( CNN ) -- Over the past two decades , Bishop Eddie Long has built his public ministry at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church near Atlanta , Georgia , upon a testosterone-laden theology and a hypermasculine image . His books bear titles such as `` Taking Over , '' `` Called to Conquer '' and `` Gladiator . '' Typical names for his sermons are `` Conquer and Subdue '' and `` Reign or Maintain . '' The ministry motto , `` Taking Authority , '' is signified by a golden sword and shield that adorns the bishop 's ring finger . This is why I was saddened to watch Eddie Long duck and dodge allegations that he seduced multiple teenage boys into sexual relationships . One would think that someone who constantly preaches about male headship , rulership , and power would deny these allegations with the same bravado that he defends his right to drive a $ 300,000 automobile . Yet on Sunday we never heard the term `` innocent , '' or a refutation of the charges . In fact , we witnessed a cowardly , rhetorical two-step that may mark the tragic end to this bishop 's reign . Milquetoast quotes like `` I am not the man being portrayed on television , '' and `` I 'm going to fight this , '' are at best nondenials . Anyone familiar with these sorts of civil cases knows that such word selection is common among those trying to deflect a potential perjury charge down the line . Either Long engaged in inappropriate sexual acts with these young men or he did n't . To hide behind legal counsel , biblical metaphors and spiritualized acknowledgments of one 's imperfection insults the intelligence of those who respect him and his ministry . The question on the hearts and minds of parishioners is not whether he is a `` perfect man . '' Nor does this story have anything to do with David and Goliath , as Long so irresponsibly alluded . The faithful just want to know whether Long used his authority ( and their money ) to maintain a teenage male harem under the pretense of mentoring . Is this too much to ask ? As a professor of social ethics who trains aspiring clergy , you pray religious leaders adhere to two important points . First , although we all fall short of our professed moral ideals , one should never spiritualize indiscretions . And no religious leader is fit to be called a leader unless he or she is willing to acknowledge when he or she is wrong . Second , we must draw a line between our position and the institution that we are called to serve . The latter should always be considered more precious and important than the former . Eddie Long had four days leading up to Sunday morning to address these charges . But aside from a brief yet legally broad statement through lawyers saying that `` the charges against me and New Birth are false , '' he did not counter the boys ' allegations . He did choose , however , to invite the media and the world into the house of prayer on the Christian Sabbath . By doing so , he appears to be the kind of pastor who puts his own protection and self-preservation before the community of faith . And rather than courageously defending himself , he looked like a coward using New Birth 's congregation as human shields . If the bishop wants to take authority , he needs to begin by taking some responsibility . Maybe for the good of New Birth , Eddie Long should take that sword out of his golden ring and fall on it . The opinions in this commentary are solely those of Jonathan L. Walton .
Jonathan Walton : Bishop Long never directly refuted allegations of seducing teen boys . Walton says those trying to deflect a perjury charge use the cowardly rhetoric Long used . Long hid behind biblical metaphors , he writes , used congregation as shield . Walton believes if the bishop wants authority , he needs to take responsibility .