The general structure of an ether

Ethers ( /ˈiːθər/) are a class of organic compounds that contain an ether group — an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups — of general formula R–O–R'.^[1] A typical example is the solvent and anesthetic diethyl ether, commonly referred to simply as "ether" (CH₃-CH₂-O-CH₂-CH₃). Ethers are common in organic chemistry and pervasive in biochemistry, as they are common linkages in carbohydrates and lignin.

Structure and bonding[link]

Ethers feature C-O-C linkage defined by a bond angle of about 104.5° and C-O distances of about 140 pm. The barrier to rotation about the C-O bonds is low. The bonding of oxygen in ethers, alcohols, and water is similar. In the language of valence bond theory, the hybridization at oxygen is sp³.

Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, thus the hydrogens alpha to ethers are more acidic than in simple hydrocarbons. They are far less acidic than hydrogens alpha to carbonyl groups (such as in ketones or aldehydes), however.

Depending on the groups at R and R', ether is classified into two types:

1) Simple ethers or symmetrical ethers 2) Mixed ethers or asymmetrical ethers

Nomenclature[link]

The names for simple ethers (i.e. those with none or few other functional groups) are a composite of the two substituents followed by "ether." Ethyl methyl ether (CH₃OC₂H₅), diphenylether (C₆H₅OC₆H₅). IUPAC rules are often not followed for simple ethers. As for other organic compounds, very common ethers acquired names before rules for nomenclature were formalized. Diethyl ether is simply called "ether," but was once called sweet oil of vitriol. Methyl phenyl ether is anisole, because it was originally found in aniseed. The aromatic ethers include furans. Acetals (α-alkoxy ethers R-CH(-OR)-O-R) are another class of ethers with characteristic properties.

In the IUPAC nomenclature system, ethers are named using the general formula "alkoxyalkane", for example CH₃-CH₂-O-CH₃ is methoxyethane. If the ether is part of a more complex molecule, it is described as an alkoxy substituent, so -OCH₃ would be considered a "methoxy-" group. The simpler alkyl radical is written in front, so CH₃-O-CH₂CH₃ would be given as methoxy(CH₃O)ethane(CH₂CH₃). The nomenclature of describing the two alkyl groups and appending "ether", e.g. "ethyl methyl ether" in the example above, is a trivial usage.

Polyethers[link]

Polyethers are compounds with more than one ether group.

The crown ethers are examples of low-molecular weight polyethers. Some toxins produced by dinoflagellates such as brevetoxin and ciguatoxin are in a class known as cyclic or ladder polyethers.

Polyether generally refers to polymers which contain the ether functional group in their main chain. The term glycol is reserved for low to medium range molar mass polymer when the nature of the end-group, which is usually a hydroxyl group, still matters. The term "oxide" or other terms are used for high molar mass polymer when end-groups no longer affect polymer properties.

Aliphatic polyethers

Aromatic polyethers

The phenyl ether polymers are a class of polyethers containing aromatic cycles in their main chain: Polyphenyl ether (PPE) and Poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO).

Related compounds[link]

Many classes of compounds with C-O-C linkages are not considered ethers: Esters (R-C(=O)-O-R), hemiacetals (R-CH(-OH)-O-R), carboxylic acid anhydrides (RC(=O)-O-C(=O)R).

Physical properties[link]

Ether molecules cannot form hydrogen bonds with each other, resulting in a relatively low boiling points compared to those of the analogous alcohols. The difference, however, in the boiling points of the ethers and their isometric alcohols becomes lower as the carbon chains become longer, as the van der Waals interactions of the extended carbon chain dominates over the presence of hydrogen bonding.

Ethers are slightly polar. The C-O-C bond angle in the functional group is about 110°, and the C-O dipoles do not cancel out. Ethers are more polar than alkenes but not as polar as alcohols, esters, or amides of comparable structure. However, the presence of two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atoms makes hydrogen bonding with water molecules possible.

Cyclic ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-dioxane are miscible in water because of the more exposed oxygen atom for hydrogen bonding as compared to aliphatic ethers.

Reactions[link]

Structure of the polymeric diethyl ether peroxide

Ethers in general are of low chemical reactivity, but they are more reactive than alkanes (epoxides, ketals, and acetals are unrepresentative classes of ethers and are discussed in separate articles). Important reactions are listed below.^[2]

Ether cleavage[link]

Although ethers resist hydrolysis, they are cleaved by mineral acids such as hydrobromic acid and hydroiodic acid. Hydrogen chloride cleaves ethers only slowly. Methyl ethers typically afford methyl halides:

ROCH₃ + HBr → CH₃Br + ROH

These reactions proceed via onium intermediates, i.e. [RO(H)CH₃]⁺Br^-.

Some ethers rapidly cleave with boron tribromide (even aluminium chloride is used in some cases) to give the alkyl bromide.^[3] Depending on the substituents, some ethers can be cleaved with a variety of reagents, e.g. strong base.

Peroxide formation[link]

When stored in the presence of air or oxygen, ethers tend to form explosive peroxides, such as diethyl ether peroxide. The reaction is accelerated by light, metal catalysts, and aldehydes. In addition to avoiding storage conditions likely to form peroxides, it is recommended, when an ether is used as a solvent, not to distill it to dryness, as any peroxides that may have formed, being less volatile than the original ether, will become concentrated in the last few drops of liquid.

Lewis bases[link]

Ethers serve as Lewis bases and Bronsted bases. Strong acids protonate the oxygen to give "onium ions." For instance, diethyl ether forms a complex with boron trifluoride, i.e. diethyl etherate (BF₃^.OEt₂). Ethers also coordinate to Mg(II) center in Grignard reagents. Polyethers, including many antibiotics, cryptands, and crown ethers, bind alkali metal cations strongly.

