Prominent Atlanta pastor named in four abuse suits

Bishop Eddie Long, the Atlanta-area preacher facing charges from four young men that he coerced them to have sex, told his congregation September 26 he is "under attack" and will fight the allegations against him.

"I've been accused," Long told the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. "I'm under attack. I want you to know . . . I am not a perfect man but this thing I'm going to fight."

Four men, all in their early 20s, filed suits alleging that the 57-year-old Long used his spiritual authority to coerce them into sexual relationships. The men said Long gave them gifts of cash, cars and overnight trips.