September 28, 2010 — A discussion on the Bishop Eddie Long scandal and what it means for the black community will be held Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the University of Virginia's Jefferson Hall in Hotel C of the West Range. The event is free and open to the public.

Long, who founded New Birth Missionary Baptist Church outside of Atlanta, is accused of sexually abusing at least two teen-age boys.

Paul T. Harper, director of the Darden School's Leadership Education and Development Program in Business, will facilitate an informal conversation about controversial cultural issues related to the case.

The megachurch pastor – who has denied the accusations, and has not been charged with any crimes – has been an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage.

"At this point, the allegations have not been proven to be true," Harper said. "The goal of this event is to provide a forum through which we can engage these topics – many of them taboo – as a community."