Glen A. Staples Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-169
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
June 9, 2026
To recognize and honor Bishop Glen A. Staples, Senior Pastor of The Temple of Praise
in Washington, D.C., for his exceptional spiritual leadership, community service, and
contributions to education, economic empowerment, and neighborhood transformation in the
District of Columbia.

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples serves as the Senior Pastor of The Temple of Praise
(formerly known as Anna Johenning Baptist Church) in Washington, D.C., a ministry that has
grown to more than 14,000 members and is recognized worldwide for dynamic worship,
excellence, and fervent praise;

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples also serves as Presiding Prelate of the Temple of Praise
International Fellowship of Churches, Inc., providing apostolic covering for more than 400
churches in the United States and abroad;

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples’ pastoral oversight extends to covenant pastors, apostles, and
bishops across the D.C. metropolitan area and multiple states, and to international churches,
including a significant number of churches in India, Nigeria, and the Bahamas;

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples, a native of Beckley, West Virginia, answered the call to
preach in 1981, was licensed in 1982, and ordained in 1986, and he served in early ministry
leadership roles in West Virginia before being led to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in
1990;

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples was appointed the third Pastor of Anna Johenning Baptist
Church in 1991, and in 2005 was consecrated as Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the Temple of
Praise International Fellowship of Churches;

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples is known as a “shepherd to shepherds” and widely regarded
as the “Pastor’s Pastor,” having licensed, ordained, and installed more than 125 active in-house
pastors, elders, and ministers, strengthening faith leadership for generations;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, Bishop Staples has been a champion of higher education, economic
empowerment, and community transformation, and he established the Way of the Word
Community Development Corporation to expand the church’s impact by addressing community
needs in Southeast Washington, D.C.;

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples, through community-based initiatives, partnerships, and
major development efforts, has helped spearhead transformative community development
projects, supported access to modern healthcare facilities, and opened the “New Day” Women’s
Transitional Home, an 18-month program providing housing, education, life skills, and job
placement for women and children, which remains the largest transitional home of its kind in the
District of Columbia;

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples has pursued advanced academic and theological education,
previously served as a special education teacher, and continues to support higher education
through leadership and advisory roles, reflecting a lifelong devotion to learning and service;

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples’ commitment to education includes partnerships that have
expanded higher-education access for Temple of Praise members, resulting in hundreds enrolling
in institutions of higher learning and measurable growth in household stability and
homeownership;

WHEREAS, Bishop Glen A. Staples is a published author whose work has encouraged countless
readers and believers and is internationally known for his oratorical gifts and his profound,
prophetic teaching ministry; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Staples has been recognized nationally and internationally for
leadership and excellence.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Glen A. Staples Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors Bishop Glen A.
Staples for his outstanding spiritual leadership; his dedication to strengthening families and
communities in the District of Columbia; and his enduring contributions to education, economic
empowerment, and community development, particularly in Southeast Washington, D.C., and
declares June 16th as “Bishop Glen A. Staples Day” in the District of Columbia.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.