(Scypre.com) – Robert Morris has resigned from his position as senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. This decision comes amidst disturbing revelations of his involvement in “sexual behavior” with a child during the 1980s.
The announcement was made by Gateway Church’s board of elders, who acknowledged their previous understanding of Morris’s misconduct as an extramarital affair with “a young lady,” rather than the abuse of a 12-year-old child. In a statement to NBC News, the elders expressed regret for their lack of awareness regarding the victim’s age and the duration of the alleged abuse, admitting, “Even though it occurred many years before Gateway was established, as leaders of the church, we regret that we did not have the information that we now have.”
The megachurch also disclosed that it had engaged the services of the law firm Haynes & Boone to conduct an independent review of the allegations. This step was aimed at ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the events and to address any discrepancies in the handling of the matter.
Robert Morris, who had been a prominent figure not only within his congregation but also in broader evangelical circles, had previously shared a narrative of a “moral failure” involving sexual misconduct from his early years as a minister. However, last week, Cindy Clemishire came forward alleging that Morris had sexually abused her starting in 1982 when she was just 12 years old. According to Clemishire, the abuse persisted for over four years.
Following Clemishire’s public disclosure on The Wartburg Watch, both Gateway Church and Morris responded by acknowledging the “sexual behavior with a young lady,” insisting that Morris had properly dealt with his “sin” through confession and repentance. This response was met with mixed reactions from Clemishire, who expressed gratitude for Morris’s resignation but disappointment that it came as a resignation rather than termination. She also highlighted her repeated attempts to disclose the abuse to church leadership over the years, without substantial action until her public statement.
Morris himself has not publicly commented on the matter, despite requests for a response.
As the news of Morris’s resignation and the allegations against him spread, it sparked reactions from various quarters. Known for his involvement in conservative Christian advocacy and having served on President Donald Trump’s spiritual advisory committee, Morris faced swift distancing from former allies. A spokesperson for Trump clarified that Morris was not associated with the presidential campaign, while Texas state representatives Nate Schatzline and Giovanni Capriglione, both Republicans with ties to areas where Gateway has a presence, condemned Morris’s actions unequivocally.
Capriglione emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “Pastor Morris must be held accountable. The pain he has caused cannot be erased, and he should face the consequences of his crimes. I stand with any victims and will continue to fight for their rights and safety.”
In their official statement addressing the fallout, Gateway Church elders expressed deep remorse over the mishandling of the situation, particularly for the sake of the victim. “For the sake of the victim, we are thankful this situation has been exposed,” the statement read. “We know many have been affected by this, we understand that you are hurting, and we are very sorry. It is our prayer that, in time, healing for all those affected can occur.”
The resignation of Robert Morris marks a significant moment in the history of Gateway Church, prompting soul-searching and calls for transparency and accountability within the community. As investigations proceed and reactions continue to unfold, the church faces a challenging road ahead in rebuilding trust and addressing the fallout from these revelations.