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Ga. pastor apologizes to Jewish group for ceremony

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The Associated Press 2:36 PM Sunday, February 5, 2012

ATLANTA — 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.

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.

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."

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February 05, 2012 07:32 PM EST

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