There is turmoil within the megachurch.
Gateway Church has decided to cancel this year’s Gateway Conference, which is usually held every September. This decision comes in the wake of founding pastor Robert Morris’s resignation due to serious allegations of sexual misconduct from over thirty years ago.
The church announced the cancellation on Wednesday, explaining that the decision followed considerable reflection and prayer. The statement highlighted that the church and its staff are currently dealing with the emotional impact of Morris’s resignation and that postponing the conference would be the most appropriate step to support healing for everyone involved. They also promised full refunds to those who had already purchased tickets.
The church expressed deep regret for any disruption or disappointment caused by the cancellation and acknowledged the pain experienced by the abuse survivor and the broader church community. They conveyed their gratitude for the support received from congregants and staff during this challenging time.
In June, the Southlake, Texas-based megachurch’s board revealed that Morris had resigned as lead pastor after allegations surfaced regarding his conduct. Specifically, Morris was accused of abusing Cindy Clemishire, starting when she was just 12 years old and continuing over several years during the 1980s. Morris had previously admitted to engaging in inappropriate behavior with a young woman in his 20s but did not identify Clemishire in his statement.
The church’s elders disclosed that they were unaware of the full details of Morris’s misconduct, including the victim’s age and the duration of the abuse, until recently. They expressed their sorrow over the new information and emphasized their commitment to addressing the situation thoroughly. They have enlisted the law firm Haynes & Boone, LLP, to conduct a comprehensive review of the past abuse claims.
Following Morris’s resignation, his son James and his wife Bridgette also stepped down from their leadership roles at Gateway Church. In the interim, Pastor Max Lucado, a well-known Christian author based in San Antonio, will serve as the church’s teaching pastor.