Jesus Is The Lord!!!! ~ To God Be All The Glory!

For Immediate Release
Thursday, April 19, 2012

LANDOVER, MD -- Yesterday, Jericho Baptist Church Ministries, Inc., also known as the Jericho City of Praise and City of Praise (“Jericho”) terminated the employment of Elder Joel R. Peebles, Sr. He has cleared his office and removed his possessions.

Apostle Betty P. Peebles, before she took ill, established the Board of Trustees that currently serves Jericho. Upon the passing of Apostle Peebles, Elder Peebles challenged both her Last Will & Testament in Court, and the authority of the Board to continue to govern Jericho. In an Order entered October 25, 2011, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County confirmed the Board appointed by Apostle Betty P. Peebles as the true and legal governing Board.

Elder Peebles attempted to operate a for-profit company from the Church. This action is a clear violation of IRS 501(c)(3) regulations and threatened the very existence of Jericho, and the Board was forced to act.

Since the passing of Apostle Betty P. Peebles, the Board has made innumerable efforts to reach out to and work with Elder Joel Peebles. These efforts have been consistently rejected. The Board cannot disclose or further comment on confidential employment matters, though we are working swiftly to ensure an orderly transition.

Contact:
Isaac H. Marks, Sr., Esquire
(240) 463-2322

Erika E. Cole, Esquire
(410) 654-4300

*Excerpts from “Our Senior Pastor Speaks” – Jericho City of Praise Grand Opening Program