Alpha-halogenation[link]

This reactivity is akin to the tendency of ethers with alpha hydrogen atoms to form peroxides. Chlorine gives alpha-chloroethers.

Synthesis[link]

Ethers can be prepared in the laboratory in several different ways.

Dehydration of alcohols[link]

The Dehydration of alcohols affords ethers:

2 R-OH → R-O-R + H₂O at high temperature

This direct reaction requires elevated temperatures (about 125 °C). The reaction is catalyzed by acids, usually sulfuric acid. The method is effective for generating symmetrical ethers, but not unsymmetrical ethers. Diethyl ether is produced from ethanol by this method. Cyclic ethers are readily generated by this approach. Such reactions must compete with dehydration of the alcohol:

R-CH₂-CH₂(OH) → R-CH=CH₂ + H₂O

The dehydration route often requires conditions incompatible with delicate molecules. Several milder methods exist to produce ethers.

Williamson ether synthesis[link]

Nucleophilic displacement of alkyl halides by alkoxides

R-ONa + R'-X → R-O-R' + NaX

This reaction is called the Williamson ether synthesis. It involves treatment of a parent alcohol with a strong base to form the alkoxide, followed by addition of an appropriate aliphatic compound bearing a suitable leaving group (R-X). Suitable leaving groups (X) include iodide, bromide, or sulfonates. This method usually does not work well for aryl halides (e.g. bromobenzene (see Ullmann condensation below). Likewise, this method only gives the best yields for primary halides. Secondary and tertiary halides are prone to undergo E2 elimination on exposure to the basic alkoxide anion used in the reaction due to steric hindrance from the large alkyl groups.

In a related reaction, alkyl halides undergo nucleophilic displacement by phenoxides. The R-X cannot be used to react with the alcohol. However, phenols can be used to replace the alcohol, while maintaining the alkyl halide. Since phenols are acidic, they readily react with a strong base like sodium hydroxide to form phenoxide ions. The phenoxide ion will then substitute the -X group in the alkyl halide, forming an ether with an aryl group attached to it in a reaction with an SN2 mechanism.

C₆H₅OH + OH^- → C₆H₅-O^- + H₂O

C₆H₅-O^- + R-X → C₆H₅OR

Ullmann condensation[link]

The Ullmann condensation is similar to the Williamson method except that the substrate is an aryl halide. Such reactions generally require a catalyst, such as copper.

Electrophilic addition of alcohols to alkenes[link]

Alcohols add to electrophilically activated alkenes.

R₂C=CR₂ + R-OH → R₂CH-C(-O-R)-R₂

Acid catalysis is required for this reaction. Often, mercury trifluoroacetate (Hg(OCOCF₃)₂) is used as a catalyst for the reaction, geneating an ether with Markovnikov regiochemistry. Using similar reactions, tetrahydropyranyl ethers are used as protective groups for alcohols.

Preparation of epoxides[link]

Epoxides are typically prepared by oxidation of alkenes. The most important epoxide in terms of industrial scale is ethylene oxide, which is produced by oxidation of ethylene with oxygen. Other epoxides are produced by one of two routes:

• By the oxidation of alkenes with a peroxyacid such as m-CPBA.
• By the base intramolecular nucleophilic substitution of a halohydrin.

Important ethers[link]

	Ethylene oxide	The smallest cyclic ether.
	Dimethyl ether	An aerosol spray propellant. A potential renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines with a cetane rating as high as 56-57.
	Diethyl ether	A common low boiling solvent (b.p. 34.6 °C), and an early anaesthetic. Used as starting fluid for diesel engines.
	Dimethoxyethane (DME)	A high boiling solvent (b.p. 85 °C):
	Dioxane	A cyclic ether and high boiling solvent (b.p. 101.1 °C).
	Tetrahydrofuran (THF)	A cyclic ether, one of the most polar simple ethers that is used as a solvent.
	Anisole (methoxybenzene)	An aryl ether and a major constituent of the essential oil of anise seed.
	Crown ethers	Cyclic polyethers that are used as phase transfer catalysts.
	Polyethylene glycol (PEG)	A linear polyether, e.g. used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

References[link]

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2007)

External links[link]

• ILPI page about ethers.
• An Account of the Extraordinary Medicinal Fluid, called Aether, by M. Turner, circa 1788, from Project Gutenberg

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2011)

The Gang of Four (simplified Chinese: 四人帮; traditional Chinese: 四人幫; pinyin: Sìrén bàng) was the name given to a political faction composed of four Chinese Communist Party officials. They came to prominence during the Cultural Revolution (1966–76) and were subsequently charged with a series of treasonous crimes. The members consisted of Mao Zedong's last wife Jiang Qing, the leading figure of the group, and her close associates Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen.

The Gang of Four effectively controlled the power organs of the Communist Party of China through the latter stages of the Cultural Revolution, although it remains unclear which major decisions were made through Mao Zedong and carried out by the Gang, and which were the result of the Gang of Four's own planning.

The Gang of Four, together with disgraced Communist general Lin Biao, were labeled the two major "counter-revolutionary forces" of the Cultural Revolution and officially blamed by the Chinese government for the worst excesses of the societal chaos that ensued during the ten years of turmoil. Their downfall in a coup d'état on October 6, 1976, a mere month after Mao's death, brought about major celebrations on the streets of Beijing and marked the end of a turbulent political era in China.

Formation[link]

The group was led by Jiang Qing, and consisted of three of her close associates, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen. Two other men who were already dead in 1976, Kang Sheng and Xie Fuzhi, were named as having been part of the "Gang". Chen Boda and Mao Yuanxin, the latter being Mao's nephew, were also considered some of the Gang's closer associates.

