Will the elders not also be held accountable? The initial statement they released in support of Robert Morris was in response to the Christian Post article AFTER this blog outlined in great detail Cindy’s experience.

In addition to that, beginning tomorrow Gateway Southlake campus will host a student conference for youth 7th-12th grades…same age range as Cindy. Are they not humble enough to press pause on the event or do you guys think it’s okay to continue with it?

I’m not saying “everyone” should resign but it is apparent that additional resignations from others would be appropriate.

ANNNDDDD if Robert Morris’ son, whom he raised, influenced, groomed, prepared is the one who takes over then is Robert Morris “REALLY” gone? Has he “REALLY” no longer with Gateway or just took a small step back??? How could he not influence and impact his son’s decisions for leading and shaping the church? How could he not eventually come attend as a “member” once the attention dims? As long as a Morris family member is leading Gateway the Robert Morris has likely not gone anywhere…they just accelerated the timeline for letting is son step into the role.

How can the elders say they did not know of all the facts? Cindy talked with them in 2007

And now the CYA of the church elders begins. How long before they start throwing each other under the bus to reach the lifeboats of the rapidly sinking Titanic that is Gateway Church?

Haley,

You’re right, the delay in responding seems to me like they were gauging public response and their ability to win the public relations game, but not this time.

That Gateway Church is saying it didn’t know Cindy was 12 when the abuse began is very concerning. The church elders clearly didn’t do their due-diligence when they found out. They needed to probe. But either they didn’t, or they are now lying and playing a cover-up game. Either way, it is not out of the realm of possible that there are other victims. And, if there are other victims to come forward, the church is culpable. The police needed to be contacted immediately and Morris should have been arrested and prosecuted. Instead, 35 years went by. This is an egregious situation not unlike what happened in the Catholic Church and Boy Scouts. Gateway should be brought to its knees.

Cindy, thank you for standing tall and strong. You are not alone. You are believed. You are loved by many.

Debby: How can the elders say they did not know of all the facts? Cindy talked with them in 2007

“Regretfully, prior to Friday, June 14, the elders did not have all the facts …”

I assume they mean June 14, 2024. Or perhaps, the current elders are not the same elders that were in place in 2007? Something is still not right here.

I figure Mr. Morris is stepping aside a bit early to get out of the heat of the kitchen and allow his son to assume Gateway leadership (he was already anointed to do that in 2025). But the elder Morris will be in the background to steer the ship. The elders need to seriously reconsider their transition plan to pass the baton to young Morris. Nothing against him, but considering the exit situation of his father, this is just not a good idea. The Morris years need to be over at Gateway, so the church can move on.

Deception never ends well.

This blog is going to get a ton of traffic. I am seeing it mentioned all over major media websites. I am not a prophet or son of a prophet, but I’m just saying it is going to happen. I am already seeing posts with over 250 replies.

@Dee I applaud you.

Does anyone know …….. weren’t some of the elders involved in trying to badger Cindy into signing an NDA?. Seems like I read that some where, but I can’t find the info now.

Anyhow, I’ll betcha Morris is on a yacht somewhere singing his new “good news” theme song:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vsIuCZ3NQZI

So the elders didn’t know his crime was with a child? Are they underestimating the intelligence of their congregation? Did any elders from Shady Grove move over to GW? Many thanks to Cindy, and all who are responsible for shedding light on this darkness.

Anyone concerned about the qualifications and independence of a large firm specializing in corporate law conducting the investigation?

“If you notice they only mentioned the law firm investigation of the events Cindy shared but not investigating the elders deplorable mishandling of what they indisputably knew as of Jun 14, 2024 when they responded to the Christian Post seeking comment about the allegations…the entire board should be accountable and resign.”

At the risk of sounding cynical, this is probably the most significant issue for Gateway. Many people made a lot of money and have a lot of power and prestige. They all knew that Morris was their cash cow, whom they needed to protect in order to keep that money, power, and prestige flowing.

Now, the goal is figure out how to keep what they have, which might mean pushing Morris under a bus.

Will his sons now take over & thereby Robert stays in control of the ministry?

All I know is that Wartburg Watch was the Key in Exposing the story Cindy Clemishire. Thank God for you, Dee!

Very well done The Wartburg Watch!

The reporting says that this creep had a “relationship” with a 12 yr old girl. One cannot have a “relationship” of that kind with a minor because they are not adults. Hang him high

Dale Rudiger: Anyone concerned about the qualifications and independence of a large firm specializing in corporate law conducting the investigation?

