Gateway Church, a prominent Texas megachurch, is confronting a devastating sex abuse scandal involving its founder, Former Pastor Robert Morris.
A prominent Texas megachurch pastor has come under fire after admitting to “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” following accusations of repeated molestation. Robert Morris, the founder of Gateway Church in Southlake and a former spiritual adviser to Donald Trump, confessed to the allegations after Cindy Clemishire publicly accused him of grooming and abusing her for four years, starting when she was just 12 years old.
Morris’s admission came after Clemishire shared her story with the Wartburg Watch, a platform known for exposing abuse within religious institutions. Clemishire detailed how Morris, while staying in her family’s home, began grooming her for abuse that persisted until she turned 16. In his statement to the Christian Post, Morris’s characterization of the incidents as “inappropriate sexual behavior” was met with outrage and disbelief. Clemishire, along with many others, found his description dismissive and appalling, given the severity and duration of the abuse she endured.
Elder Tray Willbanks addressed the congregation directly, expressing deep sorrow and a commitment to transparency and justice. “We are devastated and grieving, too,” Willbanks told the packed sanctuary over the weekend. “Abuse will not be tolerated, and we are not shuffling this under the rug.”
The revelation has sent shockwaves through the church community and beyond. Gateway Church, known for its large congregation and influential presence in the Southlake area, is now grappling with the fallout from Morris’s confession. The admission has not only shaken the trust of its members but has also drawn public protests, with demonstrators gathering outside the church to voice their outrage and demand accountability.
The church’s leadership is taking steps to address the scandal head-on, emphasizing their dedication to supporting the victim and preventing any future incidents. Willbanks assured the congregation that the church would cooperate fully with authorities and implement measures to safeguard the community.
“We are committed to creating a safe environment for everyone who walks through our doors,” Willbanks stated. “This is a time for us to come together, to support each other, and to seek healing.”
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the handling of abuse allegations within religious institutions. Advocates for survivors of abuse are calling for greater transparency and accountability in churches and other organizations to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure justice for victims.
As Gateway Church navigates this challenging period, its leaders are urging members to remain united and focused on their faith. The scandal, while deeply painful, is also seen as an opportunity for the church to reaffirm its values and commitment to integrity.
The community’s response to the scandal will be closely watched as it continues to unfold. In the meantime, the church remains a focal point of both support and scrutiny, as members and leaders work to rebuild trust and move forward.
