Megachurch Pastor Accused: Questions Arise In The Faith Community

People sitting in church pews during service.

Texas megachurch founder Robert Morris, once a prominent religious leader, faces five felony charges for alleged child sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s, raising serious questions about accountability within religious institutions.

Key Takeaways

Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church in Texas, has been indicted on five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Cindy Clemishire, now 55, alleges Morris abused her beginning when she was 12 years old in 1982, continuing for approximately four years.
Morris has resigned from his position as senior pastor at Gateway Church and is expected to surrender to Oklahoma authorities, with his attorney planning to enter a not guilty plea.
A judge has set Morris’s bond at $50,000 and ordered him to surrender his passport ahead of legal proceedings.
The case highlights growing concerns about how religious organizations handle abuse allegations and protect vulnerable members.

Allegations Surface Against Prominent Religious Leader

Robert Preston Morris, the 63-year-old founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted by an Oklahoma grand jury on five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. The charges stem from allegations by Cindy Clemishire, who claims Morris sexually abused her beginning in 1982 when she was 12 years old. Following these serious accusations, Morris resigned from his position as senior pastor of Gateway Church, one of the largest religious congregations in the United States with multiple campuses across Texas and reported attendance exceeding 100,000 people.

According to court documents, the alleged abuse began when Morris stayed at Clemishire’s family home in Oklahoma and continued for approximately four years while Morris worked as a traveling evangelist. Each of the five charges carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if Morris is convicted. An Osage County judge has set Morris’s bond at $50,000 and ordered him to surrender his passport. Morris is expected to turn himself in to Oklahoma authorities to face these charges.

NEW: Robert Morris resigned as pastor of Gateway Church, — a megachurch attended by 100,00 in Dallas, Texas — after allegations of child sex abuse of a 12-year-old girl in the 80s.

Daystar Television announced they are removing all of Morris' content and he's been removed from… pic.twitter.com/kq6LUiHqWo

— Caleb Parke (@calebparke) June 20, 2024

Victim Speaks Out After Decades

Clemishire, now 55, has chosen to be publicly identified in connection with the case, breaking decades of silence about the alleged abuse. In public statements released through her attorneys, she expressed both relief and determination to see justice served after nearly 43 years. Her decision to come forward has drawn attention to the challenges victims face when reporting abuse within religious communities, where power dynamics and institutional protection can sometimes discourage reporting and accountability.

“After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child. Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable,” said Clemishire in a statement.

The indictment alleges that Morris engaged in inappropriate touching when Clemishire was between 12 and 14 years old. While Morris has not directly addressed the specific allegations in public, he reportedly admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” in a statement to The Christian Post. His attorney, Mack Martin, has indicated that Morris will plead not guilty to the charges when he appears in court.

Church and Political Connections

Gateway Church, which Morris founded in 2000, has acknowledged the legal actions against their former leader. The church issued a statement expressing support for Clemishire and others affected by the situation. Morris had significant connections beyond his role at Gateway, including serving on a faith advisory council during former President Donald Trump’s first term in office. In 2020, Morris hosted Trump at Gateway Church, though reports indicate Morris is not involved in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Gateway Church issued this statement: “We are aware of the actions being taken by the legal authorities in Oklahoma and are grateful for the work of the justice system in holding abusers accountable for their actions. We continue to pray for Cindy Clemishire and her family, for the members and staff of Gateway Church, and for all of those impacted by this terrible situation.”

The case highlights ongoing challenges religious organizations face regarding transparency and accountability when allegations of abuse arise. Many faith communities across the country have been reviewing and strengthening their policies for preventing and addressing abuse allegations. As this case proceeds through the legal system, it will likely intensify discussions about how religious institutions can better protect vulnerable members while maintaining appropriate leadership standards.