Bishop Long announces start of New Birth Birmingham

By Shelia M. Poole
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Bishop Eddie Long on Sunday announced the start of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham.

The church is called New Birth Birmingham. New Birth also plans to launch New Birth Denver, another satellite church.

Long also said the Lithonia megachurch recently received its certified audit back from 2010 and 2009. He didn't explain why the audit was conducted. "All your money's being done right and being calcuated right," he said.

Parishioners who were financially able were also asked to make larger donations ($500 to $1,000) as a seed for the ministry.

Four lawsuits against Long and the Lithonia megachurch were recently dismissed in DeKalb County State Court. Four young men allege Long coerced them into sexual relations using trips, gifts and jobs. Settlement terms are confidential.