Duval County Court documents show April Washington has filed a complaint against Broderick Pettaway and Faye Refour for the unlawful removal of her position on behalf of Titus Harvest Dome Spectrum Church.
In May 2017, Action News Jax reported the death of Pastor R.J. Washington after he died from cancer. After his death, it was reported several members on the Board of Trustees tried to take power from his widow, April.
“The church has been devastated behind a loss," April Washington says she hasn't been able to mourn the loss of her husband, Pastor RJ Washington, after claims of fellow members scheming to oust her from the church. The lawsuit she filed against them on @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/XyNB4mnHXu
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) September 20, 2018
Within month of his death, she was ousted from the church.
“The church has been devastated behind a loss, as you can see I’m very emotional right now,” April said. “However, I know God will get me through it.”
April spoke out publicly for the first time Thursday. Her legal team held a press conference downtown explaining the details and evidence listed in the lawsuit.
I tried reaching out to the defendants listed in the complaint for the other side of the story but have not heard back yet. pic.twitter.com/BytUWMh4UW
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) September 20, 2018
“I want the opportunity for myself and our church family mainly to be able to get back to what God has called us to, and to continue this vision that was given over 30 years ago,” April said.
April and her husband started the church in Jacksonville more than 20 years ago. She claims fellow members started scheming against her days after her husband’s death.
“The loss of her husband has been extremely painful but to add insult to injury as we alleged in our complaint the very people who she trusted the most, who she confided in that she was leaning on at this difficult time conspired against her, and concocted an elaborate scheme to take the church, the congregation, money and assets, and most of all its legacy of pastor Washington,” Marwan Porter said. He is one of April attorney’s listed on the complaint.”
The lawsuit shows Washington is suing 2 people connected to Titus Harvest Dome Spectrum Church, which is the church she started with her late husband. Her attorneys claim they schemed to oust her from the church for financial gain. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/pZXxJ0ulMY
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) September 20, 2018
Action News Jax reached out Pettaway and Faye Refour for additional comment on allegations but have not heard back yet.
“I would love to see the church come back together and that’s what I’m here for, fighting for the church,” April said.
Her attorneys said they are currently working to get a motion set for a hearing in Duval County Courts.
Cox Media Group
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