Most Western accounts consider that the actual leadership of the Cultural Revolution consisted of a wider group, referring predominantly to the members of the Central Cultural Revolution Group. Most prominent was Lin Biao, until his purported flight from China and death in a plane crash in 1971. Chen Boda is often classed as a member of Lin's faction rather than Jiang Qing's.^[1]

Role[link]

The removal of this group from power is sometimes considered to have marked the end of the Cultural Revolution, which had been launched by Mao in 1966 as part of his power struggle with leaders such as Liu Shaoqi, Deng Xiaoping and Peng Zhen. Mao placed Jiang Qing, who before 1966 had not taken a public political role, in charge of the country’s cultural apparatus. Zhang, Yao and Wang were party leaders in Shanghai who had played leading roles in securing that city for Mao during the Cultural Revolution.

Around the time of the death of Lin Biao, the Cultural Revolution began to lose impetus. The new commanders of the People's Liberation Army demanded that order be restored in light of the dangerous situation along the border with the Soviet Union (see Sino-Soviet split). The Premier, Zhou Enlai, who had accepted the Cultural Revolution but never fully supported it, regained his authority, and used it to bring Deng Xiaoping back into the Party leadership at the 10th Party Congress in 1973. Liu Shaoqi had meanwhile died in prison in 1969.

Near the end of Mao's life, a power struggle occurred between the Gang of Four and the alliance of Deng Xiaoping, Zhou Enlai, and Ye Jianying.

Downfall[link]

It is now officially claimed by the Communist Party of China that Mao in his last year turned against Jiang Qing and her associates, and that after his death on 9 September 1976, they attempted to seize power (the same allegation made against Lin Biao in 1971). Even decades later, it is impossible to know the full truth of these events.

It does appear that their influence was in decline before Mao's death: when Zhou Enlai died in January 1976, he was succeeded not by one of the radicals but by the unknown Hua Guofeng. In April 1976, Hua was officially appointed Premier of the State Council. Upon Mao's death Hua was named Communist Party chairman as well.

The "Gang" had arranged for Deng Xiaoping's purge in April 1976 (however, he would return and by 1978 become the real power of the Party). They hoped that the key military leaders Wang Dongxing and Chen Xilian would support them, but it seems that Hua won the Army over to his side. On 6 October 1976, Hua had the four leading radicals and a number of their lesser associates arrested. A massive media campaign was then launched against them, dubbing them the Gang of Four and blaming them for all the excesses of the Cultural Revolution.

Han Suyin gives a detailed account of their overthrow:

An emergency session of the Politburo was to take place in the Great Hall of the People that evening. Their presence was required. Since Wang Dongxing had been their ally, they did not suspect him... As they passed through the swinging doors into the entrance lobby, they were apprehended and led off in handcuffs. A special 8341 unit then went to Madam Mao's residence at No. 17 Fisherman's Terrace and arrested her. That night Mao Yuanxin was arrested in Manchuria, and the propagandists of the Gang of Four in Peking University and in newspaper offices were taken into custody. All was done with quiet and efficiency. In Shanghai, the Gang's supporters received a message to come to Beijing "for a meeting". They came and were arrested. Thus, without shedding a drop of blood, the plans of the Gang of Four to wield supreme power were ended.

—^[2]

Although not referred to as such in China because the Communist Party remained in control, this was effectively a coup d'état. Beginning on 21 October, nationwide denunciations of the Gang began, which culminated in the December releases of files related to the Gang's alleged crimes to the public. Celebrations were prominent and not limited to the streets of Beijing and other major cities.

Aftermath[link]

Immediately after the coup d’état, Hua Guofeng, who appeared to be Mao's designated successor, Marshall Ye Jianying, and economic czars Chen Yun and Li Xiannian formed the core of the next party leadership.^[3] These three, together with the newly rehabilitated Deng Xiaoping and bodyguard coup leader Wang Dongxing were elected party Vice Chairmen at the August 1977 11th National Party Congress.^[4] At the politburo level, the membership of all four living marshals, seven other generals and at least five others with close military ties reflected the deep concern for national stability.

Trial[link]

In 1981, the four deposed leaders were subjected to a show trial and convicted of anti-party activities. During the trial, Jiang Qing in particular was extremely defiant, protesting loudly and bursting into tears at some points. She was the only member of the Gang of Four who bothered to argue on her behalf. The defence's argument was that she obeyed the orders of Chairman Mao Zedong at all times. Zhang Chunqiao refused to admit any wrong as well. Yao Wenyuan and Wang Hongwen expressed repentance and confessed their alleged crimes.

The prosecution separated political errors from actual crimes. Among the latter were the usurpation of state power and party leadership; the persecution of some 750,000 people, 34,375 of whom died during the period 1966-76.^[5] The official records of the trial have not yet been released.

Jiang Qing and Zhang Chunqiao received death sentences that were later commuted to life imprisonment, while Wang Hongwen and Yao Wenyuan were given life and twenty years in prison, respectively. They were all later released. All members of the Gang of Four have since died; Jiang Qing committed suicide in 1991, Wang Hongwen died in 1992, and Zhang Chunqiao and Yao Wenyuan died in 2005.

Supporters of the Gang of Four, including Chen Boda and Mao Yuanxin, were also sentenced.

"Little Gang of Four"[link]

In the struggle between the conservative Hua Guofeng's clique and the one of Deng Xiaoping, a new term emerged, pointing to Hua's four closest collaborators, Wang Dongxing, Wu De, Ji Dengkui,and Chen Xilian. In 1980, they were charged with "grave errors" in the struggle against the Gang of Four and demoted from the Political Bureau to mere Central Committee membership.

See also[link]

• Soviet Union's Anti-Party Group

References[link]

Eddie Lee Long (born May 12, 1953) is the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, a megachurch in unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, United States, near Lithonia. When Long started as pastor for New Birth Church in 1987, there were 300 church members. Since his installation, membership has grown to 25,000.

