Former Megachurch Pastor Robert Morris Faces Felony Charges for Alleged Child Sexual Abuse
Robert Morris, the founder and former senior pastor of the prominent Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child. The arrest follows allegations made by Cindy Clemishire, who claims Morris sexually abused her repeatedly beginning when she was just 12 years old in 1982.
Morris surrendered to the Osage County Sheriffs Office in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, on Monday, after an indictment was issued by the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office last week. He posted a $50,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment. The charges stem from alleged incidents that Clemishire says occurred between Christmas 1982 and 1987, a period of almost five years.
Clemishires accusations first surfaced publicly in June 2024 when she shared her story with the Wartburg Watch, a blog focusing on sexual abuse within religious institutions. In a statement to the Oklahoman, a part of the USA TODAY Network, Clemishire expressed relief that "after almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child."
Morris, who is 63 years old, held a position of influence in political circles, having served on President Donald Trumps spiritual advisory board during his 2016 campaign and his initial term in office. He was not involved in Trumps 2024 reelection campaign.
The details of Clemishires allegations, as shared with the Wartburg Watch, paint a disturbing picture of manipulation and abuse of power. She stated that Morris and his wife, Debbie, were introduced to her family at a youth revival in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At the time, Morris was 20 years old, and Clemishire was 11.
Morris, as a preacher, became a regular presence in Clemishires life, even staying at her family’s home with his wife on occasion. Clemishire says this dynamic shifted dramatically on Christmas in 1982 when Morris allegedly asked her to visit him in his room that night.
Unsuspecting of any ill intent, the 12-year-old Clemishire went to Morris’s room, where she says he sexually abused her. Following the alleged assault, Clemishire recalls Morris warning her to "never tell anyone about this because it will ruin everything."
According to Clemishires account, the abuse continued in both Oklahoma and Texas until 1987. She eventually confided in a friend and her parents, which she believes led to Morris stepping down from his ministry for two years.
In response to the allegations, Morris released a statement to WFAA-TV in Dallas last year, admitting to inappropriate behavior but downplaying the severity. "It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong. This behavior happened on several occasions over the next few years … Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area," the statement read.
Gateway Churchs board of elders also issued a statement to CBS News and NBC News, acknowledging that they were aware of an "extramarital relationship" between Morris and a "young lady," but claiming they were unaware it involved the "abuse of a 12-year-old girl." The board expressed their "heartbreak and appalled" by the revelations and offered "deep sympathy to the victim and her family."
Morris resigned from his position at Gateway Church in June 2024, shortly after Clemishires allegations became public. The church has since taken steps to distance itself from its former senior pastor.
One significant action taken by Gateway Church was to hire Haynes and Boone, a Dallas-based law firm, to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. Based on the findings and recommendations of the investigation, the church severed ties with several individuals, including Morris’s son and daughter-in-law, James and Bridget Morris; executive pastor Kemtal Glasgow; and several of its elders.
Tra Willbanks, an elder at Gateway Church, addressed the situation during a livestreamed service in November. "What happened to Cindy Clemishire was heartbreaking and vile," Willbanks stated. "We denounce sexual abuse in all of its forms and we feel deep sorrow for those who have been victimized by such despicable actions."
Willbanks also confirmed that Gateway Church is cooperating with an ongoing criminal investigation, but refrained from providing further details. He emphasized that neither the church nor its current leadership are subject to the investigation.
The allegations against Robert Morris have sent shockwaves through the religious community and beyond. The case highlights the importance of addressing sexual abuse within religious institutions and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or influence.
The legal proceedings against Morris are ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for both Morris and Clemishire, as well as for Gateway Church and the broader community. The case also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the courage it takes for survivors to come forward and seek justice.
The dismantling of elements within Gateway Church that were connected to Morris demonstrates a desire for change and accountability. Whether these changes are substantive and will prevent future abuse remains to be seen. The independent investigation and the ousting of key figures suggests a willingness to address the issues raised by Clemishire’s allegations.
This case is a stark reminder that no institution is immune to the potential for abuse, and that vigilance and accountability are essential to protecting vulnerable individuals. The story of Cindy Clemishire is a testament to the strength and resilience of survivors, and the importance of providing them with support and justice.
