Texas Megachurch Pastor Robert Morris Admits ‘Inappropriate Sexual Behavior’ After Woman Alleges Abuse from Age 12

Robert Morris, senior pastor and founder of Gateway Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has publicly admitted to engaging in “inappropriate sexual behavior” with a young woman during the 1980s.

The statement follows allegations from a woman who accused Morris of molesting her when she was 12 years old, according to CNN.

Gateway Church, established by Morris in 2000, now operates multiple locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

The accuser, Cindy Clemishire, said that the abuse began in 1982 and continued for five years until she disclosed it to her parents in 1987. Morris has not admitted to the specific allegations made by Clemishire.

In his statement, Morris did not identify the individual involved but acknowledged that the inappropriate conduct occurred when he was in his early twenties and staying in a private home. He characterized the behavior as “kissing and petting” but denied any intercourse, adding that the actions took place on multiple occasions.

Morris further stated that the matter was addressed in March 1987, at which time he confessed and repented. He submitted himself to the oversight of the Elders at Shady Grove Church and to the young woman’s father, agreeing to step down from ministry and undertake counseling and freedom ministry sessions.

“Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area,” Morris said. He also noted that in 1989 he and his wife met with the young woman and her family to seek forgiveness, which was granted.

While Clemishire confirmed that her family forgave Morris, they expressed opposition to his return to ministry.

Gateway Church issued a statement affirming that Morris underwent a “lengthy restoration process.” The church described the process as lasting two years, supervised by the Elders at Shady Grove Church, during which Morris was removed from ministry and received professional counseling.

“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,” the church said. “He has shared publicly from the pulpit the proper Biblical steps he took in his lengthy restoration process.”

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The church emphasized that there have been no further moral failures since the conclusion of the restoration process.