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CNN Sunday Morning
Bishop Long to Speak; Romney Brings Conservative Message to New Hampshire
Aired September 26, 2010 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: And this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
And that is a Sunday morning church service, but not just any church service. That is a live look inside New Birth Missionary Baptist Church outside of Atlanta where Bishop Eddie Long in the pulpit of his Atlanta-based megachurch expected to speak during this service. It will be the first time he has spoken since four men filed lawsuits against him, claiming they were sexually abused by the megachurch pastor.
From CNN Center, this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. Eight a.m. here in Atlanta, 6:00 a.m. in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Good morning. I'm in for T.J. Holmes. My name is Drew Griffin. Thank you for starting the day with us.
(MUSIC)
GRIFFIN: Let's check our top stories now.
The Pentagon says it bought and did burn thousands of copies of an army officer's memoirs to protect national security. The Pentagon says that book, "Operation Dark Heart," contained sensitive details about U.S. operations in Afghanistan, written by Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Shaffer who says the government is trying to suppress his story of Black Operations in Afghanistan.
One person dead, four others hospitalized after a shooting here near Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Nineteen-year-old Jessica Moore died after a man tried to crash a party, failed, and then returned with a gun. He opened fire on the people, the party, and then fled.
In Chile, a rescue capsule now on the scene where 33 miners remain trapped. That capsule could speed up their rescue. The men have been trapped since August.
But the story many people have their eyes on this morning involves Atlanta area minister, Eddie Long. In this hour, the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia is expected to talk to his congregation about the allegations that had surfaced this week about him having sexual relationships with young men, the young four men who have sued him.
Martin Savidge, in Lithonia, is with us this morning. Martin, set the scene for us.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Drew.
Well, the scene is -- on the inside, the service is already getting underway, and it's a celebration that's taking place. At least from the crew that we have inside, they report there's a great deal of singing. There's a great deal of enthusiasm. And people are celebrating.
Now, this is a church that's known for that kind of style of religious faith. And whether this is any more than usual, we can't tell you at this particular time.
We do know that, traditionally, people will gather in this megachurch to hear the word of God on a Sunday. Today, they will hear that, but they are also interested in hearing the words of a man, Bishop Eddie Long, to find out exactly what he has to say as he confronts and speaks to his congregation for the very first time about the allegations that have been made.
The traffic has been lined up here ever since we got here, and that was about 5:30 this morning. There were already cars in the parking lot, people waiting to get into the sanctuary. And since that time, there has been a steady stream of traffic as the sun has come up. Still now, there is an intersection that is pretty much bogged down with all the people trying to get into the service.
A congregation, 25,000 people, is always large -- but the interest is going to be even greater today. And the significance of this story is really hard to overstate in many ways.
It is a massive church. You look on the outside of this particular facility -- it has stadium-like proportions.
But then, on top of that, there is the influence of the pastor himself, hugely popular throughout the southeast when it comes to religion -- also extremely well politically connected, knows presidents, knows world leaders, speaks to them on a first name basis, knows celebrities.
And then on top of that, there is the significant wealth of this congregation that has done a tremendous amount of good throughout the Atlanta area. But right now, they're concerned about these allegations of bad that may have been carried out by Bishop Eddie Long -- Drew.
GRIFFIN: All right. Martin, we'll continue to watch this with you. You should know we've been dipping in live to the service which does show an exuberant group of people having a good time on Saturday morning -- Sunday morning, excuse me, as they wait for Bishop Eddie Long.
Our Josh Levs is also joining me to tell us more about Bishop Long, his empire -- and kind of what Martin was talking about, Josh, the scope of the scandal, because of the scope of the man involved. JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Exactly, you know, the kind of video that we're seeing live from the church there is part of what draws so incredibly many people. It's fiery, it's exciting, and you do often, if you've been to services there, you do see that kind of dancing and movement. And just a lot of people very excited about it.
I do want to talk about the scope. The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, because it's not just one megachurch, this is a leader in this religious movement in America. The megachurch phenomenon and particularly in the African-American community, and this whole notion of prosperity gospel that has grown exponentially over the last couple of decades. This church is a symbol of that.
We have some video here. I know some exteriors to help you see how huge it is. It is sprawling. It's a $50 million complex, has a football field. It's got basketball courts.
It has 10,000 seats, and they do multiple services. Because as we keep hearing, at least 25,000 members. So, 10,000 seats, multiple services, ultimately get in lots of people.
And this bishop, Eddie Long, himself, is credited largely with making this church the empire that it is. He's 57 years old. He was raised in the south. He's the son of a reverend, one of four boys.