During this time, Long was the focus of Senate investigations concerning whether he has personally profited from his church's tax exempt status and lawsuits alleging sexual relations with underage male members of his parish. Long has denied wrongdoing through his attorneys and has settled the lawsuits out of court.

Early life and education[link]

Eddie Long attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina where he received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1977.^[1]

Long donated $1 million to North Carolina Central University in 2008 to establish a professorship in his honor. Long said, "I am making (the donation) from my own personal income," which comes from various real estate ventures and also as royalties from his books.^[1]

Long holds a doctorate in "Pastoral Ministry" from the unaccredited International College of Excellence, which is operated by Robb Thompson and not accredited by an organization recognized by either the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or United States Department of Education, the two institutions responsible for recognizing educational accrediting institutions in the United States^[2][3] (see Accrediting Commission International).^[4]

Long married Dabara S. Houston in 1981 and they were divorced after a brief marriage. The couple gave birth to son Edward Long. Houston said she was the victim of "cruel treatment" and was afraid of Long's "violent and vicious temper," according to Fulton County Superior Court records. She and her son allegedly "had to flee the couple's Fairburn home in order to ensure their safety". Long vigorously denied the allegations and Houston was awarded custody of the then 2 year old son. Houston later allowed their son to live with Long.^[5]

Subsequently Long married Vanessa Griffin Long. She filed for divorce on December 1, 2011 and announced her filing in a statement the next morning.^[6] On the same day a statement issued through New Birth stated that Vanessa Long had rethought her decision and would withdraw her petition but her attorneys later confirmed that she would continue with the divorce.^[6]

Career[link]

After earning his undergraduate degree, Long worked as a factory sales representative for the Ford Motor Corporation, but was fired after he submitted expense reports that included personal telephone calls.^[7][8][9]

After being fired by Ford for financial irregularities, Long moved to Atlanta to study theology and became the pastor of a small Jonesboro, Georgia church.^[7] In 1987 he became the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, which at the time had around 300 members. Under Long, membership grew to 25,000.^[7]

In 1994, Long was consecrated as a bishop in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, a group of African-American Baptist churches that embraced Pentecostal practices.^[10] He broke away from this organization in 1998, but retained the title of bishop ^[11]

Long's sermons, writings and teachings emphasize a "chain of command" ^[12] between certain superiors and subordinates characterized by "respect, submission and obedience."^[12] Long sees the first link in the chain as being a man choosing to be respectful, submissive and obedient to God. A woman chooses to be respectful, submissive and obedient to her father or husband. To live otherwise is to be outside of the divinely established order, and will result in the loss of spiritual and natural benefits.^[12]

The congregation of New Birth may be considered part of the Bapticostal movement.^[13]

In 2006, Long was chosen by the family of Martin Luther King, Jr. to host and officiate the funeral for Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of the late civil rights pioneer.^[14] The event was attended by four Presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter).^[15]

Long was a prominent supporter of George W. Bush's faith-based initiatives.^[16] His ministry received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Administration of Children & Families.^[16] Rev. Timothy McDonald suggested a link between Long's anti-gay activity and the grant saying "If you look at the black pastors who have come out with the faith-based money, they're the same ones who have come out with campaigns on the gay marriage issue."^[16]

On December 4, 2011, Long stated that he would be taking a leave of absence from his ministry in an attempt to save his marriage, and that "he needed time to take care of 'some family business.'"^[17]

On December 28, 2011, New Birth Christian Academy, founded by Long, announced it was closing due to lack of donations and "sending hundreds of students scrambling to find a new school by next week", in the wake of Long's marital and sexual problems.^[18]

On January 31, 2012, a video was released depicting a ceremony at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church wherein Messianic Jewish preacher Ralph Messer presented a Torah scroll to Long, wrapped him in it, and symbolically elevated him to a position of spiritual kingship before a cheering congregation.^[19] Some Jewish leaders objected and characterized the ceremony as disrespectful to the Jewish faith and traditions.^[20]

Controversies[link]

Salary and Senate investigation[link]

Wikinews has related news: Senate committee investigating six televangelists

On August 28, 2005 the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that during the period between 1997 to 2000, Long received more than $3.07 million worth of compensation and benefits from his eponymous non-profit charity, Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc. Long contended that the charity did not solicit donations from members but instead gained its income from royalties, speaking fees and several large donations.^[21] In 2007, Senator Chuck Grassley announced an investigation into the tax-exempt status of six ministries under the leadership of Benny Hinn, Paula White, Eddie L. Long, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, and Kenneth Copeland by the United States Senate Committee on Finance.^[22] Long did not cooperate with the investigation, including refusing to disclose his salary.^[23] Donations to the church dropped significantly following the controversies surrounding Long's salary and church finances.^[24]

Teaching regarding sexual orientation[link]

CNN has said "Long frequently denounces homosexual behavior."^[25] Long has ministered "homosexual cure" programs to recruit gays and lesbians for what he called "Sexual Reorientation" conferences and his church offers an ongoing "Out of the Wilderness" ministry to help convert homosexuals into heterosexuals.^[26]

In 2004, Long led a march with Bernice King to the grave of her father, Martin Luther King, Jr. The march was a protest against same-sex marriage and in support of a national constitutional amendment to limit marriage rights to couples comprising "one man and one woman."^[27][28]

In 2006, Long's appearance at Atlanta's Interdenominational Theological Center's spring graduation stirred up controversy, and led to some students discussing a boycott. Long's invitation prompted Black liberation theologian James Cone—who was scheduled to receive an honorary degree—to boycott the ceremony. Thirty-three graduating seniors sent a letter to the seminary's president "questioning Long's theological and ethical integrity to be their commencement speaker." Many students did not agree with Long's beliefs that God can "deliver" homosexuals and his teachings on prosperity.^[29]

A 2007 article in the Southern Poverty Law Center's magazine called him "one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement."^[25]

Allegations of sexual impropriety and lawsuits[link]

On September 21 and 22, 2010, Maurice Robinson, Anthony Flagg, and Jamal Parris filed separate lawsuits in DeKalb County Superior Court alleging that Long used his pastoral influence to coerce them into a sexual relationship with him. In June, one of the accusers, Robinson, had been arrested and charged with burglary in connection with a break-in to Long's office. An iPhone, iPad and other items—more than $1,300 worth—were taken from the office, according to the police report.^[30][31] On September 24, Spencer LeGrande, a member of a New Birth satellite church in Charlotte, North Carolina, filed a similar suit, making him the fourth man to file a lawsuit claiming sexual misconduct by Long.^[32] The plaintiffs state that Long placed the men on the church’s payroll, bought them cars and other gifts, and took them separately on trips to destinations such as Kenya, South Africa, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad, Honduras, New Zealand, and New York City.^[32][33][34] The lawsuits stated that Long would "discuss the Holy Scripture to justify and support the sexual activity."^[33] Flagg's suit claims that Long presided over a "covenant" ceremony between the two of them; Flagg's attorney said that the ceremony was "essentially a marriage ceremony, with candles, exchange of jewelry, and biblical quotes."^[30]

Long denied the allegations through his attorneys and spokesman. In a prepared statement, Long said, "I have devoted my life to helping others and these false allegations hurt me deeply.[...]But my faith is strong and the truth will emerge. All I ask for is your patience as we continue to categorically deny each and every one of these ugly charges."^[35][36][37]

Roland Martin, a commentator for CNN and TV One, was scheduled to interview Long during a segment on the Tom Joyner Morning Show to discuss the two lawsuits. However, the lawsuit filed by Parris on September 22 prompted Long's legal team to cancel the Martin interview as well as a planned news conference;^[25] Long's attorney spoke to Martin on behalf of his client on Joyner's show instead.^[38]

On September 26, Long spoke to the New Birth congregation but he did not address the issue directly. Long spoke of painful times and said, "I've been accused. I'm under attack. I want you to know, as I said earlier, I am not a perfect man, but this thing, I'm going to fight."^[39] Long's unwillingness to address the accusations by name prompted a group of over 70 people, headed by the pastor of a small church in South Carolina, to hold a protest rally on the steps of the Georgia state Capitol on October 31, 2010, calling for Long's resignation.^[40]

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on May 27, 2011, that the lawsuits were settled out-of-court; terms were undisclosed.^[41] Later reports indicated that although not a plaintiff, there was a potential fifth accuser who participated in the settlement discussions.^[42] On May 30, 2011, an episode of the documentary series Sex Scandals In Religion^[43] aired on Canadian television network VisionTV. It took an investigative look at the allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior by Long with young men in his care.

Books[link]

• I Don't Want Delilah, I Need You
• Power of a Wise Woman; What a Man Wants, What a Woman Needs
• Called to Conquer
• Taking Over
• It's Your Time!
• Gladiator: The Strength of a Man
• The Blessing in Giving
• Deliver Me From Adam

References[link]

External links[link]

	Atlanta portal
	Biography portal
	Christianity portal

• New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
• NPR.com coverage of Senate Megachurch Investigation
• Bishop Eddie Long through the years, a picture gallery
• Video Bishop Long Statement about civil allegations, Atlanta Journal Constitution Video Feed

Megumi Nakajima 中島 愛
Megumi Nakajima Concert in Anime Expo 2010 at Nokia Theater LA Live
Born	(1989-06-05) June 5, 1989 (age 23) Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Other names	Mamegu
Occupation	Seiyū, Singer
Website
http://nakajimamegumi.com/

Megumi Nakajima (中島 愛, Nakajima Megumi^?, born June 5, 1989) is a seiyū and singer under the Stardust Promotion talent agency. A hafu born of a Japanese father and a Filipina mother,^[1][2] she was brought up in a "house filled with music" and grew up with the desire to sing. In 2003, she participated in the "Self Stardust Promotion" contest and passed, thereby affiliating her to the agency. In 2007, she auditioned to the Victor Entertainment sanctioned "Victor Vocal & Voice Audition" and won the role to voice Ranka Lee in Macross Frontier.^[3]

Career[link]

She made her debut performance as a professional artist at the "Macross 25th Anniversary Concert" on April 18, 2007.^[4] Her first vocal recordings appeared in the compilation album Macross Frontier O.S.T.1 Nyan FRO. on June 4, 2008. Her first solo live performance was a mini-concert entitled "Ranka Lee = Megumi Nakajima Mini Live @ Formo… Not! Venus Fort☆" (ランカ・リー＝中島愛 ミニライブ＠フォルモ…ぢゃないよ！ヴィーナスフォート☆ Ranka Rī = Nakajima Megumi Mini Raibu @ Forumo... Janai yo! Vīnasu Fōto☆) which was done on June 14, 2008. She made her single debut on June 25, 2008 with the single Seikan Hikō. Her first major concert was the "Super Dimension Super Live" (超時空スーパーライブ, Chō Jikū Sūpā Raibu^?) concert held on July 27, 2008.^[5]

She won the award for Best Musical Performance in the 3rd Seiyu Awards held on March 7, 2009, for her performance as Ranka Lee in the song Seikan Hikō of Macross F.^[6]

Tenshi ni Naritai was her first single in 2009 and the first single to be released outside of her role from Macross F. It was followed up by the single Nostalgia two months later. The Third of June began the series Akikan!, where she was the voice of Miku (The Strongest Akikan) and the role of bad girl of the series. Megumi after that, participated in the series Basquash!, giving life to the character of Citron that along with Rouge (Tomatsu Haruka) and Violette (Saori Hayami) formed the pop group Eclipse, this was dissolved at the end of the series; after it, began work on the series, Kämpfer, as Sakura Kaede^[7] (who unlike her previous roles, she fight for the person who love, but still retains its characteristic tenderness), while representing Chiho and Chise Mihara in Kobato. At the end of 2009, Nakajima voiced Ranka Lee in the first movie of Macross Frontier franchise Macross Frontier the Movie: The False Songstress (マクロスF 虚空歌姫～イツワリノウタヒメ～, Macross Frontier Gekijō-ban ~Itsuwari no Utahime~?). . In 2010 played a Lyra a celestial spirit that belongs to Lucy Heartfilia of the Fairy Tail series. In February 2011, Nakajima returned to the silver screen to voice Ranka Lee in Macross Frontier's second movie Macross Frontier the Movie: The Wings of Goodbye (マクロスF 恋離飛翼～サヨナラノツバサ～, Macross Frontier Gekijō-ban ~Sayonara no Tsubasa~?).

