High-Profile Pastor’s Pending Arrival Stirs Controversy In Oklahoma

People sitting in church pews during service.

Robert Morris, founder of Texas megachurch Gateway Church, will surrender to Oklahoma authorities to face five felony counts of child sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s, carrying potential penalties of up to 20 years per charge.

Key Takeaways

Robert Morris, 63, founder of Gateway Church in Texas, faces five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child in Oklahoma
Accuser Cindy Clemishire, now 55, alleges the abuse began in 1982 when she was 12 and continued for four years
Morris has resigned as senior pastor of Gateway Church, one of America’s largest congregations
A judge has set a $50,000 bond and ordered Morris to surrender his passport
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison

Decades-Old Allegations Come to Light

The founder of one of America’s largest churches faces serious legal consequences as Oklahoma authorities prepare for his surrender on child sexual abuse charges. Robert Preston Morris, 63, who founded Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted by an Oklahoma grand jury on five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. The charges stem from allegations made by Cindy Clemishire, who claims Morris began abusing her in 1982 when she was just 12 years old, continuing until she was 14.

According to court documents, the abuse allegedly began when Morris stayed at Clemishire’s family home in Oklahoma while working as a traveling evangelist. Morris has since resigned from his position at Gateway Church, a megachurch with multiple campuses across Texas and reported attendance exceeding 100,000 members. His attorney, Mack Martin, has indicated plans to enter a not guilty plea on Morris’ behalf when he surrenders to authorities.

NEW: Robert Morris resigned as pastor of Gateway Church, — a megachurch attended by 100,00 in Dallas, Texas — after allegations of child sex abuse of a 12-year-old girl in the 80s.

Daystar Television announced they are removing all of Morris' content and he's been removed from… pic.twitter.com/kq6LUiHqWo

— Caleb Parke (@calebparke) June 20, 2024

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

An Osage County judge has set Morris’ bond at $50,000 and ordered him to surrender his passport upon turning himself in. Each of the five charges carries significant potential consequences, with maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison per count. The severity of these charges reflects Oklahoma’s stance on crimes against children, even decades after they allegedly occurred. Prosecutors appear determined to pursue justice in this case despite the significant time that has passed since the alleged incidents.

“After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child. Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable.” said Cindy Clemishire, Morris’ accuser.

Although the alleged abuse occurred approximately four decades ago, Oklahoma’s statute of limitations allows for prosecution in this case. Clemishire, now 55, has chosen to be publicly identified in connection with the case, a decision that often helps other victims come forward. Her public statements reveal both personal relief that legal action is finally being taken and hope that the justice system will hold Morris accountable for his alleged actions.

Response from Gateway Church

Gateway Church, which Morris founded in 2000, has acknowledged the serious nature of the allegations against its former leader. The congregation has issued a statement recognizing the legal proceedings while expressing support for Clemishire. The church, with its massive membership and influence, now faces the challenge of addressing this situation with its congregation while maintaining its ministry work. This case represents another significant instance of accountability within religious institutions.

Gateway Church wrote this in a statement: “We are aware of the actions being taken by the legal authorities in Oklahoma and are grateful for the work of the justice system in holding abusers accountable for their actions. We continue to pray for Cindy Clemishire and her family, for the members and staff of Gateway Church, and for all of those impacted by this terrible situation.”

Morris previously maintained connections with high-profile political figures, having served on a faith advisory council during former President Donald Trump’s first term and hosting him at Gateway Church in 2020. However, reports indicate Morris is not involved in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. The case highlights how allegations of abuse can surface decades later, affecting communities and institutions far beyond the initial time period when incidents allegedly occurred.