Bishop Eddie Long seems to have come to his senses after last week’s controversial “crowning” ceremony at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Related: Eddie Long Is Not A ‘King’
Churchgoers took video of Long being crowned “king” by Rabbi Ralph Messer while being hoisted and paraded around stage.
Many rabbis and believers shunned the act for being disrespectful to the religion and downright strange.
“The ceremony was not my suggestion, nor was it my intent, to participate in any ritual that is offensive in any manner to the Jewish community, or any group,” Long said Saturday. ”Furthermore, I sincerely denounce any action that depicts me as a King, for I am merely just a servant of the Lord.”
Long addressed the apology to Bill Nigut, the southeast regional director of the Anti-Defamation League which is a group that fights anti-Semitism. Nigut was initially disappointed in the fake ritual and the improper use of the Torah scroll, but has since forgiven Long’s actions.
“I thought it was a very heartfelt, sincere, humble apology,” Nigut told CNN. “I was very gratified by Bishop Long apparently recognizing what our concern was.”