Prominent Pastor Faces Legal Battle Over Decades-Old Abuse Allegations
Robert Morris, a well-known pastor from Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, is at the center of serious allegations as he faces an indictment on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. This legal action comes after Cindy Clemishire accused Morris of sexual abuse that purportedly began in the 1980s when she was just 12 years old.
According to a statement from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, the alleged misconduct started during a Christmas visit in 1982, continuing over four years. “There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children,” Drummond emphasized, highlighting the gravity of the charges against Morris, now 63.
The statute of limitations does not apply in this case, as Morris never resided in Oklahoma, allowing the charges to proceed despite the passage of time. Clemishire, who has advocated for justice for decades, expressed her gratitude for the indictment, stating, “After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child.”
Gateway Church acknowledged the indictment in a statement, expressing their appreciation for the legal system’s efforts and extending prayers to all affected by the situation. Morris resigned from his position at Gateway Church in June 2024, shortly after Clemishire publicly reported the alleged abuse beginning on December 25, 1982.
Initially, Morris admitted to inappropriate behavior with a young woman over 35 years ago, describing it as non-intercourse activities. He stated, “In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented of.” However, Clemishire insists she was only a child at the time, challenging Morris’s characterization of her as a “young lady.”
Gateway Church elders initially supported Morris, believing he had been transparent about his past. However, they later acknowledged that they were not fully informed about the victim’s age and the extent of the abuse. As a result, the church initiated an independent investigation, which led to significant changes within their leadership.
Tra Willbanks, a Gateway Elder, revealed that multiple elders were aware of Clemishire’s age during the abuse but failed to act. “We now know that there were elders and employees at Gateway who knew before June 14, 2024, that Cindy was 12 at the time of the abuse,” Willbanks stated, underscoring the serious oversight within the church’s leadership.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
Be First to Comment