A legal battle over the rightful leadership of a prominent Los Angeles church has culminated in a decisive court ruling. The Greater Liberty Baptist Church Corporation of Los Angeles filed a complaint against Brian W. Peters and others, leading to an appellate court decision on August 12, 2024, affirming the lower court's judgment and order regarding the election of church officers.
The case began on June 7, 2018, when the Greater Liberty Baptist Church Corporation (the Church) sued Brian W. Peters and his associates for declaratory relief, conversion, and intentional interference with business relationships. The Church alleged that its trustee board members were duly appointed in April 2017 and had determined that Brian Peters lacked the necessary character and aptitude to serve as the Church’s chief operating officer and pastor. The complaint also accused Peters of filing fraudulent statements with the California Secretary of State, falsely claiming to be an officer of the Church.
In response, Peters and his co-defendants cross-complained against the trustee board members, asserting that their appointments were illegal and invalid. They sought a declaration of their rights concerning the Church’s governance. However, after extensive legal wrangling—including demurrers and motions for judgment on the pleadings—the trial court ordered an election to resolve who could legitimately act on behalf of the Church.
The trial court's decision was based on "neutral principles of law" to avoid entanglement in religious doctrine disputes. This approach was akin to that used in Singh v. Singh (2004), where an election was ordered to determine rightful leadership without violating constitutional protections around religious practice.
Despite numerous objections from Peters' camp—arguing lack of jurisdiction, improper procedure during an automatic stay, and non-compliance with both court orders and church bylaws—the trial court's orders were upheld through multiple appeals. The appellate courts consistently found these objections either forfeited or unpersuasive due to prior rulings or lack of timely objection by Peters' side.
Ultimately, on March 29, 2021, a receiver conducted an election resulting in Jerry Peters, Aneisha Davis, and Steve Gandy being elected as directors authorized to represent the Church officially. Despite further attempts by Brian W. Peters and his associates to contest these results—including petitions for writs of supersedeas and prohibition—the courts affirmed the legitimacy of the election process.
The plaintiffs are seeking affirmation from higher courts regarding their standing as legitimate representatives authorized to manage church affairs according to established bylaws and state laws governing nonprofit religious corporations.
Representing the defendants are attorneys James D. Decker and Griffin R. Schindler from Decker Law; representing the plaintiff is Ashton R. Watkins from Law Offices of Ashton Watkins. The case was presided over by Judge Rupert A. Byrdsong under Case ID BC709109.