RECLAIM OUR VOICE: A PETITION FOR CONGREGATIONAL ACTION AT FIRST JERUSALEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

We, the undersigned members of First Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, express our concern about the delay in meeting with the congregants of the church regarding the recent dismissal of our esteemed pastor, Dr. Damion P. Gordon, Sr. This decision, made without unanimous agreement among the Deacons and Trustees and without proper consultation with the church membership as outlined in our governing documents, has caused significant distress and disruption within our congregation.

On October 13, 2024, following praise and worship, the congregation was abruptly informed of Dr. Gordon's termination. This lack of transparency and disregard for established communication protocols has created an atmosphere of mistrust and confusion. Furthermore, the refusal of the Deacons and Trustees to acknowledge and address the legitimate questions and concerns raised by the congregation in subsequent weeks has deepened our sense of disenfranchisement. Our attempts to communicate through written requests for a rescheduled special meeting and access to financial reports have also been ignored.

This petition ensures that should the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6pm, by the deacons and trustees of First Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church be cancelled or rescheduled the church congregation will proceed with a congregational meeting on the same day and time. Due to the essential nature of our church business, this congregational meeting will be held to facilitate the necessary business to restore order in our beloved church. The members of First Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church demand that our voices be heard and respected.