Bernice King Departs Eddie Long's Mega Church

ATLANTA,None — Bernice King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will no longer serve as an elder at Bishop Eddie Long's Lithonia mega church.

Sources told Channel 2 Action News that King's last day as an elder at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church was Sunday. King gave the alter call during Sunday's 11 a.m. service.

Sources told Channel 2 that they did not know if King's departure had anything to do with the settlement and dismissal of the sexual misconduct lawsuits against Long.

Long returned to the pulpit Sunday for the first time since settling four sexual misconduct lawsuits. Four young men sued Long last fall, alleging he coerced them into sexual relationships.

Long didn't mention the settlement during his sermon Sunday.

Church officials emailed Channel 2 a statement saying the decision to settle was made to allow New Birth to move forward.

Previous Stories: May 29, 2011: Long Looks Ahead After Settling Abuse Lawsuits May 26, 2011: Bishop Eddie Long Reaches Settlement In Sex Abuse Case May 13, 2011: Eddie Long Misconduct Case Could Be Heading To Trial April 24, 2011: Long Sends Message To Accusers During Easter Sermon April 23, 2011: Sources: Bishop Eddie Long Case Close To Resolution January 28, 2011: Eddie Long Grants Ch. 2 First Interview Since Sex Allegations November 14, 2010: Eddie Long Backs Out Of Rally November 9, 2010: New Birth Files Response To Eddie Long Lawsuit November 2, 2010: Bishop Long Files Documents Denying Sex Abuse October 31, 2010: Protesters Rally For Eddie Long's Resignation October 14, 2010: Author Says He Knew Of Bishop Long Sex Abuse Claims In '07 October 1, 2010: New Birth Minister Speaks About Eddie Long Scandal September 30, 2010: Bishop Long Accuser: 'He Knows The Truth' September 29, 2010: Long Enlists Private Investigator Amid Sex Scandal September 29, 2010: 4th Man Files Suit Against Bishop Eddie Long September 29, 2010: Bishop Long Again Speaks To New Birth Members September 27, 2010: Bishop Long: I've Been Accused, I'm Under Attack September 24, 2010: Vehicles, Security Race To Bishop Long's Home September 22, 2010: 3rd Lawsuit Filed Against Bishop Long In Sex Scandal

WSBTV