Vanessa Long, wife of Bishop Eddie Long, won't be "standing by her man" any longer, now that she has officially filed for divorce. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Fran Jeffries is reporting that Mrs. Long made the announcement today. Jeffries reports:

"After a great deal of deliberation and prayer, I have decided to terminate my marriage to Bishop Eddie L. Long. Accordingly, I authorized my attorneys to file for divorce on December 1, 2011," Vanessa Long said in a statement.

Last fall, four young men accused Eddie Long, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, of coercing them into having sex. Their lawsuits were settled in May, then dismissed.

Also in Vanessa Long's statement: "It is my sincere hope that this matter can be resolved expeditiously, harmoniously, and fairly. I ask that you respect my privacy and that of my family, as my attorneys and I have agreed that we will not try this case in the media, and I do not intend to make any further statements concerning this matter."

Eddie Long married Vanessa Griffin in 1990. They have three children together: Edward, Jared and Taylor.

Eddie Long's life continues to unravel. While we never wish for the end of a marriage, it is not surprising that Mrs. Long would walk away from what has been a disastrous few years for all involved, including her children. Kudos to Mrs. Long for making a hard decision that many women in her position would not make because of social and financial obligations.

Many are wondering what foolishness is still coming down the pike that would make her leave, since she'd stayed for so long. At this point, who cares? Eddie Long has been accused of behavior not befitting a husband, let alone a pastor.

Read more at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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