The scandal-rocked suburban Atlanta megachurch of Bishop Eddie Long is planting a new congregation in the Denver area.
New Birth Missionary Church Elder Darius Wise has relocated to Aurora from Georgia, where he will launch a satellite of New Birth, he said in a short video playing on YouTube and a new website, .
Wise announced a series of “vision meetings” for those who want to be involved on Aug. 20, 24 and 31 at Aurora locations yet to be determined.
Wise, who has not yet responded to a Post request for an interview, oversaw a staff of 500 employees and volunteers while being involved with 27 different ministries at New Birth in Lithonia, Ga., according to the web site.
Wise is now living in Aurora with his wife Chajay Wise and four children.
Wise’s former senior pastor, Long, an internationally known televangelist and crusader against gay marriage, recently settled a lawsuit out of court brought by four young men formerly of his church. They accused Long of using his spiritual authority to coerce them into sexual relations. The lawsuit was officially dismissed May 27.
The original New Birth church’s web site stated on May 29: “After a series of discussions, all parties involved have decided to resolve the civil cases out of court. This decision was made to bring closure to this matter and to allow us to move forward with the plans God has for his ministry.”
The site also said church officials couldn’t discuss any details of the settlement.
New Birth in Atlanta is now experiencing dwindling numbers among its predominantly African-American congregation as well as staff reductions, according to news outlets there. CNN recently described the once packed megachurch as “half deserted.”
In his recent video announcement about a Denver satellite, Wise said the last 20 years have seen New Birth’s influence reach across the globe, and he is “excited and grateful” to see an opportunity opening in Denver.
“And through much prayer and much consecration,” Wise said in the video, “we sense and believe that God is up to something special in the Denver, Colorado, region, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
New Birth also has satellite locations in Oakland, Calif., and Charlotte, N.C.
Electa Draper: 303-954-1276 or edraper@denverpost.com