He started of in business, and then was ordained as a pastor later on in his career. And along with the rise of his church, he became very, very wealthy, raking in millions of dollars.
Now, you know, we're talking about seeing him on TV today. TV viewers around the world, in more than 100 countries, see him regularly from the pulpit. They watch these ceremonies that he delivers from the pulpit.
He's written books. He's helped produce Christian hip-hop C.D.s. He has legion of fans and is, for a great many people, a household name.
In fact, here in Atlanta, shortly after the news broke during the week, here's what a couple people said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just don't believe that's true.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This man loves his wife with a passion. Everybody know he love his wife.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
GRIFFIN: And they're not alone. There are a lot of people who have been saying things like that.
I will tell you that Long himself has faced some controversies before, but never anything like this or even in this realm. Back in 2005, "The Atlanta Journal Constitution" reported on questioning of handling of funds that were funneled through his charity. And in 2007, the Senate looked into whether several televangelists, including this bishop, were using tax exempt status to finance lavish lifestyles. Long has always denied any kind of wrongdoing in all those respects.
And he also -- Drew, I'll mention this -- he has a lot of awards. He has been awarded by all sorts of organizations, Metro Atlanta's Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization gave him an award. He's an honorary deputy sheriff in DeKalb County, Georgia. The CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, praised him for drawing attention to the AIDS epidemic.
This is a man who has known presidents, who knows celebrities, who deals with them on a regular basis. So, his scope is widespread. And this isn't even just in the United States. People around the world who are used to watching Bishop Eddie Long are keeping a close eye on this scandal as well to what develops, and, specifically, what he says today, Drew.
GRIFFIN: All right. Josh, certainly, not shy of the spotlight except for this past week, which is why we will continue to file this story as we see him for the first time since these allegations have surfaced. Thank you, Josh.
LEVS: Sure.
(MUSIC)
GRIFFIN: Well, as the midterm elections close in, the campaigning starting to move into a higher gear.
Faced with the prospect of losing a lot of seats in Congress, Democrats put out a call for their heavy hitters, including the president and an even more popular ex-president.
Here's CNN senior political editor, Mark Preston -- Mark.
MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: Hey, good morning, Drew.
Thirty-seven days until Election Day, and the week is kicking of with President Clinton on the campaign trail. In fact, he's in Massachusetts on behalf of Congressman Barney Frank. And then he goes down to Connecticut for the Senate nominee, the Democratic nominee down there, Richard Blumenthal. Bill Clinton becoming a go-to guy for Democrats on the campaign trail.
On Monday, Vice President Biden heads up to New Hampshire. He's going to be doing some campaigning on behalf of Carol Shea-Porter. She's a congresswoman trying to seek re-election, as well as Paul Hodes, the Democrat who's trying to win back the Senate seat in New Hampshire that currently is held by a Republican.
Also, Haley Barbour is going to be in New Hampshire. He's the Mississippi governor. He heads up the RGA, which is the Republican Governors Association. He's up there doing a fundraiser on behalf of John Stephen. He's the GOP nominee who's trying to take on John Lynch, the incumbent Democratic governor.
Going on to Tuesday, President Obama holds the first of four major rallies heading into Election Day. This one's going to be in Madison, Wisconsin.
Why is this important? Because Russ Feingold, who is elected in 1992, is up again the ropes. Republicans think that they can take back the seat. Public polling shows right now it is a very, very tight race.
President Obama is trying to rally the troops -- not only in Wisconsin but across the country. He's trying to get those voters who came out for him in 2008 to come out for congressional Democrats in 2010.
But moving on, let's go to Thursday. It's the return of Al Gore. And he's going to be in Florida. Al Gore is going to be in Tampa and he's going to be campaigning on behalf of Kendrick Meek.
Kendrick Meek is the Senate Democratic nominee trying to win that seat down there currently held by a Republican, a very interesting three-way race now down there. Marco Rubio is the Republican nominee. And, of course, Charlie Crist is the former Republican, very popular governor, who's now running an independent bid. So, all eyes are on Florida.
And then let's go back to New Hampshire on Friday. Another potential presidential candidate in Tim Pawlenty is going to be up there campaigning for Stephen as well.
And then on Saturday, Mike Pence is going to be in Iowa. Mike Pence, the Indiana congressman, who is seriously considering a run for president in 2012. Mike Pence is going to be speaking to the Iowa for Faith and Freedom Coalition.
So, Pence, Barbour, Romney and Pawlenty, all potential 2012 candidates, on the campaign trail this week -- Drew.
GRIFFIN: Mark, thanks.
Mitt Romney is sounding more and more like he is going to run for president in 2012. Romney gave the keynote speech at the New Hampshire Republican Party convention. It's a high-profile spot in an important presidential state.
