Pastor Robert Morris Faces Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse

In a series of letters from 2007, revelations about Pastor Robert Morris's past sexual behavior with a child have emerged, shedding light on the allegations made by Cindy Clemishire. Morris, who founded Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and became a prominent figure in the American evangelical movement, reportedly engaged in "inappropriate sexual behavior" with Clemishire while staying at her parents' home in Oklahoma during Christmas 1980. Clemishire sought $50,000 in restitution for counseling costs, while Morris denied knowing she was a child at the time of the incidents. Initially, Gateway Church leaders claimed that Morris had been transparent about a moral failure from over 35 years ago. However, they later stated they were unaware that Clemishire was a minor when the alleged abuse occurred. Clemishire, reflecting on her experiences, stated that after years of counseling and exposure to discussions about grooming and sexual abuse, she recognized the criminal nature of Morris's actions. Clemishire's lawyer, Gentner Drummond, accused Morris of manipulating her into believing she was responsible for the abuse. In response, Morris's attorney attempted to portray Clemishire as the instigator of the sexual contact. Clemishire also recounted other instances of inappropriate touching by different men during her childhood, emphasizing that she did not initiate those interactions. As Morris's influence and wealth grew, Clemishire expressed her belief that he has concealed the truth of his actions to protect himself from accountability. She declined to participate in arbitration, suspecting that the process aimed to silence her and shield Morris from the consequences of his alleged misconduct.