Bernice King to step down as New Birth elder

ATLANTA (AP) - The decision comes days after Eddie Long reached a settlement in the sexual misconduct lawsuits he has fought since September...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta-area megachurch founder Bishop Eddie Long is confirming that the daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King is leaving his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

In a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press by his spokesman on Tuesday, Long said that he and the Rev. Bernice King have been “in discussion and prayer” for some time about her decision to leave the church to continue the legacy of her parents. The decision comes days after Long reached a settlement in the sexual misconduct lawsuits he has fought since September.

King, who has served as an elder at New Birth, is expected to address her future ministry plans Tuesday on a local gospel radio station.

A spokesman for King did not immediately return a call seeking comment Tuesday.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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