Romney says President Obama just doesn't understand American values and can't seem to fix the troubled economy. In fact, he said the administration has declared war on private enterprise.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MITT ROMNEY (R), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You know, we had the government declare war before -- declare war on poverty, declare war on drugs. This is the first time I can recall the government declaring war on private enterprise. And that's why our economy didn't get going. We're going to change that this November. (END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: Romney doesn't mind backing his words with his money. He has contributed $650,000 to Republicans running for office and has endorsed candidates or campaigned for them in 40 states already this year.
A new poll indicating the economy still a major concern to Americans. Take a look at this. Despite the claim by economic experts that the recession is over, that it actually ended a year ago, 74 percent of those polls don't believe it. That's down, though, this time last year when 87 percent said we were still in a recession.
For the latest political news all day, any day, 24/7, you know where to go: CNNPolitics.com.
The president is talking money and the economy this week. Here is a look at his schedule:
Tomorrow, he signs the small business jobs bill; then takes off for Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Tuesday, he's hosting a discussion on the economy, and then later in Madison, Wisconsin, for a Democratic National Committee rally.
Wednesday, discussions on the economy with families in Des Moines, Iowa, and Richmond, Virginia.
Thursday, meetings at the White House.
Friday, he will attend the investiture ceremony for Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan.
After torrential downpours, parts of the Midwest are waking up underwater this morning. But there may be hope in their forecast. We'll have that forecast and all the latest coming up.
Plus, seeing is believing. We're going to show what appears to be a praying dog.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: Tropical Depression Matthew threatening to bring potentially flooding rains where they can least handle it, Central America and Southern Mexico. We're talking a foot or more of rain. And always along with that kind of rain comes the threat of the mud slide.
Meteorologist Bonnie Schneider has the latest. She is in the CNN storm center, hurricane headquarters.
BONNIE SCHNEIDER, AMS METEOROLOGIST: That's right. And it's still hurricane season, Drew.
Well, we are monitoring a tropical depression named Matthew. This was a tropical storm. But now that it's come across the rugged terrain of Central America -- well, it is weakening, that's for sure. But we are looking at some other changes out there. You can see the torrential downpours just pounding areas into Guatemala and Belize.
Let's zoom in right here and you'll see some of that heavy rain affecting the region, where you see the purples and oranges, those are the higher cloud tops, and that's where we're getting the strongest downpours of thunderstorms.
The mudslides also are very dangerous and very difficult to detect. A lot of times if you're in an area where it's prone to mudslides, sometimes you could actually hear a mudslide before it happens by the sound of boulders colliding, tree branches breaking, and before the water comes in. But it's very difficult to get out of the way in times if there is a mudslide, for sure.
Let's talk about the weather in the U.S. First up, I want to start off with how cool it is this morning. Wow. What a Sunday, waking up to 47 in Detroit, Michigan. The temperature in Toronto is 48. It's 46 in Buffalo. How's that for the later part of September. And you can see it's already cooling down across the northeast, into 50s and 60s.
This is a big change. We've been into the 90s earlier on Friday. So, to start of this cool really is a reminder that October is just right around the corner.
We're also monitoring the flooding situation across much of the Midwest. You can see here that we have flood watches and warnings posted for a good section of areas into southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. And a lot of that moisture will continue to affect areas into the south, as well. So keep that in mind in the forecast.
We'll be watching for a lot of rain coming up into areas of Indianapolis and Bloomington, down through Kentucky. So, we're watching that, as well.
All right, that is a look at your forecast. Stay tuned. CNN SUNDAY MORNING will be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
GRIFFIN: "Sesame Street"?
LEVS: (INAUDIBLE)
GRIFFIN: Well, hey, for those who say the news is too serious, here we are.
It seems Elmo wasn't the only one with a red face on "Sesame Street" this week. Pop singer Katy Perry, she made this video, I guess, for the upcoming season. Big names often do, but folks who saw it on YouTube, no doubt a lot of parents cried foul. Why? "Sesame Street" producers pulled it off the social media site and won't show it on the show and to preschoolers. Why?
LEVS: I think we need to see without the banner. Can you drop the banner? Because the whole point is that some parents out there think it's too low-cut. But I have a 4-year-old. I have no problem with him seeing this. He wouldn't think twice about it.
And I've heard from a lot of parents, they think it's fine. Look, think about what the Little Mermaid wears, think about what like Princess Jasmine wears. The Little Mermaid wears a little bikini.
SCHNEIDER: It could -- it could also be that Katy Perry is known for her -- those kind of outfits. But I agree.
LEVS: Yes.
