Bishop Eddie L. Long Dies At 63

The death of Bishop Eddie L. Long, senior pastor of megachurch New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA, was confirmed early Sunday morning (Jan. 15) in a statement released by the church.

"New Birth Missionary Baptist Church celebrates the life and legacy of Bishop Eddie L. Long who is now spiritually healed and home with the Lord. Bishop Long, Senior Pastor of New Birth, transitioned from this life early Sunday morning after a gallant private fight with an aggressive form of cancer," the statement begins.

Journalist Roland Martin shared the letter on social media.

In recent months, Bishop Long attributed his dramatic weight loss to a vegan diet and healthier lifestyle. In September 2016, New Birth released a statement that Long was not hospitalized, as speculated, but was recovering from a "health challenge."

Long was quoted in the statement saying:

"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. 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."

“I am confidant through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place. Although, his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he’s at peace," First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, the Bishop's wife of 27 years, said of her husband's passing in the church's official statement this morning.

Many in the church community are feeling the void at the early news and took to social media:

Bishop Long was born May 12, 1953, in Huntersville, NC and became the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in 1987. He grew membership from approximately 300 members to over 25,000 today. He delivered his final message to the church on New Year's Eve.