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• [2010.06.09] I Love You
• [2010.11.24] Cosmic Cuune

Singles[link]

[edit] Seikan Hikō

"Seikan Hikō"
Single by Megumi Nakajima = Ranka Lee
Released	June 25, 2008
Format	CD (VTCL-35029)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	19:23
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
- "Seikan Hikō" (2008) "Lion" (2008)
Music video "Seikan Hikō TV Size" on YouTube

Seikan Hikō was the first single from Megumi Nakajima as Ranka Lee's character, and the debut song of Ranka in the series; contains two cover of Lynn Minmay (Mari Iijima); Ai Oboete Imasu ka (reproduced in deculture edition chapter and 12 of the series as ending teme and 18 as insert song) and Watashi no Kare wa Pilot (insert song chapter 4 Miss Macross), also contains own songs of Megumi = Ranka as Neko Nikki (insert song in chapters 9 and 12, and fifth ending theme in chapter 11), this CD had good reception, in particular by the song Seikan Hikō (second opening theme in chapter 17 and insert song in chapters 12,17 and 18). This single debuted at # 5 on Oricon Dailies^[8]

Track listing

[edit] Lion

"Lion"
Single by May'n =Sheryl Nome and Megumi Nakajima = Ranka Lee
from the album May'n☆Street ;I Love You
Released	August 20, 2008
Format	CD (VTCL-35033)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	20:42
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Seikan Hikō" (2008) "Lion" (2008) "Ranka to Bobby no SMS Shōtai no Uta Nado." (2008)
Music video "Lion TV Size" on YouTube

Lion was the second single from Megumi as Ranka Lee also possesses the songs: Lion who plays with May'n (third opening of the series, chapters 18 to 24) and Northern Cross was the seventh song to appear as the ending theme and the second most predominant (Chapters 16, 17, 18, 22, 23 and 24)

Track listing

All music composed by Yoko Kanno.

[edit] Ranka to Bobby no SMS Shōtai no Uta Nado.

"Ranka to Bobby no SMS Shōtai no Uta Nado."
Single by Megumi Nakajima and Kenta Miyake
Released	December 24, 2008
Format	CD (VTCL-35043)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	7:12
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Lion" (2008) "Ranka to Bobby no SMS Shōtai no Uta Nado." (2008) "Tenshi ni Naritai" (2008)

Ranka to Bobby no SMS Shōtai no Uta Nado., is the third single from Megumi as Ranka, was released after the conclusion of the Macross Frontier TV series, and features the participation of Kenta Miyake = Bobby Margot, and performs a cover of the songs SMS Shōtai no Uta in duet (sung by several seiyūs in the anime), and a cover of Watashi no Kare wa Pilot performed by Bobby (originally performed by Mari Iijima). Arrangements: track1=Yoko Kanno, track2=Yoko Kanno, Hisaaki Hokari

Tenshi ni Naritai[link]

"Tenshi ni Naritai"
Single by Megumi Nakajima
Released	January 28, 2009
Format	CD (VTCL-35060)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	18:29
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Ranka to Bobby no SMS Shōtai no Uta Nado." (2008) "Tenshi ni Naritai" (2009) "Nostalgia" (2009)

Tenshi ni Naritai (天使 に なりたい^?)^[9] is her fourth single, but was the first launched by Nakajima Megumi who was not represented by an anime character; prior to its release, released as digital download songs Tenshi ni Naritai, Pine and Be Myself in Japan mora^[10] stores. Tenshi ni Naritai as was the most "requested", this was chosen as the A-side of the CD, the others spent the B-side. When it published the single also included a new song "(Kari) Dajaren no Outa". This single debuted at #12 on Oricon Dailies.^[11] The controversy of Be Myself, was that in December 2008; Megumi launched a promotional video with the choreography of this song on page Nico Nico Douga, where she received severe criticism from users, causing them to remove the video.

Nostalgia[link]

"Nostalgia"
Single by Megumi Nakajima
Released	March 11, 2009
Format	CD (VTCL-35066) ;CD+DVD (VTZL-9)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	23:05
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Tenshi ni Naritai" (2009) "Nostalgia" (2009) "nO limiT" (2009)
Music video "Nostalgia Special PV" on YouTube

Nostalgia was her second single as Nakajima Megumi and the fifth of her career, this included two original songs of Mamegu (Nostalgia and Shining on), and a Mari Iijima's cover of the song Tenshi no Enogu, who was chosen by the fans (with 1058 votes) in February 2009, in a special site showed up on Macross Frontier official website which featured a poll for Macross, which song do you want covered by Ranka Lee?,^[12] which had other songs, such as My Friends (second with 721 votes), Totsugeki Love Heart (突撃ラブハート^?) (in third place with 508 votes), Voices (in fourth place with 431 votes) and Shao Pai Long (小白竜^?) [Little White Dragon] in last place with 355 votes. Nostalgia and Tenshi ni Naritai singles was used as the theme song for the 2008 adaption of the drama Daisuki! Itsutsugo. Following the launch of the single, this was accompanied by a DVD containing two tracks, 1.Making and 2.Tenshi ni Naritai (天使 に なりたい^?) [I Wanna Be an Angel] (PV).^[13] This single debuted at # 10 on Oricon Dailies.^[14]

nO limiT[link]

