Bishop Eddie Long’s Spokesperson, “He needs a sabbatical.”

Sunday morning, New Missionary Baptist Church leaders learned that their pastor. Bishop Eddie Long, would be taking some time off. During the service, he explained:

“I’m going to take a little time off to work with my family…I do want you to know that this is, for me and my family, especially with me, one of the most difficult times and things I’ve had to face, and only because my strength, other than God, is in Miss Vanessa…And I want you to rest assured that I love her and she loves me. … In all the things that I’ve ever had to deal with and being pastor, my rock has been to be able to come home to a virtuous woman who always had peace in my house…”

Long’s spokesman, Art Franklin, (along with a video of the announcement), confirmed that Long will continue to serve as senior pastor, but said,

“he needs a sabbatical.”

No word on how long the sabbatical will last. Franklin said Long and his family

“are asking for privacy and sensitivity to their family.”

[CBS]