…to help him with his sackcloth-and-ashes praying-on-the-streetcorner extravaganza that's supposed to solve the city's crime problem. Yep, he's invited Bishop Eddie Long, “one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement”, to participate in tomorrow's spectacle [edit: it's scheduled for 6 PM CDT Friday 4/25]. Here's a taste of what Bishop Long says in the pulpit:

“It is the most unattractive thing I have ever seen, when I see women wearing uniforms that men would wear, and women fighting to get in the military!” Long shouted to his congregation then. “The woman gets perverted to turn towards woman … and everybody knows it's dangerous to enter an exit! And everybody knows, lady, if you go to the store and buy these devices [marital aids], it's Memorex! It ain't real!”

The audience, seated in a congested sanctuary, erupts in laughter. But what Long says next is no joke.

“God says you deserve death!”

Yeah, that's the way to reduce violence — invite a man who preaches that gays and lesbians deserve death.

Oh, by the way, Bishop Long (more crazy raving here; he's a bit obsessed with the blood of virgins) is also one of the subjects of a Senate investigation of televangelists* who exhort their followers to give till it hurts while they live in mansions and fly on private planes. Sounds like he and Larry will get along great.

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Equality Alabama is urging supporters to contact Langford and ask him to repudiate Bishop Long's homophobic views and rescind his invitation. It's short notice, but the mayor needs to hear from us. Click here for more information.

h/t Lisa in Hoover

*NOTE FROM PAM:  Long is one of six prominent televangelists being investigated for possible financial misconduct by Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee the others are: Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn.