Pastor Robert Morris, once a towering figure in evangelical Christianity, is now at the center of a deeply troubling scandal. As the founder of Gateway Church, a megachurch based in Southlake, Robert Morris, the founding pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has recently been at the center of serious legal proceedings. On March 17, 2025, Morris, 63, surrendered to authorities in Osage County, Oklahoma, following an indictment on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. These charges stem from allegations made by Cindy Clemishire, now 55, who asserts that Morris began sexually abusing her in 1982 when she was 12 years old, with the abuse continuing over a span of four years. , Morris built a religious empire that drew over 75,000 weekly attendees and expanded to multiple campuses. However, his legacy has been overshadowed by allegations of sexual abuse, leading to his resignation and legal troubles.
The Allegations Against Robert Morris
Clemishire’s allegations date back to a period when Morris, then a traveling evangelist, stayed with her family in Hominy, Oklahoma. She publicly accused Morris last year, leading to his resignation from Gateway Church. In a statement released after the indictment, Clemishire expressed relief, stating, “After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child.” Morris has acknowledged some inappropriate behavior during that time but disputes the extent of the allegations. In a previous statement to The Christian Post, he admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” in the early 1980s, describing it as “kissing and petting and not intercourse,” and conceded that it was wrong.
Attempts to Silence the Survivor
One of the most shocking revelations in this case is the alleged attempt by Morris to silence his accuser. According to a document reportedly found on Morris’s church laptop, he asked Clemishire during a 2005 phone call how much it would cost for her to remain silent about the abuse. This alleged attempt to pay off the survivor has further tarnished Morris’s reputation and raised questions about accountability within religious institutions. So far, Gateway Church has yet to release a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations. While Morris has remained a prominent figure in evangelical circles, the growing controversy surrounding these claims has left many questioning the integrity of leadership within the church. This case has reignited discussions about abuse allegations within religious institutions and how often they go ignored or mishandled. The testimonies presented before the Texas House committee suggest that more needs to be done to ensure accountability within megachurches like Gateway.
The Impact on Gateway Church
Gateway Church, which Morris founded in 2000, has been deeply affected by these allegations. The church’s board of elders accepted Morris’s resignation and has retained a law firm to investigate the claims 2. While the church continues to operate, the scandal has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on its congregation and leadership. The case against Robert Morris is ongoing, and the evangelical community is grappling with the fallout from these allegations. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency, even within religious organizations.
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