Robert Morris indicted for child sexual abuse after decades of silence

In Oklahoma, Robert Morris, the founder of Gateway Church, was indicted on five felony counts for lewd or indecent acts with a child. Allegations against Morris surfaced in June 2023, when Cindy Clemishire accused him of molesting her beginning at the age of 12 in December 1982, during a visit to her family's home. The abuse reportedly persisted over the following four years while Morris was a traveling evangelist. The Oklahoma Attorney General's office oversaw a grand jury investigation that resulted in the indictment. Due to his status and the nature of the allegations, the case has drawn significant public attention and outrage. Cindy Clemishire, who accused Morris of molestation, expressed gratitude to the authorities pursuing justice after decades of suffering in silence. Her statement indicated that after 43 years, the law has caught up with Morris and called for accountability for his actions that exploited his position as a pastor. Morris, 63, stepped down from Gateway Church in June 2022 after admitting to engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior as a young man, though he had previously not disclosed the full extent of his misconduct. The incidents described in the indictment began when Morris was 21, and he reportedly manipulated the situation by instructing the young Clemishire to keep the incidents secret, telling her it would 'ruin everything.' These accusations emerged amidst a growing narrative regarding the need for transparency and accountability in religious institutions, particularly concerning sexual misconduct. The Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond condemned the abuse, focusing on the need for vigilance against those who misuse their authority to prey on vulnerable individuals. Morris's indictment represents a crucial moment in the broader context of addressing abuse within religious circles, where leaders have often wielded considerable power over their congregations. Experts have highlighted the importance of holding those in such positions accountable, as female victims like Clemishire have historically faced barriers in coming forward. With the indictment, there is renewed hope for justice not only for Clemishire but also for others who may have suffered in silence, waiting for a system to recognize their experiences and deliver accountability.