Messianic Jews (archives)
Photo: Guy Assayag
Georgia pastor apologizes to Jews
Bishop Eddie Long says didn't mean to offend Jewish community by attending ceremony in which he was wrapped in religious scroll, exalted as 'king'
A Georgia megachurch leader is apologizing to a Jewish group that criticized him
for taking part in a ceremony in which he was wrapped in a religious scroll and exalted as a "king."
Bishop Eddie Long said in a letter to the Anti-Defamation League that he didn't mean to offend the Jewish community by taking part in the ceremony.
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A video shows Rabbi Ralph Messer, a Messianic preacher, wrapping Long in a large scroll that is purported to be the Torah. Messianic Jews believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah, which is at odds with traditional Jewish theology.
"It doesn't matter where you go, how you try to attack him. He's sealed," Messer proclaims, before the scroll is opened to reveal a teary-eyed Long. Moments later, Long was seated in a plush chair, covered in a prayer shawl while holding the sacred scroll and lifted by four men.
"He now is raised up from a commoner to a kingship," Messer proclaims, as the men walk Long's seat around an adoring crowd.
The Torah is one of the most sacred objects in Judaism. Bill Nigut of the Anti-Defamation League has said the ceremony was "completely inappropriate and really awful."
