He was forced to step down.
The Board of Elders at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, announced the resignation of Robert Morris, the church’s founder and senior pastor, on June 18. This decision followed allegations by Cindy Clemishire, a 54-year-old woman, who claimed Morris sexually abused her from 1982 to 1987, starting when she was a teenager.
Morris admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with Clemishire during his early twenties while he was a pastor. He described these actions as involving kissing and petting but not intercourse. The incidents came to light in March 1987, leading Morris to confess and undergo counseling and ministry suspension at the time.
Despite Morris’ prior disclosures about his past to church elders, they admitted lacking complete information before June 14, particularly regarding Clemishire’s age and the duration of the abuse. They had understood Morris’s past confession as involving an extramarital relationship with a young woman, without knowing the full extent of the situation.
In response to these revelations, the Board of Elders decided to conduct an independent investigation through the law firm Haynes & Boone, LLP. Their goal is to thoroughly review the allegations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events from 1982 to 1987.
The elders expressed deep remorse for the pain caused by these events and extended their sympathy to Clemishire and her family. They acknowledged the widespread impact of the situation on the church community and apologized for not having all pertinent information sooner. Their primary focus now is on supporting those affected and fostering a path toward healing.
This development marks a significant moment for Gateway Church, as it navigates the aftermath of allegations against its founder while striving to uphold transparency and accountability within its leadership.