My thoughts exactly when that name popped up. There are organizations which specialize in areas like this (e.g. GRACE) which provide a true “independent” investigation in a discipline they know best. Gateway can afford them. I don’t like the avenue they have selected to “investigate” Morris. Gateway just needs to be done with this mess and move on without a monkey wrench thrown into the works.

Max: “Regretfully, prior to Friday, June 14, the elders did not have all the facts …”

I assume they mean June 14, 2024.Or perhaps, the current elders are not the same elders that were in place in 2007?Something is still not right here.

I figure Mr. Morris is stepping aside a bit early to get out of the heat of the kitchen and allow his son to assume Gateway leadership (he was already anointed to do that in 2025).But the elder Morris will be in the background to steer the ship.The elders need to seriously reconsider their transition plan to pass the baton to young Morris. Nothing against him, but considering the exit situation of his father, this is just not a good idea. The Morris years need to be over at Gateway, so the church can move on.

Deception never ends well.

The problem is the church structure. As Morris writes in The Blessed Church, their elders choose their own successors. So, the 2024 elders -if not the same people as in 2005 – would be as loyal to Morris as those back then.

Also, one of the biggest weaknesses of the megachurch model is that once the founder leaves – regardless of the reason – the successor has a hard time maintaining the momentum. What Joel Osteen has done at Lakewood – and, to a lesser extent, Jack Graham at Prestonwood – are the rare exceptions to the rule.

If you recall, about two decades ago there was an ABC expose on three DFW-area megachurches: Eagle’s Nest (W.V. Grant), Word of Faith (Robert Tilton), and Church on the Rock (Larry Lea). Grant went to prison for tax evasion and sold his campus to T.D. Jakes. Church on the Rock dwindled to the point where it ended up swapping properties with another church and eventually closed (the church with which it swapped, Lakepointe Church, is having its own issues). Tilton’s church was demolished for a youth hockey rink. THIS is what usually happens to megachurches.

Ex member:
So the elders didn’t know his crime was with a child? Are they underestimating the intelligence of their congregation? Did any elders from Shady Grove move over to GW? Many thanks to Cindy, and all who are responsible for shedding light on this darkness.

Shady Grove Church became Gateway’s Grand Prairie campus. Olen Griffing, I believe, became one of Gateway’s “apostolic elders” (as I understand their structure from Morris’ book The Blessed Church, the apostolic elders get involved if the regular elder board can’t come to a decision on a matter).

Gateway and Morris are toast. Cindy has Boz as her attorney. Also that law firm Gateway hired specializes in crisis management and daamage control.

Daughter of Stan for the win. Raucous round of applause for Dee but especially for Cindy.

Eyewitness,

Excellent summary….

Eyewitness,

The law firm’s specialty is ‘crisis management’, ie pr and spin.

Church Girl,

No, the mega church is not God’s model of the church. Pastor is suppose to tend to his flock. Mega church pastors don’t know their flock. They do however know the amount of money the flock is giving them.

“Clemishire released a statement Tuesday saying she had “mixed feelings” about Morris’ resignation.

“Though I am grateful that he is no longer a pastor at Gateway, I am disappointed that the Board of Elders allowed him to resign,” she said in the statement. “He should have been terminated.”

Clemishire added that she had repeatedly disclosed the abuse to church leaders and pastors, including at Gateway, but it was not until she spoke publicly that action was taken.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/robert-morris-resigns-gateway-church-child-sex-abuse-allegation-rcna157806

Cynthia W.:
Daughter of Stan for the win.Raucous round of applause for Dee but especially for Cindy.

Bravo!

nmgirl: The law firm’s specialty is ‘crisis management’

Doesn’t smell good. Damage control by a legal firm usually protects whoever is paying their bill.

Mrs. Clemishire’s attorney is Boz Tchividjian. Thus, GRACE will be on it after all.

“Clemishire told The Roys Report that she had previously notified at least one pastor and one elder at the church that the abuse started when she was 12. She said she and her attorney, Boz Tchividjian, want to see the scope of the review expanded in case there are more victims.”

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2024/june/robert-morris-resigns-gateway-church-abuse-allegations-tx.html

I have a feeling that Dee has agonized over this one.

Brian,

Probably not gonna happen. He’s a narcissist and what good would it do? But I do think he should have to pay up and I hope somehow he is tried in a court of law.

