Pastor Admits to Child Relationship—Megachurch Exodus!

A Texas megachurch is grappling with a significant decline in attendance after its founder, Robert Morris, admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor decades ago. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the congregation, leading to widespread controversy and significant changes within the church.

Morris, who established Gateway Church, one of the largest megachurches in the country, stepped down from his role as pastor in June after nearly 25 years of leadership. His resignation came on the heels of a public confession to the Christian Post, where he acknowledged past misconduct involving a young girl. This admission followed allegations from Cindy Clemishire, who claimed that Morris had molested her repeatedly starting when she was just 12 years old.

Since Morris’ departure, the church, which has been rebranded as Newlands Church, has seen a marked drop in attendance. According to a spokesperson, the congregation’s numbers have decreased by 17% to 19% during weekend services. This decline could have far-reaching implications for the megachurch, which typically draws around 100,000 worshippers each weekend and employs over 560 staff members across nine locations.

The fallout from Morris’ confession has led to other significant disruptions within the church. Another pastor resigned over an undisclosed “moral issue,” the church’s annual conference was canceled, and the successor to Morris also departed shortly after assuming the role.

In his confession, Morris, now 63, stated that the abuse “came to light” in 1987. He claimed to have confessed and repented at that time, submitting to church elders and the victim’s father, who was the head of the church Morris belonged to at the time. He was asked “to step out of ministry and receive counseling and freedom ministry, which I did,” Morris told the Christian Post. “Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area,” he added.

However, Clemishire, now 54, strongly disputes Morris’ characterization of the events. She expressed outrage at his use of the term “young lady” to describe her during the time of the alleged abuse. “I was 12 years old. I was a little girl. A very innocent little girl. And he was brought into our home,” she told the Christian Post, adding that the abuse took her “decades to wrap my brain around as an adult.”

Clemishire also refuted Morris’ claim that her father gave him his blessing to return to ministry. “My father never ever gave his blessing on Robert returning to ministry!” she stated emphatically. “My father told him he’s lucky he didn’t kill him. I am mortified that he is telling the world my dad gave his blessing!”

According to Clemishire, the abuse occurred in both Texas and Oklahoma. Morris allegedly told his wife at the time that he was providing Clemishire with “counseling,” but the reality was far more sinister. Eventually, Clemishire confided in a friend about what was happening, who encouraged her to tell her family. Her father then confronted Morris, threatening to involve the police if he didn’t leave the ministry, leading to Morris stepping down for two years.

Clemishire emphasized the importance of forgiveness but also the need for accountability. “Of course, we forgive because we are called to biblically forgive those who sin against us. But that does not mean he is supposed to go on without repercussions,” she stated.

In 2005, Clemishire attempted to file a lawsuit against Morris, but his attorney shifted the blame onto her, claiming she had been “flirtatious.” The defense offered Clemishire $25,000 in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement, but she declined. Despite these events, Gateway Church’s elders maintained that Morris had been biblically restored to ministry after his confession. “Pastor Robert has been open and forthright about a moral failure he had over 35 years ago when he was in his twenties and prior to him starting Gateway Church. He has shared publicly from the pulpit the proper biblical steps he took in his lengthy restoration process,” the elders told the Christian Post.

The controversy surrounding Morris is not an isolated incident within Texas megachurches. In recent months, several other prominent pastors in the state have also stepped down amid moral failures. These include Josiah Anthony from Cross Timbers Church, Tony Cammarota from Stonebriar Community Church, and Tony Evans from Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.

As Gateway Church faces this difficult period, the effects of Morris’ actions and the church’s response will likely continue to unfold, leaving the congregation and leadership to navigate the challenging road ahead.