Eddie Long, famous for his leadership in a megachurch, has been seen in a viral video crowning him “king” in an elaborate ceremony, according to the Associated Press.
The video, shot at Long’s Church, New Birth Missionary Baptist in Lithonia, Ga., shows Messaianic preacher Rabbi Ralph Messer addressing men to wrap Long in a ritual shawl.
Messer said, “He’s a king. God’s blessed him. He’s a humble man. But in him is kingship. In him is royalty. In him was a land of Israel.”
Other religious leaders are upset about the release of the video.
Reverend Morris Tipton, director of media relations at the National Baptist Convention, said, “God has called us to be serving leaders and not celebrities.”
Rabbis from the Jewish community are insisting that Messner is misrepresenting the Torah and Messianic Judaism.
Rabbi David Shiff of Congregation Beth Hallel said, “Ralph Messer in no way represents Messianic Judaism. He is not affiliated with any legitimate branch of Messianic Judaism. His actions in no way reflect the position of Messianic Judaism. I found the presentation to be repulsive and inappropriate.”
Jewish groups feel that Long’s use of the Torah during a church ceremony was offensive.
Long was accused of sexual misconduct in 2010 by four male former church members. The issue was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money, and Long took a break to deal with “personal issues.” He returned to the church in January.
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