Is there a statute of limitations in the state of Texas, regarding sexual abuse towards minors?

dee,

Dee, you have done a great thing regardless of the backlash, it was certainly the right thing. God will never let go of your hand. We will pray for you.

I am not surprise at all that it is going “ a bit crazy at Dee’s place”…….
In some ways, what is happening is the summation of TWW for the last 15 years…. TWW slowly builds some credibility, and victims will start to come forward, this time it was a BIG, rich, powerful, MEGA….

However, unlike the RCC train wreck, Dee and TWW is not the Boston Globe… And, as we see time and again, these cases are not unique. As long as Church act like “corporations”, instead of the “body of Christ” as the Gospels present it, we will see this….

So when is the DA gonna’ file charges against Morris for child molestation?
Child sex abuse is a FELONY in all 50 states.

Max: When it comes to abuse at the hands of church leader, NEVER call the church office … call 911!

This is an important point. Just 3 years ago a church in my small town hired a youth pastor from out of town. Within 3 months he was assaulting a 13 y o girl, and within 6 months was arrested. He’s now doing 20 years. This happened because the girl’s mother called the police. God only knows what might not have happened if she’d called the church.
I still have questions for which I’ll probably never get an answer. The perp was 45 years old. One would assume he’d been a youth pastor elsewhere, maybe for a long time. It would seem strange he’d offend so immediately if it was his first offense. Did the church do their due diligence checking his background? Did they have protocols in place to protect their children? Were there coverups or “restorations” at previous churches?

dee,

Prayers for peace & strength for you, Dee

Dave A A: Did the church do their due diligence checking his background? Did they have protocols in place to protect their children? Were there coverups or “restorations” at previous churches?

Obviously, no, no, and yes.

Church enterprises propping up pedophiles in their communities seems to be common practice.

Good for the mom who phoned LE who did due diligence so the DOJ could put away and out of business the 45yr old pastor pedophile predator. Churches promoted the predator in their communities for over two decades. It took:
1. A parent
2. Local LE
3. Their local DOJ
to end the crimes of the criminal promoted by the churches in the community.

Parents didn’t hire the guy.
But a parent was the beginning of the end to the criminal’s life of crime.

Will a church hire and “restore” the predator preacher pedophile when released?

Muff Potter:
So when is the DA gonna’ file charges against Morris for child molestation?
Child sex abuse is a FELONY in all 50 states.

Muff, we shall see. I think for a state DA to file charges it would have to be for crimes he did to others later on (discovered during further investigation or someone else comes forward). Of course, if he took her (or any other girl) across state lines or even used a telephone, US mail, etc. with the intent to commit immoral traffic he is looking at Federal Mann Act charges. With no statute of limitations. I think the Federal angle may have a better shot at getting an indictment.

Eyewitness: But the congregation is in a state of cognitive dissonance, and we can see from this blog many are defending Morris on the grounds of repentance and forgiveness as absolving him from the consequences of his deeds years ago.

Indeed, Gateway Members are defending Morris. I sympathize with them because they’ve listened to Robert for decades, and they’ve grown to love him and his family, as evidenced by calling Robert’s son to be their next pastor. Gateway Members are thinking with their hearts, not their heads. Truthfully, they should examine for potential other victims, even family members of pastoral staff, for in my experience, repeated, years-long sexual abuse of a minor is like alcoholism. It never “goes away” but can only be managed.

The deep scars from pain enforced upon Cindy at the age of 12 are scars she has carried throughout her life, still overcoming, still healing, and still pressing ahead in her love for Jesus and His people. I’m proud of her.

I can empathize with Gateway. As a pastor myself of a large church (1992-2022) who ministers to convicts, I wrote a post to emphasize how you can love Robert Morris while at the same time advocating his removal as pastor and supporting a state conviction of child sexual abuse. I would not be surprised to see Texas and Oklahoma law enforcement authorities enter the picture – especially since Oklahoma Attorney General Getner Drummond is a friend of Cindy’s, and laws about “statute of limitations” have been changed. Their mitigating circumstances, in this case, make it even more egregious criminal behavior (more later on in that subject).

With all that said, I wrote a post explaining why Robert Morris is forever banned from any professional Christian Ministry. I pity Robert and his family, but I love them. They’ll get through, but the scars of his crime will now need to be healed in his own family in the same manner they have had to heal in the Clemishire family.

