In a shocking development that has rocked the American evangelical community, Robert Morris, the founding pastor of Gateway Church in Texas, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child in the 1980s.
The 62-year-old religious leader admitted to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under 14, involving a 12-year-old girl between 1982 and 1987. The case came to light after the victim, now in her 50s, came forward with her story.
Rise and Fall of a Megachurch Leader
Morris founded Gateway Church in 2000, which grew into one of America's largest megachurches with approximately 100,000 members across multiple campuses. Until recently, he served as senior pastor and was a prominent figure in evangelical circles, having authored several books and appearing on Christian television networks.
The swift downfall began when the victim publicly identified herself as Cindy Clemishire, detailing how the abuse started when she was 12 years old and continued for several years.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Morris entered his guilty plea in a Texas court, avoiding a potential trial. The plea agreement includes:
- Admission to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child
- Potential sentencing ranging from probation to life imprisonment
- Registration as a sex offender
- Formal sentencing scheduled for later this year
Prosecutors described the abuse as occurring "on more than one occasion" over several years, with Morris reportedly acknowledging some inappropriate behaviour to church elders decades later.
Church Response and Aftermath
Gateway Church's board of elders accepted Morris's resignation shortly after the allegations became public. In a statement, they expressed "heartbreak and shock" at the revelations.
The megachurch now faces significant challenges in rebuilding trust with its congregation and the wider community. Many members have expressed outrage that the leadership apparently knew about some aspects of the misconduct years earlier but allowed Morris to continue leading.
This case adds to growing concerns about accountability and transparency within large religious organisations, particularly regarding how they handle historical abuse allegations against prominent leaders.
