In a stunning revelation that has rocked the American evangelical community, Robert Morris, the senior pastor of Gateway Church in Texas, has resigned after admitting to engaging in "inappropriate sexual behaviour" with a 12-year-old girl beginning in 1982.
The Disturbing Confession
The allegations came to light after Cindy Clemishire, now in her 50s, came forward publicly with her story. She revealed that the abuse began when she was just 12 years old and continued for several years, with Morris being in his early twenties at the time.
Gateway Church, one of America's largest megachurches with multiple campuses across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, confirmed Morris's resignation in an official statement. The church acknowledged that Morris had "been involved in inappropriate sexual behaviour with a young lady" decades earlier.
Victim Breaks Decades of Silence
Ms Clemishire detailed how the abuse started on Christmas Day 1982 when Morris, then a family friend, visited her home. She described waking up to find him touching her inappropriately in her bed. The abuse reportedly escalated over the following years, including multiple instances of sexual contact.
"I was just a child," Clemishire told The Independent. "I didn't understand what was happening to me or why."
Church Leadership Under Fire
The situation has raised serious questions about church leadership and accountability. According to church statements, Morris had previously confessed to the behaviour in the late 1980s and underwent a two-year restoration process before returning to ministry.
However, critics argue that the original handling of the situation was inadequate and failed to properly address the criminal nature of the abuse or involve law enforcement.
Fallout and Investigation
The Southlake Police Department has confirmed they are investigating the allegations. Meanwhile, Gateway Church has appointed an interim leadership team while the board of elders determines next steps.
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the evangelical community, where Morris was a prominent figure who served as a spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump and authored several bestselling Christian books.
Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing concerns about how religious institutions handle allegations of sexual abuse and whether internal processes adequately protect victims while holding perpetrators accountable.
As the investigation continues, many are calling for greater transparency and accountability in how churches address historical abuse cases, particularly those involving minors.