See “Robert Morris’ Ministry Has Died” – https://istoriaministries.com/robert-morris-ministry-has-died/

Haley,

I think her parents (if they are still living) and the church board that originally decided to go above the law and create their own punishment should be held accountable too. Why did no one stand up for her as a child and take this to the law!?

Will Gateway Church survive? What are your guys thoughts?

Ava Aaronson,

I have observed Spin ( effectively lying) throughout my time in organized Christianity…. I could go on and on about it, and I think it contributes to part of my “feisty” nature and one of the reasons I am active on TWW…. I.e. I really dislike BS from those in authority, especially “relgious authority”

When the truth is routinely “stretched”, typically for the “cause of Christ”…. it is not “hard” for cunning leaders, that have a ready audience, to “stretch” the truth to cover up nasty things…. Like calling a 12 yr old girl a “young lady”…

I have further observed in my old ( but not as old as Max) life, that the same is true in politics…. Hence the old adage of not brining up Politics and Religion in certain situations..

Church Girl,

Gateway will become a shell of its former self. Churches should be about the Christian community in small group accountability, never elder authority over large groups of entertainment gatherers. Big buildings have a way of crumbling when big personalities do.

Wade Burleson,

Thank you Wade for posting this, and the link to your blog…..
This further reinforces my belief that so many churches are actively covering up for depraved actions….
I.e. many churches are guilty of racketeering….. IMHO what your blog describes is such an example…..

Thank you Bro Wade!

Folks, never confuse the church with a building, a pastor, or a 501c3 organization.

Gateway folks need to walk away now. Let it close and crumble.

The Church, the real deal, will be fine.

For the record: Robert did view the church with a corporate model of operation. It came straight from his lips when I attended a class he offered on the prophetic many years ago at SGC. He said he would run a church like a corporation. We never knew about Robert’s crime. Ever. Neither did the members. We were a very close knit congregation and it was like a family with no secrets. But he was a superstar at “the Grove” – as most of us called it. Even then, everyone sought him out.

We chose to stay at our church when he left. I could write a book. But then again, hasn’t he written enough of them now? My focus is on the crime of the present. And I say the present, because girls who are abused never really get over it. They learn coping skills. AS a registered nurse, I can attest to the aforementioned.

I have great sympathy for Cindy, who watching from the sidelines for years and not believed by the men, ignored by the women; and if watching her abuser on line knowing that he got away with it. He did. For three decades. Crime does not degrade with time. Distance doesn’t matter, folks.

I hate lawsuits. Isn’t it Hosea that states they are like poisonous weeds in a garden? But I support a lawsuit against the Gateway corporation. Some church leadership will never change, unless the wallet is threatened. This needs to be painful – necessarily painful – so that a powerful lesson can be learned. Sadly, innocent people suffer for the crimes of others – day in and day out. None of us are exempt.

Why did it take the church board longer than two minutes to fire him instantly when they found out? Every board member should also resign IMMEDIATELY for their failure in this.

While it’s not his fault, James Morris should also step down because the church cannot move forward under any Morris family member’s leadership. Every time a congregant looks at the stage and sees a Morris, all they will think about is the abuse.

Do we believe his wife didn’t know the truth all along? She was in the initial confrontation and had to turn a blind eye to reality that a 12-year-old girl was asexually abused.

It’s important to note legally that because Robert Morris left the state of Oklahoma, the 10-year statute of limitations tolled (paused), and despite the length of time, he can still be charged if the prosecutor so chooses. While I believe in and practice mercy, it should be tempered with justice.

Finally, any pastor with a net worth of $117 doesn’t understand the Gospel. I’m not against having nice things, but that level of extravagance is not Christ-like!

Nancy2(aka Kevlar),

i so agree.

Concerned,

YEs… I found it independently of TWW, and was thinking of adding the link…

Ed note Another comment by a person who is not trauma informed, naive, Biblically illiterate and who supports a person who confessed to molesting a 12-year-child.