SCHNEIDER: I watch the video, too. I thought it was adorable. The plain words (ph) to the song was really cute, too.
LEVS: Yes. I mean, it's not -- you know, some people are being really sensitive. I understand like if I were producing it, I would probably say maybe cover up a little more.
SCHNEIDER: Yes. Perhaps wear something --
GRIFFIN: I'm with you on this, Josh. I don't see it. I mean, I've -- through my kids, I've seen some of her other videos which are kind of inappropriate.
(LAUGHTER)
GRIFFIN: But I don't think that is. It looks a little goofy.
LEVS: Yes. I mean, it's a little low cut.
SCHNEIDER: It's cute.
LEVS: She's being silly. She's like doing a parody of her songs. "Sesame Street" put a statement saying that, you know, they like having stars do parodies, but the truth is that, you know, when they get lot of complaints, they listened to it. So, they pulled it.
GRIFFIN: All right. And, you know, "Sesame Street," that is a really young crowd.
All right. We tend to think of our pets as part of the family in all aspects. They eat with us, travel with us, play with us, sleep with us, and apparently, they pray with us for one family.
Watch this. The dog's name is Jingo.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Come, say grace. Dear Lord -- say grace. Dear Lord, thank you for this day and everything you've given us. Thank you for allowing us to be the man -- the man and puppy that you've allowed us to be. Father, thank you for our friends --
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: Oh, come on. How do we know that this isn't doctored video?
SCHNEIDER: Well, I wonder if the dog is like please let me get my favorite treat tonight.
GRIFFIN: The dog is trained.
LEVS: You can -- you can train a dog to do just about anything. I wonder if the dog had any sense of why he's doing that right now.
GRIFFIN: This is part of their daily routine. I imagine they believe that the dog is praying.
LEVS: Yes. Well, I think the dog is appreciative.
SCHNEIDER: He's just waiting for his treat, I think.
LEVS: Whatever it takes.
SCHNEIDER: Yes.
GRIFFIN: Is this very popular on the web?
LEVS: Oh, it's huge. Everyone's talking about this video right now -- the praying dog.
GRIFFIN: I'm going to try to get my dog to read the prayer book when I go home. See if that works.
(LAUGHTER)
GRIFFIN: All right. Thanks, guys.
Making healthier choices when it comes to school lunches. We're going to tell you why some students are passing on the pizza and burgers.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: Twenty-four after the hour on this Sunday morning.
I know many of you are waking up probably thinking about breakfast. But somebody out there is thinking about lunch, too -- specifically school lunch.
Carl Azuz anchors CNN Student News" as part of eatocracy. I love that project we have, eatocracy. And you asked some kids about their lunch choices.
CARL AZUZ, HOST, CNN STUDENT NEWS: I did. And, you know, when you think of high school students or middle school students, I mean, if you were to give them a choice between a grilled chicken salad or fried chicken tenders -- what do you think most would pick?
GRIFFIN: Tenders.
AZUZ: Easily the tenders. And that's what I know I would have picked. But there are some students out there who are making some healthier choices. And we also heard from a nutrition director at Atlanta public schools about the choices being offered to students at Grady High School.
So, take a listen to what she had to say and how some students were responding.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
DR. MARTIN HUGHES, DIR. OF NUTRITION SERVICES, ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: These students have fresh fruit, fresh vegetable choices daily. I believe that offering items such as your vegetables, carrot sticks and sliced cucumbers and those items to young children and as they progress and want after school snacks, then they become items that children will naturally want.
ANNA FULLER, GRADY HIGH SCHOOL: I used to be overweight. I recently lost that weight through better eating.
KOYA SIEBIE, GRADY HIGH SCHOOL: Like when you don't eat a healthy meal, you're tired all the time, and you lose a lot of energy. But when you do eat a healthy meal, it's like -- oh, I have this type of energy that's like the best energy ever because I ate that healthy meal.
HUGHES: Healthier choices is part of the education that starts in our classroom. We toy with how to meet the nutritional needs of the students but yet bring the healthiest and best food items. And to that end, we've been able to meet that particular mark.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
AZUZ: Now, in meeting that particular mark for schools, as well as for students who make healthier choices, there is a bit of legwork. And later on today, I'm going to be reporting about what schools can do to both provide healthier choices, but work within that budget that we know that practically every school has to work with in these days, and then what students can do to sort of do legwork themselves and find out what's in their food and how they can make choices that are in accordance with what they should be eating.
GRIFFIN: You know, on that topic, is there positive peer pressure developing? Kids telling other kids, "Hey, don't grab those fries, grab an orange"?
