Texas megachurch faces crisis after child abuse allegations emerge

Gateway Church, a prominent megachurch in Southlake, Texas, has been engulfed in a crisis following the resignation of its founder, Robert Morris, in June 2023. The resignation came after allegations surfaced that Morris had molested a young girl in 1982. This revelation was made public through a church watchdog blog, leading to widespread shock and grief among the congregation. Morris had previously acknowledged a moral failure from his past but did not disclose the nature of the abuse or the victim's age. In the wake of the scandal, the church has faced a significant exodus of worshippers, with many expressing their disillusionment. Weekend services have been marked by somber acknowledgments of the situation, as interim pastors address the congregation's grief and the need for hope during this challenging time. The church's leadership has stated that they are committed to understanding the facts surrounding the allegations and have engaged a law firm to investigate past abuse claims. The fallout has also led to the rebranding of the Houston campus, which has been renamed Newlands Church, as it seeks to distance itself from the scandal. Senior Pastor Ethan Fisher, who is married to Morris's daughter, emphasized the need for the church to move forward and focus on its mission. As the congregation navigates this difficult period, church leaders are hopeful that addressing these issues will ultimately lead to a stronger and more resilient community, fostering a renewed commitment to transparency and healing.