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 read. As a man of God with unyielding religion, Bishop Long maintained his commitment to our Heavenly Father as he proclaimed that cancer would not kill his religion nor his spirit.

His wife of 27 years, Vanessa Long, added to the statementthat she was confident her 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 hes at peace.

Born May 12, 1953, in Huntersville, North Carolina, Long became the pastor of theNew Birth Missionary Baptist Church in 1987. The church currently serves more than 25,000 members and officiated the funeral of Coretta Scott King in 2006.

Long delivered his final sermon to the church earlier this month. He hadissued a statement last September to The Christian Post confirming reports that he was combating a health challenge, but said the undisclosed health issue was unrelated to his raw vegetable dietand requested privacy and prayers for his recovery.

In 2010, Long was accused of sexual abuseby four male members of his congregation who claimed Long employed his influence as rector to coerce them into a sexual relationship. The lawsuits were settled out of court in 2011 to undisclosed terms.

Long is survived by his wife, Vanessa; his four children, Eric, Edward, Jared and Taylor; and three grandchildren.