AZUZ: Somewhat, there is, Drew. I mean, that kind of surprised me because certainly, you know, you think of kids and you're not thinking of the most health conscious individual. But there are students like you heard in that segment who are saying, we're making healthier choices and we're encouraging our friends by saying, "Look, do the legwork, look at the number of calories in the fried food as opposed to the grilled chicken salad. And understand that choices that you make now are going to affect you later on in life." Now, obviously, that's something you'd think parents are saying, but there are a lot of students who are actually saying that to each other.
GRIFFIN: All right. Carl, where we find more information?
AZUZ: We'll have more later on today and at CNNStudentNews.com. We'll be airing these reports throughout the week.
GRIFFIN: Great. Thanks a lot.
AZUZ: Thanks very much, Drew.
GRIFFIN: We should tell you that box you're seeing in the screen there, that is the church, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. A live feed coming in where we expect Eddie Long to address allegations to his own congregation. That's why we have that up live. You can see the church service there.
Unfortunately, clergy claims of impropriety on the part of church leaders, not that unusual.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REV. JIMMY SWAGGART, TELEVANGELIST: I have sinned against you, my Lord.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: We're going to look back at some unforgettable scandals. Plus, some tips on what to do if it happens in your church.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: Welcome back. I'm Drew Griffin in for T.J. Holmes on this Sunday morning.
Checking our top stories: The Pentagon defending its move to buy and burn thousands of copies of an Army officer's memoirs. A Defense Department spokeswoman said detail about U.S. operations in that book, "Operation Dark Heart" threatened national security. The author, Lt. Col. Anthony Schaefer, said the government is trying to suppress his story.
A rescue capsule for those trapped Chilean miners has arrived a week early. Rescuers still hope to get the miners out by early November. They have been trapped since August.
One young woman dead, four other people hospitalized after a shooting near Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Police say somebody tried to crash the party, a man apparently. He couldn't get in, so he came back with a gun and opened fire. The police still looking for him.
Now to the Bishop Eddie Long church scandal. It's not the only time a popular religious figure has made headlines. Remember these moments?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REV. JIMMY SWAGGART, TELEVANGELIST: I have sinned against you, my Lord.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: That was the infamous 1988 confession by popular Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart amid reports of a relationship with a prostitute. Three years later Swaggart stopped by police with yet another prostitute in his car.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: That is Reverend Jim Bakker, caught in his own sexual encounter. Bakker eventually served five years in prison for mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, and four years ago we saw this --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REV. TED. HAGGARD, EVANGELIST: I called him to buy some meth.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: Colorado mega church Pastor Ted Haggard linked to a male prostitute. The preacher still maintains he never had sex with the prostitute, but does admit buying drugs from him. Haggard had resigned as pastor of a mega church, The New Life, and now is reportedly holding services in his home in Colorado Springs.
One more: remember Miami's Father Alberto Cutie? A paparazzi caught the Roman Catholic priest cavorting with an attractive woman on a beach and around town; the archdiocese barred the popular priest from leading Sunday mass. Eventually he left the Roman Catholic Church, got married to the woman in the pictures and became an Episcopal priest.
In this morning's "Faces of Faith", what to do if your church is struck by a scandal like this. What do you tell your children? Who do you stay -- who -- do you stay with this congregation or not?
And back with us is the author of "Getting the Word Out: How to Market your Ministry," Bunnie Jackson-Ransom. Thank you for being here.
BUNNIE JACKSON-RANSOM, AUTHOR, "HOW TO MARKET YOUR MINISTRY: Thank you.
GRIFFIN: I want to also say that Martin Savidge is joining us live from Lithonia. And we do have -- you see that little box is the inside of the church, a church service still going on. We're expecting Pastor Eddie Long to appear at any time.
But Bunnie, you know, one of the things that -- that we kind of lose sight of is in all of this is, this is a family gathering, these churches. So you bring your child and your children to these church services to look up to these mostly men who have been involved in this. How do you handle this?
JACKSON-RANSOM: Well, you pray for strength, first of all. And that -- that sets it apart from the average communication crisis. And this is a church. So you have to go to your -- to you faith. You pay -- pray for strength, you recognize that the -- the ministers who are having the hiccup in their career are men, they are men of God.
But I was watching CNN, as a matter of fact, last night when you were interviewing I believe it was Ted Haggard. And he talked about separating the calling from the man. And so if you -- if you're dealing with children you try to keep them protected because these are something -- these are things that you might not be able to explain to them.
But in terms of what this church is willing to do, they're going to pray for strength.
GRIFFIN: Let's hear what Ted Haggard said last night. Let's -- let's roll that tape right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAGGARD: The human condition is painful because anybody with a set of ideals, especially somebody -- somebody obligated to teach the scriptures, has that set of ideals, and then they've got their inhumanity.
