.
____________
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.
____________
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 https://mrmokelly.com. Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at [email protected].
Free Subscription to The Mo’Kelly Report HERE
Follow The Mo’Kelly Report on Facebook HERE
Twitter – @mrmokelly