Eddie Long says he can't answer calls from church members because they ask too many questions

Pastor Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia has said in a recent sermon that he is receiving too many questions from church members, but he cannot respond to all of them.

There had been speculations that Long's health has been deteriorating since he posted a video last August showing his significant weight loss. In September, he released a statement saying he is going through an unspecified "health challenge." Some have suggested that he might be suffering from cancer while others said that he could be infected with HIV or AIDS.

"I know a lot of you try to contact me, and call me and text me. I can't return all the texts, I get all the love. Just know I can't do it. It's just too many, too many," said Long in a YouTube clip from his Dec. 11, 2016 sermon.

"But it makes me feel good to see all them folks that's praying for me. I want you to know because one reason I can't even when some ... is because everybody want to ask questions. I don't want to rehearse facts," the bishop continued.

He went on to tell his congregation that he only wants to talk about Jesus and his ability to heal and protect.

Long, who had made limited appearances at his church since he announced his "health challenge," said that he intends to be "fully engaged" with his ministry as he gets stronger. He asked his congregation to keep attending his church and invite other people.

Gospel singer and pastor Kim Burrell had recently criticized Long for bringing homosexuality into the church. Her criticism stems from the accusations of several men who had said that Long coerced them into having sexual relationships with him while they were still teenagers.

His attorneys have denied the allegations and said that Long was only trying to present himself as a father figure to the young men by providing financial assistance and encouragement. The bishop settled with his accusers in May 2011.