Texas megachurch pastor resigns after sexual abuse accusations

In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the religious community, Robert Morris, the senior pastor and founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has resigned following allegations of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s. The allegations were made by Cindy Clemishire, who claims Morris sexually abused her when she was just 12 years old.

Clemishire, now 54, came forward with her story last week, detailing the abuse that allegedly began on Christmas Day in 1982 and continued until 1987. According to Clemishire, Morris, who was a traveling preacher at the time, initiated the abuse while staying at her family's home in Oklahoma. The abuse reportedly took place in both Oklahoma and Texas.

The allegations were first publicized by the religious watchdog blog Wartburg Watch and subsequently reported by various media outlets. Clemishire's account has been corroborated by her family, who were unaware of the abuse until she disclosed it to them in 1987.

In response to the allegations, Morris admitted to engaging in "inappropriate sexual behavior" with Clemishire but denied that it involved intercourse. He described the behavior as "kissing and petting" and acknowledged that it was wrong. Morris stated that he confessed and repented in 1987 and stepped down from his ministry position for two years, undergoing counseling and a restoration process.

Despite his confession, Morris's resignation has raised questions about the church's handling of the situation. The board of elders at Gateway Church released a statement expressing their regret for not having all the facts about the inappropriate relationship, including Clemishire's age and the duration of the abuse. They acknowledged that their prior understanding was that Morris's extramarital relationship, which he had discussed throughout his ministry, was with a "young lady" and not a 12-year-old child.

The church has retained the international law firm Haynes and Boone to conduct an independent review of the allegations. The board of elders emphasized their commitment to ensuring a complete understanding of the events that transpired between 1982 and 1987.

Clemishire has expressed her dissatisfaction with the church's response, stating that she had informed Morris and former Gateway Elder Tom Lane about the abuse in an email sent in 2005. She also mentioned that her lawyer sent a letter to Morris in 2007, seeking reimbursement for counseling expenses incurred as a result of the abuse. Clemishire claims that the church had specific notice of the abuse but chose to embrace a false narrative.

The resignation of Morris, a prominent figure in the evangelical community and a former member of former President Donald Trump's evangelical advisory board, has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and transparency within religious institutions. Critics argue that the church's initial response to the allegations was inadequate and that more should have been done to address the situation when it first came to light.

Gateway Church, which Morris founded in 2000, has grown into one of the largest megachurches in the country, with multiple campuses and over 100,000 attendees each weekend. The church has been known for its Bible-based, evangelistic, and Spirit-empowered approach to ministry.

In their statement, the board of elders expressed their sorrow for the pain caused to Clemishire and her family. They acknowledged the impact of the revelations on the church community and emphasized their commitment to supporting those affected by the situation.

As the investigation continues, the church has pledged to provide updates and ensure that the findings are made public. The elders have also called for prayers for all those involved, including Clemishire, Morris, and the church community.

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in religious institutions and serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse. The outcome of the independent review will be closely watched by the religious community and beyond, as it may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.