Accused of coercing four young men into sexual activities, Atlanta-area pastor Bishop Eddie Long is now free and clear after settling all pending civil claims out of court Thursday and having his criminal charges dismissed on Friday.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution broke the news Friday afternoon that the dismissal of Long's criminal charges comes "with prejudice," meaning that criminal charges for the same actions cannot be re-filed against Long at a later date.
The terms of the civil settlement are confidential.
"All parties involved will not do any interviews on any aspects of the case or the settlement," said Religion Dispatches' Anthea Butler. She added, "We'll see what remains of Bishop Long's ministry and New Birth church."
CNN religious blogger Stephen Prothero writes that there is "no justice in Eddie Long's settlement."
What remains of Long's church is a far cry from what it once was. CNN's John Blake reports, "The streets that were once choked with traffic are now bare. The church's sprawling parking lot is half full. Inside the stylish sanctuary, ushers sway to choir music in front of empty seats."
In September 2010, the New York Times reported that Long stood before his vast megachurch congregation and committed to battle his accusers. "Please understand, I think (court) is the only place I'll find justice," Long said. "This thing, I'm going to fight."
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