"nO limiT"
Single by Megumi Nakajima, Haruka Tomatsu and Saori Hayami
Released	May 29, 2009
Format	CD (PCCG-70053)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	17:36
Label	Pony Canyon
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Nostalgia" (2009) "nO limiT" (2009) "Running on" (2009)
Music video "nO limiT TV Size" on YouTube

nO limiT^[15] was the first single from the group Eclipse of the Basquash! series integrating by: Rouge (Haruka Tomatsu), Violette (Saori Hayami) and Citron (Nakajima Megumi) as the leader. And the sixth single from Megumi; nO limiT was used as the opening theme (episodes 2 to 13 and 22 as the insert song), and moon pasport was used as insert song in the same anime. Arrangements: track1=Yoshihiro Kusano, track2=Funta7

Running on[link]

"Running on"
Single by Megumi Nakajima, Haruka Tomatsu and Saori Hayami
Released	June 17, 2009
Format	CD (PCCG-00960)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	22:53
Label	Pony Canyon
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"nO limiT" (2009) "Running on" (2009) "Futari no Yakusoku" (2009)

Running on^[16] is the seventh single from Megumi and second of the group Eclipse of the Basquash! series, it contains the songs Running on (which was used as insert song), and also features solo versions of their debut single nO limiT. This solo versions sparked many disputes between the followers of the seiyūs, by reason of who was the best singer, but not step over. Arrangements: track1= Okumoto Akira, track2=Yoshihiro Kusano

Futari no Yakusoku[link]

"Futari no Yakusoku"
Single by Megumi Nakajima, Haruka Tomatsu and Saori Hayami
Released	August 19, 2009
Format	CD (PCCG-70054)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	19:44
Label	Pony Canyon
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Running on" (2009) "Futari no Yakusoku" (2009) "One Way Ryō Omoi" (2009)
Music video "Futari no Yakusoku TV Size" on YouTube

Futari no Yakusoku (二人の約束^?)^[17] (Our Promise) was the last single released by Eclipse, and the eighth of Nakajima, presents the songs Futari no Yakusoku that was used as the ending theme (chapters 13 to 23 and 25-26), and the song Hoshi Watari performed only by Mamegu (Citron), and this was used as ending theme in chapter 24, when Dan and his friends travel to the moon by the power of the ruins of the legend with this song. Arrangements: track1=Yoshihiro Kusano, track2=Conisch

One Way Ryō Omoi[link]

"One Way Ryō Omoi"
Single by Megumi Nakajima and Marina Inoue
Released	November 11, 2009
Format	CD (LACM-4662)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	18:51
Label	Bandai
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Futari no Yakusoku" (2009) "One Way Ryō Omoi" (2009) "Jellyfish no Kokuhaku" (2009)
Music video "One Way Ryō Omoi TV Size" on YouTube

One Way Ryō Omoi (ワン ウェイ 両 想い^?)^[18] (One Way Love) is the second single of the series Kämpfer, but the ninth of Megumi, involved in this CD Marina Inoue (as Seno Natsuru) and Megumi Nakajima (as Sakura Kaede), the song One Ryō Omoi Way is used as the ending theme of the series, the second track is Tatakae ☆ Mora Rhythm and the third track track One Way Ryō Omoi -unstoppable delusion ≒ impulse-, is a remix arranged by Yoshihisa xxyoshixx Fujita. Arrangements: track1=Takahiro Ando, track2=Akira Takada

Jellyfish no Kokuhaku[link]

"Jellyfish no Kokuhaku"
Single by Megumi Nakajima
Released	December 09, 2009
Format	CD (VTCL-35100)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	18:16
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"One Way Ryō Omoi" (2009) "Jellyfish no Kokuhaku" (2009) "CM Ranka" (2009)
Music video "Jellyfish no Kokuhaku TV Size" on YouTube

Jellyfish no Kokuhaku (ジェリーフィッシュ の 告白^?)^[19] (Confession of a Jellyfish) is the third single from Megumi Nakajima who is not represented by an anime character, and tenth in her career; presents the songs Jellyfish no Kokuhaku used as ending theme in the Kobato^[20] series and Hi no Ataru Heya. This single debuted at # 12 on Oricon Dailies.^[21]

[edit] CM Ranka

"CM Ranka"
Single by Ranka Lee=Nakajima Megumi ; ランカ・リー＝中島愛
Released	December 16, 2009
Format	CD (VTCL-35089)
Genre	J-Pop
Length	13:10
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Jellyfish no Kokuhaku" (2009) "CM Ranka" (2009) "Melody" (2010)

CM Ranka (CM ランカ^?)^[22] is the fourth single from Megumi as Ranka Lee, but eleven of her career, this single contains songs sung by Megumi in the movie Gekijōban Macross Frontier ~Itsuwari no Utahime~, the song Sō Da Yo was used as ending theme of the movie, from second to seventh track are songs of commercials sung by Ranka in the movie, except Ninjin loves you yeah!. The eighth track on the CD was confirmed on the official website of Flying Dog.^[23] This CD contains two songs written by Shōji Kawamori himself, under the alias of Eiji Kurokawa (黒河影次^?).^[24] The song Family Mart Cosmos is use in the Family Mart^[25] stores in addition to the film. This single debuted at # 5 on Oricon Dailies^[26]

Track listing

All music composed by Yoko Kanno.