Let’s start off with some questions! Do you think God made a mistake that day on the road to Damascus when he changed Saul? Do you think Jesus made a mistake when he didn’t join the others when the woman was caught committing adultery? Now my take on this! Was what Morris did right? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Let’s go back to the end of March 1987 when Cindy Clemishire finally told her dad. I’m guessing she’s probably around 16 at this time. Started at 12 & lasted 4 years. When confronted Morris admitted to it & stepped down. He went into counseling & apparently got better. 2 years later he asked to rejoin the pulpit & said he had repented. As far as it is known this was the only person that Morris has done this to. Yes even 1 is too much. He has remained pure in this area for over 30 years. Unless others start coming out, who am I to play God & say that he hasn’t? Another question! Where were the adults in this girl’s life? The dad knew! He was even quoted as saying “ I’m handing you over to God! You’re lucky I didn’t kill you.” The elders of the church knew. Her therapist knew. Why did NO ONE report & file charges? If they had, Morris would be on a sex offenders list. I feel like the dad didn’t do it because of embarrassment. The elders didn’t do it because it would ruin the church. Cindy Clemishire from what I’ve read started trying to file charges in 2005. That’s almost 30 years later. Now back to my question about Saul/Paul. What if by the grace of God Morris did change as Paul did & was leading people to Christ through his ministry. What this lady is doing now by bringing it out publicly could be the cause of some not being led to Christ. The lawful action should have been taken years ago by the adults. Especially her dad! I’ll end with this, I’m sorry for what happened to her. But if he has truly repented & is now leading people to Christ & has remained pure in this area for 30 some odd years don’t ruin his ministry. Now if he’s still doing this or more come out! Blast his ass! Cindy Clemishire is upset about his following. So what if he has a huge following. Is he leading people to Christ? I know this will not bring back her childhood but I truly believe Cindy Clemishire needs prayer more than Morris does. Prayer for her heart to find forgiveness & get rid of the bitterness. Prayer that she learns to forgive like God does.

Ed note: Another comment by a person who is not trauma informed, biblically illiterate,uneductaed to the facts, and who supports a person who confessed to molesting a 12-year-child.

I disagree. Robert Morris has an anointing. He has turned from his sin and walked in purity and humility since. This is from the past where he has admitted failure and repented meaning to turn the other way. Do you guys ever sin and fall short? Do you want to be bothered 30-40 years down the line wit all of your moral failures. God worked through that man of God. Let’s not forget how David was an adulterer and killed the prior husband of Bathsheba but how God used him and loved him. He was a man after Gods own heart. Sit with that.

Ed note: Another comment by a person who is not trauma informed, uneducated to the facts, mean spirited and who appears to support a person who confessed to molesting a 12-year-child.

I’ve seen no mention of the applicable prosecutors on Oklahoma or Texas being held accountable for their failure to prosecute Morris. Did the parents or church officers not tell them that this happened in a timely manner for prosecution or did they conspire to keep it from being prosecuted?

Wade Burleson,

Thans, Wade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIT0lVYSam8

If you are not disgusted yet, this is a MUST watch. So many people are responsible for this horrible horrible disaster. This is a interview with a former friend and employee.

Nancy2(aka Kevlar): the rock that Gateway is built on is Robert Morris, not Jesus Christ…….. and I think the elders knew it

Jesus certainly wasn’t going to bring in the dough! They needed Morris to fund the huge Gateway enterprise … he was too big to fail, or so they thought.

Another comment by a person who is not trauma informed, biblically illiterate, grammatically challenged, mean spirited and who appears to support a person who confessed to molesting a 12-year-child.

I hope all of you commenter’s sins get blasted and that you lose your lively hood for your bad choices. ALL gave sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Robert’s sin came into the light, he went through what was required and he was restored. His walk since has brought countless souls to salvation. Thankfully Jesus will not condem him.
Why, now, after almost 40 years was this put on the news. “Exposed” by Christ haters!? Oh, wait Pastor Robert is wealthy…. oh and their is a request to pay reparations. Greed never ceases to amaze me.
All Christians that are posting negativity and hate should remember what Jesus told the crowd that brought the permiscious woman before Him. Those WITHOUT sin should cast the first stone.
Pastor Robert we are praying for you in this time of trial. Thank you for your service to the Lord!!

You folks in Texas: any comment from James Robison about this?

BTW: Robert Morris is still listed as Chancellor of The King’s University (affiliated with Gateway): https://www.tku.edu/about-tku/leadership/

Sarah: I think her parents (if they are still living) and the church board that originally decided to go above the law and create their own punishment should be held accountable too. Why did no one stand up for her as a child and take this to the law!?

I think the situation is complicated for parents of a minor. They have to decide what is best for her, and it appears from everything she’s said that she believes they acted to protect her. Think about it this way: many adult women who are raped never report to authorities. Why not? Because the cost of reporting is so high. You will be interviewed by multiple employees of the justice system, repeatedly describing a traumatic, highly personal event (or series of events in Cindy’s case.)