What stressed me earlier was when you interviewed the church members, how they said, "He did so many good things, he couldn't have done this." That is not true. It's not reflective of the human condition. Every pastor is a sinner while at the same time is a saint.
DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR, "CNN NEWSROOM": In part --
HAGGARD: And it's a percentage thing. He's a human communicating divine things and so that struggle is universal, and everybody has to accept that. The church is not the gathering together of the righteous. It is the gathering together of the gratefully redeemed. And we've got to get over the fact our leaders, Sunday school teachers, or anybody else, nobody is perfect.
Everybody's in process and I don't say that to justify or explain anything away. Just as a lesson in reality that when we exalt people and when we start thinking they are perfect, we're just in for a disappointment. And if it isn't this particular sin, it is another one. All have sinned, everybody needs redemption.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GRIFFIN: Ted Haggard last night with CNN's Don Lemon.
Martin Savidge, you're out at this congregation, this church this morning. We're expecting Bishop Long actually any minute now to appear. You were saying yesterday, you know it is harp hard to separate the faith from this man at this church because he has built it.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: He has.
I just want to point out to you, there's still a long line of traffic. The service is well underway, and yet there is a long line of cars that are still attempting to get in. And in fact, some people have just given up trying to drive down there and they have parked their vehicles and they are walking down there on foot.
The parishioners we've spoken to said this is highly unusual especially for the early service. So it's quite clear that everyone in this congregation realizes this is a significant moment in the church's religious life in this community and in their own religious faith.
That said, when you talk to people here, a mixture of emotions. Some people have the music playing, religious music. They're very enthused and they're -- and they're feeling the spirit. Other people we've seen drive by in tears. Clearly very emotionally upset by what they anticipate to hear.
You ask them, what do you hope to hear, the most common respond is we hope to hear the truth. And so that's what they're gathering here for. But it's a mixture of emotions. There's still many people trying to get inside. They want to hear directly from their bishop as to these allegations that have been made.
Separating the man from the faith, people clearly can do that here, they're accustomed to hearing the word of God, but they certainly know Bishop Eddie Long.
GRIFFIN: Martin, I'm watching the feed coming in from the church.
And I want to bring back in Bunnie Jackson-Ransom. Because I think what is happening Bunnie, is they're taking your advice, which you told me earlier, which is to say, whatever these allegations are, whatever is being alleged here, let's not forget the good that Eddie Long has done.
JACKSON-RANSOM: Absolutely.
GRIFFIN: And I'm looking -- if we could take this feed, it appears they're showing a video, a taped video of -- of -- of people getting help from this church. It looked like children were being fed Bishop Long was standing there in attendance -- this is taped now -- talking to these children who obviously look like they have been deprived of economic existence.
Well, here he is here, listening to parishioners. This -- this is straight out of what would be the playbook to -- to pump up his image at this bad times.
JACKSON-RANSOM: Absolutely. I hope it's not the old saying too little too late. I hope it -- it gets another picture for people to focus on so that they will not forget what the church has done.
GRIFFIN: You said that they missed the critical 48-hour limit on responding to these allegations. Now it's been much beyond 48 hours, it's been a week.
JACKSON-RANSOM: I think they did miss that. I hope that they can recoup. But as I've said before, no matter where this ends, no matter who's right and who's wrong, there will be the need for forgiveness and healing.
Somebody made a mistake, I've said this before, someone made a mistake, and whoever that person or group of persons were need to be forgiven so that the healing can begin.
GRIFFIN: Let's just listen a little bit and see if we're going to get introduction here. Can we stop and listen?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How special this woman who has dedicated her life to helping those who are transitioning because this deadly disease. We've got a treat for you this morning -- Miss Agnes, all the way from South Africa.
GRIFFIN: They are still going through a bit of the service, in which they are giving a word to apparently a parishioner. So we'll continue to watch this as we expect to see hopefully Bishop Long for the first time responding to these allegations which -- which are, Bunnie, rocking this church.
Let me ask you just one thing as we wrap up this segment, we showed Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, Tim Haggard.
JACKSON-RANSOM: Yes.
GRIFFIN: You said they all did come back in one form or another. Can you come back the same? Can you come back bigger? Because when I'm seeing those men, I'm seeing ministries destroyed, reputations ruined, and a much smaller impact on the religious world.
JACKSON-RANSOM: That's a good question, and I'm afraid I don't have the answer to that question. If I did, I'd write a bigger book. But what I do know is that God is a forgiving God, and you can come back, you know.
