When Ralph Messer proclaimed Bishop Eddie Long a "king," the words were written all over his face. Now, since the video went viral, the not-so-shamed televangelist has apologized to the Anti-Defamation League over being wrapped in a "Holocaust Torah". Long distanced himself from the debacle in a recent letter, writing, "The ceremony was not my suggestion, nor was it my intent, to participate in any ritual that is offensive in any manner to the Jewish community, or any group."
The letter, which was addressed to Anti-Defamation regional director Bill Nigut, was sincere in its denouncement. Long even manages to get a dig at the man who organized the coronation: "While I believe that Rabbi Ralph Messer has good intentions during his message at New Birth, I understand that the ceremony he performed on Sunday, January 29th, caused harm to the Jewish community, for which I am deeply sorry."
While Nigut acknowledged the apology, commenting that it was "a very heartfelt, sincere, humble apology," the fake ritual managed to offend both sides of the religious fence. Is the good Bishop really that tone deaf?
