It was Easter week when the judge in the case said the parties engaged in a marathon mediation session and came out of it close to a settlement. Judge Johnny Panos said back then: “They’ve resolved a lot of major issues and there’s a few fine details that need to be worked out.” Now Panos said he is preparing for a trial in August or September. He wouldn’t say why he no longer believes the two sides are close to a settlement.
Four former New Birth Missionary Baptist Church members filed lawsuits against Long, his church and youth academy, after they said he used his power and influence to entice them into sexual relationships. Long has denied the claims.
Gobel, who has no connection to the Long case, said mediations are often contentious and drawn out affairs. “It’s not the kind of thing that you sit down at a table and 10 minutes later everybody’s agreeing,” he said. Gobel also trains mediators. He says mediation can be grueling and emotionally charged. “It’s kind of like putting a piece of a puzzle together,” Gobel said. Gobel said one day you can have an agreement and then the next day it’s gone. “Sometimes you think you got an agreement that’s airtight and as attorneys or others will sit down and look at words. Words mean different things to different people,” he said.
Bishop Long’s spokesperson would only say there is nothing to report when asked about a settlement in the case. Attorneys for both sides did not return phone calls seeking a comment.