The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WSB-TV are reporting that mediation between Bishop Eddie Long and the four young men who have sued him for sexual misconduct could be ending soon.

In a story posted April 21, the AJC stated an agreement may soon come from the mediation sessions between Long, founder of megachurch New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, which would avoid a trial.

The four men who filed suit against Long in September — Anthony Flagg, 21; Maurice Robinson, 20; Jamal Parris, 23; and Spencer LeGrande, 22 — said they were personally mentored by Long when they were members of New Birth and his LongFellows Youth Academy. They said in court documents that Long took them on lavish trips to places such as Kenya and New Zealand, and bestowed on them extravagant gifts including jewelry and cars.

Long has denied all accusations.

The men all also tell a similar tale of being a part of a group of young men Long called his “Spiritual Sons,” that they entered into ceremonial “covenants” with Long and that the renowned preacher used biblical scripture to justify sexual relationships.

WSB-TV is reporting the reason an agreement may come soon is to try to resolve the issue out of court before Easter on Sunday.

Mediation talks began in February and at the time it was reported if there was no resolution a trial would be held in July.

In addition to preaching against homosexuality, Long led a march through the streets of Atlanta in 2004 for several causes such as better public education and better healthcare. But the No. 1 item they were marching against was gay marriage.

Top photo: Bishop Eddie Long is accused of sexually coercing four men. (publicity photo)