Robert Morris, the founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young girl when he was in his early twenties. The victim, Cindy Clemishire, came forward with accusations that Morris had molested her starting at the age of 12 and continuing for four years. Morris confessed to the behavior, which he described as kissing and petting, and stated that it occurred multiple times over the course of a few years.
Morris claimed that the abuse came to light in 1987 and that he confessed and repented of his actions. He stated that he submitted to church elders and Clemishire’s father, who was the head of the church he belonged to at the time, and underwent counseling and freedom ministry. Since then, Morris claimed to have walked in purity and accountability in regards to this area of his life. However, Clemishire expressed her dismay at Morris’ portrayal of her as a “young lady,” emphasizing that she was only 12 years old at the time of the abuse.
Clemishire detailed her experiences of abuse at the hands of Morris, recounting incidents that took place in Texas and Oklahoma. She revealed that Morris had convinced his wife at the time that he was providing counseling to Clemishire during the abuse. Eventually, Clemishire confided in a friend, who encouraged her to tell her family. When her father found out, he threatened to involve the police if Morris did not step away from ministry for two years. Despite forgiving Morris, Clemishire insisted that there should be repercussions for his actions.
In 2005, Clemishire attempted to file a lawsuit against Morris, but his attorney suggested that she was at fault for the abuse due to her being flirtatious. Morris’ legal team offered her $25,000 in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement, which she declined. Elders at Gateway Church stood by Morris, stating that he had confessed to a moral failure that occurred over 35 years ago before the establishment of Gateway Church. They asserted that Morris had been restored to ministry after a two-year restoration process and has not had any other moral failures since.
Despite the church’s support of Morris, Clemishire vehemently denied the suggestion that her father had given Morris his blessing to return to ministry. She emphasized that her father had actually threatened Morris with police involvement if he did not step away. Clemishire expressed her disappointment with the church’s handling of the situation and noted that forgiveness does not absolve one from facing consequences for their actions. She also urged for a proper reckoning of Morris’ behavior and emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