So you’ve read Cindy’s story. Imagine her telling person after person in detail what she endured. If you tell your story in therapy, the therapist allows you to tell it in pieces, to go at your own pace, and her goal is your healing. The goal of LEO listening is to see if there is evidence to build a case that is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Cindy’s dad did defend her. He believed her (the most important thing) and as soon as she told him, he went to church authorities to make sure Morris had to step down. (He took steps to prevent others.) I think it is understandable for parents to not report a case to police unless their daughter is in a place where she’s willing and able to testify. (Otherwise, there is no case.) You do what you think is best for your daughter.

The elders, on the other hand, share guilt in not permanently removing him from leadership.

Statistically, it’s very likely that there have been other victims. Some may not have come forward. Others may have signed NDAs.

Eyewitness,

I think Cindy lived in a small town. it is very likely that she and the whole family would be shunned and criticized because there is no such thing as a secret.

Since statistically, it’s unlikely that a man willing to sexually assault a minor has only one victim, if anyone reading this is also a victim, please seek support and legal help if you are thinking of coming forward. You may have signed an NDA, but an attorney can tell you whether that is valid if it was to cover up a crime. Or you may never have told anyone and not have signed an NDA. An advocate or attorney can help you understand the process of coming forward and can be there to support and protect you through the process. Boz Tchividjian bozlawpa.com is well-known for his effective legal representation. You can also see if your area has a rape crisis center. Their volunteers are trained to support victims, no matter how long ago it occurred. Contacting someone does not mean you are making a decision to come forward publicly. You can explore the options you have and take the path that is best for you. Peace and strength to you.

Haley,

birds of feather flock together. did he groom his son and mama excused behavior and blamed him. clean house its all about the Benjamin’s, disgusting

Dale,

I guess since both Robison and Morris had skeletons in their closets, it is small wonder they were close (and it helps that if one goes down, so does the other.

R’as al Ghul: Maybe Morris has the title and deed to the property (and business name) and has set up his church’s LLC accordingly. Calvary Chapels do the same thing. If the church owns the building or land, it is in the pastor’s (Moses Model) name as I understand it. Likewise Calvary Chapel title (aka Business name) is held by the pastor. The pastor basically owns the franchise.

Texas doesn’t provide a ton of information on its Corporation Commission page. All I could find out was the following:

GATEWAY CHURCH
Texas Taxpayer Number 17528708062
Mailing Address 500 S NOLEN DR STE 300 SOUTHLAKE, TX 76092-9171
Right to Transact Business in Texas ACTIVE
State of Formation TX
Effective SOS Registration Date 03/23/2000
Texas SOS File Number 0157592301
Registered Agent Name DAVID O MIDDLEBROOK
Registered Office Street Address MIDDLEBROOK|GOODSPEED, PLLC 611 S. MAIN STREET, SU GRAPEVINE, TX 76051

There’s no information about who is part of this corporate entity.

The location of the mothership, 700 Blessed Way in Southlake, Texas, is under this entity per the Tarrant County tax records. And why yes, these two parcels are not subject to property tax. But here’s the 2023 value:

30,627,655 GATEWAY CHURCH-114 CAMPUS BLOCK 1 LOT 1R2 LESS AG
10,482,398 GATEWAY CHURCH-114 CAMPUS BLOCK 2 LOT 1
41,110,053 Total

I’m just going to point out that one of his sons was scheduled to take over as pastor next year. And his daughter and her husband are on the payroll. We have no idea how much they get paid or if there’s shenanigans with the finances, because religious organizations do not have to file Form 990.

You do you with your money. Me, I want to see documents first.

Max,

Perhaps he is silent because he may have been complicit in the cover up.

Max,

Yes, he still has a TV program, but I don’t watch tv very much. He attended gateway and was an “apostolic” elder at the church for a few years

Not sure what happened but, a few years ago he was no longer listed on the gateway website and he wasn’t mentioned at the church

Since I don’t watch it, not sure if Robert still appears on the show or not

Nancy2(aka Kevlar):
Why did it take the church board longer than two minutes to fire him instantly when they found out?
Dr. Kevin Harrison,

Because the rock thatGateway is built on is Robert Morris, not Jesus Christ…….. and I think the elders knew it.

He should have been fired before he had the opportunity to quit. The elders let the congregation down by letting him quit.