Melody[link]

"Melody"
Single by Megumi Nakajima
Released	November 24, 2010
Format	CD (VTCL-35096)
Genre	J-Pop
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"CM Ranka" (2009) "Melody" (2010) "Hōkago Overflow" (2011)
Music video "Melody TV Size" on YouTube

Melody (メロディ^?)^[27] is the fourth single from Megumi Nakajima who is not represented by an anime character, and the twelfth in her career; presents the song Melody used as ending theme to first volume of OVA Tamayura^[28] series, and the songs Natsudori used as second ending theme and Naisho no Hanashi used as insert song.

[edit] Hōkago Overflow

"Hōkago Overflow"
Single by Megumi Nakajima = Ranka Lee, and May'n = Sheryl Nome
Released	January 25, 2011
Format	CD (VTCL-35111)
Genre	J-Pop
Label	Victor Entertainment
Nakajima Megumi Singles chronology
"Melody" (2010) "Hōkago Overflow" (2011)  ??

Hōkago Overflow (放課後オーバーフロウ^?) Second single release from Ranka Lee of anime series "Macross Frontier." Includes B-side "Get it on-flying rock" sung with Sheryl,^[29] Hōkago Overflow is the second official single of Ranka after Seikan Hikō,^[30] this song has been used for promotion the new film Gekijōban Macross F ~Sayonara no Tsubasa~.

Track listing

All music composed by Yoko Kanno.

Compilation / Soundtracks[link]

[edit] Macross Frontier O.S.T.1 Nyan FRO.

• • What 'bout my star?@Formo (duet with May'n)
  • Aimo (アイモ^?)
  • Ninjiin Loves you yeah! (ニンジーン Loves you yeah!^?) [Carrots Loves you yeah!]
  • "Chō Jikū Hanten Nyan Nyan" CM Song (Ranka Version) (「超時空飯店　娘々」CMソング(Ranka Version)^?) ["Super Dimension Restaurant Nyan Nyan" CM Song (Ranka Version)]
  • Aimo ~Tori no Hito (アイモ～鳥のひと^?) [Aimo ~ Bird Human]

[edit] Macross Frontier O.S.T.2 Nyan TRA☆

• • Triangler (fight on stage) (トライアングラー (fight on stage)^?) (duet with May'n)
  • Anata no Oto (アナタノオト^?) [Your Sound]
  • Seikan Hikō (星間飛行^?) [Interstellar Flight]
  • Ai Oboete Imasu ka ~ bless the little queen (愛・おぼえていますか～bless the little queen^?) [Do You Remember Love? ~ bless the little queen]
  • Ao no Ether (蒼のエーテル^?) [Azure Ether]
  • Aimo O.C. (アイモ　O.C.^?)
  • Nyan Nyan Service Medley (娘々サービスメドレー^?) (with May'n and Maaya Sakamoto)

[edit] Macross Frontier VOCAL COLLECTION Nyan Tama♀

• Disc 1
  • What 'bout my star?@Formo (duet with May'n)
  • Aimo (アイモ^?)
  • Diamond Crevasse ~ Tenbō Kōen Nite (ダイアモンド クレバス～展望公園にて^?) [Diamond Crevasse ~ In the Park View] (duet with May'n)
  • Infinity #7 (インフィニティ ＃７^?) (duet with May'n)
  • "Chō Jikū Hanten Nyan Nyan" CM Song (Ranka Version) (「超時空飯店　娘々」CMソング(Ranka Version)^?) ["Super Dimension Restaurant Nyan Nyan" CM Song (Ranka Version)]
  • Seikan Hikō (星間飛行^?) [Interstellar Flight]
  • Watashi no Kare wa Pilot (私の彼はパイロット^?) [My Boyfriend is a Pilot]
  • Neko Nikki (ねこ日記^?) [Cat Diary]
  • Ninjiin Loves you yeah! (ニンジーン Loves you yeah!^?) [Carrots Loves you yeah!]
  • Aimo O.C (アイモ O.C.^?)
  • Aimo ~ Tori no Hito (アイモ～鳥のひと^?) [Aimo ~ Bird Human]
  • Ai Oboete Imasu ka (愛・おぼえていますか^?) [Do You Remember Love?]
• Disc 2
  • Lion (ライオン^?) (duet with May'n)
  • Diamond Crevasse 50/50 (ダイアモンド クレバス 50/50^?) (duet with May'n)
  • Brera to Ko-Ranka no Aimo (ブレラと子ランカのアイモ^?) [Brera and Little Ranka's Aimo]
  • Anata no Oto (アナタノオト^?) [Your Sound]
  • Ao no Ether (蒼のエーテル^?) [Azure Ether]
  • Ai Oboete Imasu ka ~ bless the little queen (愛・おぼえていますか ～bless the little queen^?) [Do You Remember Love? ~ bless the little queen]
  • Nyan Nyan Special Service Medley (Tokumori) (娘々スペシャルサービスメドレー (特盛り)^?) [Nyan Nyan Special Service Medley (Special Serving)] (with May'n and Maaya Sakamoto)
  • Triangler (fight on stage) (トライアングラー (fight on stage)^?) (duet with May'n)
  • Haha to Ko-Ranka no Aimo (母と子ランカのアイモ^?) [Mother and Little Ranka's Aimo] (duet with Maaya Sakamoto)

Idol Attack![link]

• • Niji no BRACE (虹のBRACE^?) [Rainbow's BRACE] (with Haruka Tomatsu / Saori Hayami)
  • COSMOS
  • After The Heart Rain
  • nO limiT (album-mix) (with Haruka Tomatsu / Saori Hayami)
  • nO limiT (sadness x Rouge edit) (with Haruka Tomatsu / Saori Hayami)

Iki wo Shiteru Kanjiteiru[link]

• • Iki wo Shiteru Kanjiteiru^[31] (息をしてる　感じている^?) [I'm Breathing, I'm Feeling] (with Mari Iijima, Fire Bomber and May'n)
  • Iki wo Shiteru Kanjiteiru (TV Mix)