The long Long story

As I sit here and watch all the ugliness play out in the case of Bishop Eddie Long like a car wreck in slow motion I can't help but wonder how this will all end. The stories are slowly coming out and so many people have an opinion and or a testimony. Some can't help but relish in the downfall of a prominent leader, while others cry in anguish at the attack against their friend. I offer no stance and I have no opinion, partly because I have never been to the church, and I have never met the Pastor, but largely because it is moot. Sadly whether these allegations are true or not, the damage has been done.
Part of the fault lies with the portrayal in the media. Despite the numerous efforts to integrate our society and promote diversity, most churches in the United States are largely segregated. As a result there are cultural differences, differences that are completely misunderstood by a majority controlled broadcast system. The media seems to feel that these differences are signs of corruption. The material wealth Bishop Long enjoys is a sign of success, nothing more. His church feels he is to be exalted and so the congregation does. He is called a 'spiritual father' by the members of his church in a way to give him reverence, but this is no different than the devotion shown to a catholic priest or the Pope for that matter. The way the service is run and the music that is played I am sure is not the same as in a more traditional, more conservative church either. None of these things, however is problematic, except to an individual who is simply not used to another way of doing things. Different does not mean wrong I say none of these things to defend the man, as I have no opinion on his guilt or innocence, but i ask that you form your opinion based on true facts of the case, not behavior you do not understand.
There is a mountain of cultural differences, not evidence that is stacked against him. His statements do not make him wrong. His wealth does not make him corrupt. His occupation does not make him a pedophile. However, all these things are going to be used against him in the court of public opinion and therein lies the problem.
The damage is already done. Unfortunately the society at large can not resist the story of a fall from grace, especially when Bishop Long has upset so many with statements that some see as judgemental. He says that he will fight these charges. True or not, I fear that his reputation and his church will never be the same.
In the end, he needs our support, and our prayers. He is a fellow human being.