R’as al Ghul: Maybe Morris has the title and deed to the property (and business name) and has set up his church’s LLC accordingly.Calvary Chapels do the same thing.If the church owns the building or land, it is in the pastor’s (Moses Model) name as I understand it.Likewise Calvary Chapeltitle (aka Business name) is held by the pastor.The pastor basically owns the franchise.

I thought about this. If/when gateway inevitably tanks, they’ll sell off the assets, Robert will profit and ride off into the sunset into obscurity.

Editors note
This is the sort of comment which is posted by people who have not taken the time to be trained in the trauma of child sex abuse. The person who did this is Robert Morris, no one else. Most victims of child sex abuse cannot deal with the trauma for decades. Cindy is within the normal time frame for victims of sex abuse to come forward. Morris sexually abused Cindy for 4 1/2 years and now admits it after claiming she was a “young lady.” It is not normal for a man to seek sexual satisfaction in a child which should be a warning. What is fishy here is for someone to attempt to defend a child molester. It makes me wonder if the commenter has difficulty in this area. Of course, the commenter is unwilling to share his/her name. I wonder why?

Would love to know who is wanting to start a church in the area of Gateway? Would love to hear from the original board members and of course the victims father about why they didn’t just simply pick up the phone and call the cops, or I don’t know, make Morris die of lead poisoning? What do you mean, my father didn’t give his blessing for Morris to go back into the ministry? It’s called, CALL THE SHERIFF! One call would have ended the ministry before it started. Besides all the horribleness of what happened to a 12-17 year old minor. Something is fishy here, smells like money is to be made or some other benefits of knocking the Morris family out.

Dale Rudiger,

It was not and ‘affair.” It was clergy sex abuse. Robison was apparently in his mid 30’s and the victim in her late teens. She was employed by Robison, who was thus in authority over her.

Max,

Doesn’t smell good. Damage control by a legal firm always and only protects whoever is paying their bill.

Church Girl: Boz Tchividjian

They may sell off some of the properties outside of Southlake (like Ed Young Jr. did with his Fellowship campuses outside of Grapevine). But as was mentioned earlier, who really owns them? If Morris, then he profits.

Tammy Swofford,

Morris wrote a book on church governance called “The Blessed Church”. He fully explains the Gateway governance model, and one of the main things he openly admits to is the self-perpetuating elder board.

There are several people with significant experience in this area on this site.
Would someone be willing to do a myth-buster post? Unfortunately, there appears to be a groundswell of people willing to defend Morris. Some of the statements include:
It happened so long ago that it doesn’t matter anymore.
Since she waited so long to go public, it must be because…
Her family and church made decisions about his repentance and then forgave him. Why is she changing her story now?
If God wanted Morris to have been punished, he would have. Instead, God made Morris successful.
Punishing Morris will cause collateral damage to innocent Christian people around him.
Who is really behind this defamation of a great man?

This list goes on.

Ed. Note: Another comment by a person who is not trauma informed, hasn’t been educated and who supports a person who confessed to molesting a 12-year-child.

The Phoenix,

I’m sorry she was abused. Abuse is very damaging. Since her parents were the ones who made the decision to not report this to the police, shouldn’t her and your anger be towards them? Why didn’t she go to the police 35 or 30 years ago when she became an adult? Why did she wait until this pastor was successful and then sue him for a lot of money? As an abuse survivor of worse, I would never go back decades later and try to destroy my abuser ESPECIALLY if he had asked me and my family for forgiveness, repented, got counseling, repeatedly confessed his sin, and made efforts to make sure he never hurt another 12 year old, teenager, woman, etc. My abuser never did any of that. I’m thankful someone helped me to pray and forgive him in 1986 even though he never asked. I have walked in freedom since. Are there consequences? Yes. Do I hold malice? No.
Remember, Cindy’s father is the one who allowed Robert Morris to return to the pulpit and become a pastor at the church that Cindy says her father founded. One article inferred that her father was the pastor at the time, I don’t know if that’s true, but even Cindy admits her father was influential in determining Morris’ terms of discipline. By her father’s actions it appears he was satisfied that Morris had repented of his sin.
Why bring it up thirty-seven years later. She needs to forgive her father, mother, and the original elders who knew all the details.
I doubt the current elders were the same elders from 2007, let alone the elders at Cindy’s father’s church in 1987. Why hold the current elders accountable? Why destroy the church or his family? Why say that Morris should not go to church services as a member? Will any of this help Cindy heal? Malice destroys and keeps us victims. Forgiveness heals and gives us victory over the past abuse from others.

