Vanessa and Eddie Long are seen here earlier this year entering the sanctuary of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church shortly after four young men accused the pastor of coercing them into sexual relations.

The wife of Bishop Eddie Long has filed for divorce, signaling an end to their more than 20-year marriage.

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

The story was first reported Friday by various Atlanta media.

Last fall, four young men, including one who lives in the Charlotte area, accused the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., of coercing them into sexual activity. Their lawsuits were settled in May, then dismissed.

Long, who grew up in Charlotte, is also founder of New Birth Charlotte, one of the region’s largest congregations.

Vanessa Long said she hoped the divorce proceedings would go smoothly.

“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,” she said. “I also ask that the public pray for my entire family during this difficult period of transition.”

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