12,000 Members Retake Control of Megachurch After Reported Coup
Bishop Joel Peebles, Pastor Ylawnda Peebles and The City of Praise Family Ministries returned to their home church last weekend in Landover, Maryland.
This was the first service at the Landover Campus since April 2012, when a handful of employees declared themselves the legitimate board and unlawfully took control of the church displacing the Peebles and thousands of longtime parishioners.
“On this day we’re celebrating God’s redemptive power. If you’ve ever lost a home, a job or even your peace, this event is proof that by God’s grace, you can recover,” said Joel Peebles. “After years of being displaced, the City of Praise congregation of more than 12,000 members is returning home to our Landover campus.”
Pastors and congregants from across the globe made their way to Landover for the landmark celebration. Community members and others were invited to attend this milestone worship experience.
“This is truly a season of restoration and reconciliation. On this special day, the body of Christ is coming together as one—in unity to worship our loving God,” said Ylawnda Peebles.