Rally For The Resignation of Bishop Eddie Long: Is It A Little Premature?

Prophet H. Walker of True Light Pentecost Church is calling for a rally on October 31 at 2pm at Georgia's state capitol.

The rally is intended to call for Long's resignation because, according to Walker, he "has no right to assume the office of pastor of any Christian church. A pastor should be above reproach."

This comes after four teens allege the Bishop Eddie Long used his position and scripture to manipulate them into having sexual relations with him, including giving them expensive gifts and taking them on luxurious trips.

Long has yet to clearly come out and deny these allegations. He has said “I have done nothing wrong” and “I vow to fight this”, but he has not clearly come out and said 'I did not do what these boys claim I did, I'm completely innocent', which does cast a bit of doubt for a lot of people. After all, the first thing most innocent people say, when given the chance to speak on their behalf, is 'I'm innocent'. Heck, that's what half of the guilty people say, too, so the fact that Long has yet to announce that does seem a little shady.

A member of Long's congregation in the New Birth Missionary Church says, “Bishop Eddie Long is not a politician. He is the leader of a church and unless you belong to the church you have no right to call for his resignation."

This quote is certainly true and, after all, Long has not, by any means, been convicted of these charges. In fact, isn't there a law in these great United States that says that a person is innocent until proven guilty? These calls for resignation seem a bit premature in light of this. After all, what if he is indeed innocent of all charges? If he is found guilty, then calling for his resignation and even forcing it would be a well justified act. Until then, Long certainly needs to be given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to continue his preaching.

Where do you stand on this? Do you think Long should resign from his position at least until the trial is over, or do you think he has every right to hold his position until he's proven guilty?