So -- and I think they have done, these gentlemen whose names we just articulated, have come back in their own ways. Some of them have written books. I think its Haggard who started a church in the same city where he was when he lost his congregation. And so it's going to take time.
And once again you look at how they recouped. Did they recoup by telling the truth? Whatever the truth is, I don't know what the truth is with the New Birth situation. I hope we will find it out really -- I know we will.
You know, we turn to the -- to the Bible, we turn to the Scripture for some direction. And someone asked, well, what should the church do? I think the church needs to talk to themselves. There is obviously a need to vent, to communicate, to have smaller groups of conversation and to keep talking, keep talking, keep talking until they are comfortable with themselves. Where did the breakdown occur, how do you rebuild -- that church is going to be there no matter whether -- no matter what happens.
GRIFFIN: Let's listen in, Bunnie. This is Bernice King speaking.
REV. BERNICE KING, ELDER, NEW BIRTH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH: Thank God that we are a kingdom-advancing ministry. Amen.
South Africa and so many other places around the world because of our obedience to the word of God so we give, that we might be a blessing, but we give in obedience to the word of God. And we know that he will rebuke the devote for us --
GRIFFIN: Reverend Bernice King talking. Martin Savidge, for those who don't know this church, this Ministry, this is a pretty powerful important political entity that exists outside of Atlanta.
SAVIDGE: The church itself is significantly. And of course, as we point out here she is an elder in the church. So this just shows you the reach politically, religiously, and then financially that this mega church has within the Atlanta area and throughout the southeast and, in fact, through Bishop Eddie Long around the world actually.
I believe its broadcast in dozens and dozens of countries as far as the religious service that takes place. So the reach of this particular facility -- and as you point out, the good that has been done, and it should not be overlooked. There is a lot of money that is donated to a lot of good causes.
But right now what's at question here is basically one man, Bishop Eddie Long. The thing is, of course, he is the man who is responsible from taking this church from roughly 300 people 20 years ago that would show up on a Sunday morning to now 25,000. And it's spread across a number of congregations in a number of different cities and states.
GRIFFIN: All right. Martin, thank you.
We are going to take a quick break here as we continue to wait to see if we're going to see Bishop Long.
Bunnie Jackson-Ransom thanks for joining us and Martin Savidge.
We'll be right back.
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GRIFFIN: Coming up after this show right here, CNN at 9:00 Eastern, "STATE OF THE UNION", with host Candy Crowley. Candy joining me from Washington with a preview of today's rundown. Interesting line up: Democratic Senator Durbin and once a Democratic Senator Lieberman talking about Democratic strategy and then two Republican congresswomen talking about the Tea Parties and the GOP.
CROWLEY: Exactly. What we had this week actually, Drew, was the senate basically laid a big goose egg when it came to passing legislation. And among the thing it did not pass was an extension of those Bush-era tax cuts. They put it off until after the election.
One of the things we want to talk to Senator Durbin about as well as all things political, this looking like such a bleak year for Democrats. He has a different opinion, I'm sure that won't surprise you.
But Senator Lieberman, an independent now, is one of those who argued that the tax cuts should be extended to everyone, not just the middle class.
And as for the Republican women we have on, Marcia Blackburn, Kathy McMorris-Rogers, both of them were present when the Republican Party leadership unveiled this "Pledge to America"; kind of their manifesto of what they'd do if they got in power. So we want to ask them about that and some of the reaction to it.
So lots of politics and some governance.
GRIFFIN: All right, Candy. Keep them honest up there, too, will you, when they start to weasel out of these things?
CROWLEY: That's a deal.
GRIFFIN: Thanks, we'll see you at 9:00, great. Keep it here for "STATE OF THE UNION" with Candy. It starts at 9:00 Eastern, 6:00 a.m. Pacific only on CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: Well, a lot of people in the southeast waking up to some rain. And meteorologist Bonnie Schneider joining us now; they have needed this rain. It's been a long time, right?
BONNIE SCHNEIDER, AMS METEOROLOGIST: It's been a drought situation, especially here in the southeast. So we are getting rain, there's a lot of it coming through over the next few days. So be prepared for some wet weather in your forecast across the south.
Let's show you what's going though on in other part of the country. First off, I want to take you to the northeast and the Great Lakes. Look at these temperatures, it's cold out there this morning and we're wrapping up September certainly in the days to come.
And let's zoom in on some of these numbers. We have 47 degrees in Detroit, Michigan -- so a very chilly start in Michigan this morning; 46 in Buffalo; a little milder Cleveland at 54; New York City, 65 degrees. Here's a live look at the Statue of Liberty; it looks beautiful out there today. Nice cool, crisp morning. It's been quite warm this week. A lot of people are complaining that summer doesn't want to go away. Well, it's going away fast. Soon you'll be wearing those jackets out there.
