Embattled Bishop Eddie Long, who leads the 25,000-member New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., is temporarily stepping down from the pulpit, the New York Times reported.
Several men accused Long, 58,—a longtime opponent of the LGBT community and marriage equality—of sexual coercion when they were teens; in May, he settled with them for an undisclosed amount.
Long’s announcement came after wife Vanessa, 53, filed for divorce Dec. 1. She and Eddie have four children.
During services Dec. 4, Eddie Long told congregants he was still their senior pastor and would continue to provide spiritual direction, but that he needed time to take care of “some family business.” Members supported him and said they would stay until he returns.