High-Profile Church Leader’s Arrest Sparks Urgent Debate on Religious Oversight

People sitting in church pews during service.

Texas megachurch founder Robert Morris faces five felony counts of child molestation stemming from the 1980s, with his accuser stating “the law has finally caught up” after a 43-year wait for justice.

Key Insights

Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church in Texas, was indicted on five felony counts of lewd acts with a child for alleged abuse occurring when the victim was 12-14 years old
Accuser Cindy Clemishire states the abuse began in 1982 when Morris stayed at her family home in Oklahoma and continued for four years
Morris has admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” but his attorney plans to enter a not guilty plea
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and Morris must surrender his passport as part of his $50,000 bond
Gateway Church has acknowledged the legal actions and expressed support for Clemishire and others affected

Decades-Old Allegations Surface Against Prominent Church Leader

Robert Preston Morris, 63, the founder of one of America’s largest churches, faces serious legal consequences after being indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child in Osage County, Oklahoma. The charges stem from allegations dating back to the early 1980s. According to court documents, the alleged abuse began when Morris stayed at the family home of Cindy Clemishire in Oklahoma in 1982 when she was just 12 years old. The inappropriate touching reportedly continued until she was 14, during a period when Morris worked as a traveling evangelist.

Morris has already resigned his position as senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, a megachurch with multiple campuses across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. An Osage County judge has set a $50,000 bond and ordered Morris to surrender his passport as the case moves forward. His attorney, Mack Martin, has indicated plans to enter a not guilty plea on Morris’ behalf, though Morris previously admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” in a statement to The Christian Post.

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 Four Decades

Clemishire, now 55, has chosen to be publicly identified in connection with the case, breaking decades of silence. After the indictment was announced, she released a powerful statement expressing both relief and determination to see justice served. The alleged abuse reportedly began when Morris stayed at her family’s home in 1982 and continued for approximately four years, a period that has clearly left lasting trauma for the accuser.

In a statement, Clemishire said this: “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.”

Each of the five charges Morris faces carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, meaning the former pastor could potentially face up to 100 years behind bars if convicted on all counts. The severity of these potential penalties reflects the serious nature of the allegations and Oklahoma’s approach to prosecuting historical cases of child sexual abuse. Clemishire has expressed gratitude to the authorities who investigated her case and made the indictment possible.

Church and Political Connections

Morris is not just any pastor – he founded Gateway Church, one of the largest congregations in the United States with multiple campuses across Texas. He also maintained connections to political circles, having served on a faith advisory council during former President Donald Trump’s first term. Morris even hosted Trump at Gateway Church during a 2020 campaign event, though reports confirm he is not involved in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

“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,” Gateway Church said.

Gateway Church has acknowledged the legal proceedings against its founder and expressed support for Clemishire and others affected by the situation. The church’s response represents an attempt to balance support for their longtime leader with recognition of the serious allegations against him and compassion for those who may have been harmed. As the case proceeds through the legal system, the church community will likely continue to grapple with the implications of these disturbing charges against a man who led their congregation for many years.