Bishop Eddie Long goes on sabbatical saying he has a 'health challenge'
Megachurch pastor Bishop Eddie Long is going on a sabbatical after revealing on Tuesday that he is recovering from a "health challenge." According to an elder at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Long will be on leave until October.
April McLaughlin, one of Long's assistants, maintained that "all is well" but did not reveal whether someone else will be taking over Long's duties during his absence. "He is not on that type of sabbatical," she told The Christian Post.
Speculations about Long's illness sparked when he released a video showing his significant weight loss. Long stated that his weight loss was not caused by an illness and claimed that it is due to a new vegan diet he recently adopted. The pastor said he has given up fast food and started eating nothing but raw vegetables.
A culinary expert agreed that Long's weight loss is likely caused by the vegan diet.
"Usually you do lose weight because it is cleansing and detoxing," said Nina Curtis, executive chef at The Ranch at Live Oak, Malibu, California.
In his statement, Long insisted that his "health challenge" has nothing to do with his new diet.
"I am recovering from a health challenge that I trust God to deliver me from. It is unrelated to the eating for life diet consisting of mostly raw vegetables that I am continuing, as part of a holistic approach to good health," Long said.
"At this time my family and I are requesting that you respect our privacy. I truly appreciate your prayers and support for me, my loved ones and my beloved New Birth Church Family," he continued.
Gospel music producer Larry Reid speculated in his show that Long might have cancer. Reid claimed that raw food is provided in some cancer clinics as part of the treatment. He urged Long to tell the truth about his health so that people can pray for him.
