Bishop ran a non-profit charity organization, Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc. He has been recognized for his leadership qualities and dedicated service and was honored with the Trumpet Award in 2005. Though his spiritual and business training are factors for his phenomenal success as a religious leader, Bishop Long quickly pointed out that his success truly belonged to God. He truly believed that by helping others, one can reach closer to God.

Legal Problems

Long and Vanessa served as surrogate parents to several children in the church and community. Bishop Long faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct for molesting young boys at church, charges which later proved to be true. Vanessa could not handle these accusations and she struggled with the decision of divorcing him. She filed for divorce but ultimately returned to her marriage determined to share her experience and guide others.

Bishop Eddie Long was accused of taking advantage of young men who visited his church and tried to sexually assault them. After the suit was filed against him, his followers started asking questions. The long queue of cars lined up outside his church on Sunday mornings started disappearing. Long’s association with music stars and celebrities vanished.

Death

Bishop Eddie Long died from an aggressive form of cancer on January 15, 2017. In the months leading up to his death, he lost a significant amount of weight.