You can see some really nice shots of New York City now -- looking good. But the rain is also on the way for New York.
Want to talk a little bit about the rain that's affecting the Midwest because we've been watching a lot of flooding through much of the Midwest.
We have some video to show you. The rain really began on Thursday and it started accumulating pretty fast. This is an iReport of what it looks like across areas into Wisconsin. And I'll tell you, Tim Krause shot this video so you can see that the water is pretty high and notice the flow of the current is very, very forceful.
I tell you it doesn't take much water to knock you off your feet, only six inches. And also dislodges your cars so do not attempt to drive on any roadways covered in water. Even if it's not raining right now and even if the car in front of you passed with no problem. It's so easy to get stuck and really be in trouble out on the roadways.
So the flood warnings for rivers across Minnesota and Wisconsin continue at this hour. We're watching for heavy rain here, and we were talking about the rain coming into the south. You can see our live reporter that was getting drenched in Georgia. That's because a lot of rain is headed your way across the southeast. And it will be a wet week, so be prepared.
That's a look at your forecast. Stay tuned. We have a lot more coming up on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GRIFFIN: We've all been through tight security at the airport, waiting in long lines, taking off our shoe, sometimes even random screenings. For our own safety, right? But how much security is too much? Listen to what happened to one woman in Philadelphia. Here's CNN's Kate Bolduan.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KATE BOLDUAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Kathy Parker says her travel nightmare started with this wallet.
KATHY PARKER, FILED COMPLAINT AGAINST TSA: they went through compartments, you know, they kind of looked through like this. And in this compartment I keep a lot of receipts. So they were actually pulling out receipts and looking at them. And they were opening it all the way up.
BOLDUAN: And that is when Parker says her trip through Philadelphia airport security went too far.
PARKER: It was very uncomfortable. It was embarrassing to have your personal things from inside your wallet, receipts, just laid out in the open and people looking and it was -- it was just a horrific experience.
BOLDUAN: And that wasn't all. Parker was flying to Charlotte, North Carolina, on business in August when she says Transportation Security Administration agents and local law enforcement detained her for an hour. Questioning her, searching her personal items, even calling her husband to say she was suspected of embezzlement after finding $8,000 in checks in her wallet.
PARKER: They told him that they detained me because they suspected it was a divorce situation and that I was emptying out our bank accounts.
BOLDUAN: Parker calls the incident humiliating, an invasion of privacy, and is working with the ACLU to make sure it doesn't happen again.
LAURA MURPHY, AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION: Kathy Parker was violated. The TSA went far beyond their mandate in looking into whether this was a divorce situation or an embezzlement situation. That's not related to assuring safety of aviation. And what the TSA needs to understand is the airport is not a constitution-free zone.
BOLDUAN: Although TSA does not restrict passenger from carrying large sums of money, agent do alert local law enforcement if they suspect criminal activity. The TSA declined to comment on the Parker incident but in a statement said, quote, "TSA strives to treat all passengers with dignity and respect. We hold our employees to the highest professional and ethical standards, have a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior and act swiftly when proper protocols are not followed."
(on camera): You're looking for an explanation?
PARKER: I just -- that may help, but what I'm really looking for is just to avoid this happening to me or anyone else. I don't think anybody should pay this price when they fly.
BOLDUAN: Last year after a separate incident in St. Louis, the ACLU filed suit against the Department of Homeland Security saying that incident reflected a larger problem of unlawful searches at airports. Kathy Parker says she plans to file a lawsuit, as well.
Kate Bolduan, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GRIFFIN: Our top stories now.
Bishop Eddie Long talking publicly for the first time, we think, since revelations about those sex abuse allegations. This is a live look at the church services going on this morning outside of Atlanta. It is expected that Bishop Long will make a statement at this church service. He will also answer questions from the media after the service is over.
We will bring you latest on this coverage through the entire day. In fact, we are being told by my producer that he may be coming out at this time. We're searching for that video. This is a live feed. It's controlled by the church itself. The 8:00 a.m. church service.
This would be the first time that Bishop Long has spoken publicly, and there you can see him right there getting hugged as he comes out to address the allegations from four young men accusing that pastor of coercing them into sexual relationships.
One man at least says he was used -- was given Ambien before his encounter with the pastor which lasted some four years. Through his attorney, that pastor there has denied it. But we have yet to hear from him. It has been about a week or so.
And we will continue to follow this all day long. That is his wife there at his side as he approaches the podium.
We will have more at a later hour and al through the day as CNN continues to follow this developing story. Right now, "STATE OF THE UNION" with Candy Crowley.