Editors note:There is one person, and one person only that is responsible and that is Robert Morris.Stop trying to deflect. Cindy loves her family and understands nuance, unlike so many who comment here.

When about her own parents? They knew about it, she was still a minor, they didn’t do anything about it. They should be held accountable as well then if that is the case. he came out clean to her family back then, her legal guardians at that time, not hiding or lying after that, they worked it out, if even her own parents didn’t think it was worth escalating further…

Mark R: self-perpetuating elder board …

… has been the root of evil in some churches. Authoritarian pastors with a band of yes-men elders have done great damage to the cause of Christ.

A Scriptural argument can be made that congregational governance of the church was the divine plan, not elder-rule polity.

There’s so much awry in the American church, I don’t know if we will ever find our way back to the expected course.

R’as al Ghul: Dee,

I think you just hit the big leagues. From this point forward, numerous news investigative journalists will bookmark your site and get your various blog/social media feeds.This is a good thing.This means there will be a lot more lights shining in the darkness and a lot more rocks turned over.And even more abusive cockroach pastors, leaders, and churches will start scurrying.

Yo paraphrase a certain fisherman who became a rock, perhaps it is time that judgement begins in the house of the Lord.

Muff Potter: This needs to change.
Religion should no longer be exempt from taxation and financial accountability.
It’s not right that little Bill gets sodomized (so to speak) every April, and guys like Morris skate.

Mark R: Middlebrook is an attorney who has worked for Ed Young Jr. over at Fellowship.

Grinning Ed Young of Seven Day Sex Challenge fame?
That made it into an episode of GCB?
(A challenge delivered the same Sunday that Western-Rite Liturgical Churches celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.)

Bob M,

I found this website from a YouTube video, you are right she is getting a ton of traffic. Hopefully she’s really trying to help people out & not profit from it, you will know if you start seeing ADs on her website.

MOD: Just to be clear. There is no advertising on this site. And none of the people involved get paid. This blog is a pure expense operations. GBTC

Abuse survivor:

“Ed. Note: Another comment by a person who is not trauma informed, hasn’t been educated and who supports a person who confessed to molesting a 12-year-child.”

The Phoenix,

“I’m sorry she was abused. Abuse is very damaging.”

“As an abuse survivor of worse, … My abuser never [repented]. I’m thankful someone helped me to pray and forgive him in 1986 even though he never asked. I have walked in freedom since. Are there consequences? Yes. Do I hold malice? No.

Did you read what I said? PLEASE do not EVER tell a trauma survivor that they are “not trauma informed.” That is hurtful. We struggle with people not believing us.
I have lived a life of trauma. Because of the traumatic child abuse I endured, I was suicidal from before I was 5 years old and have fought with suicidal thoughts for over 57 years. I overdosed on children’s aspirin as a small child and tried to get hit by cars. When I was 13 yo my dad tried to kill me and I started being molested by men a few weeks later. I was raped by men starting at 15 yo. My “boyfriend” trafficked me from 17-19 yo. He kept me in submission by drugging and beating me. When I called Reformed churches and abuse shelters to help me escape, they wouldn’t help me because we weren’t married. Finally, I thought I had a chance for escape, but he came back and found me in the motel parking lot as I was leaving and proceeded to beat me to death. A lady called the police and they arrested both of us! I was taken to the hospital and hospitalized for a little over two months because of my head injuries and trauma. Thankfully, he went to prison. I was in counseling and on prescriptions for anxiety and depression for seven years dealing with everything I experienced in the first 19 years of my life. Thankfully, in the midst of that time a ministry team from a church that held to a Wesleyan-Arminian soteriology helped me to pray and forgive my abusers, police, and the “ministries” that refused to help me. I had been trapped by the trauma and God set me free.
Sadly, I have gone through more trauma and spiritual abuse in my adult life. I was diagnosed with PTSD last year. The only way that victims like me survive and recover is with God’s help, prayer, trusting Him, and walking in His forgiveness for our abusers.
So, PLEASE don’t say that I’m “not trauma informed” and “uneducated.” I know more about trauma and I’m more educated about the effects of trauma, the Bible, theology, and counseling trauma victims than you seem to be.
No, I’m not Lutheran or Reformed Calvinist, so therefore I do not believe in theistic determinism (God decreed Cindy’s and my abuse for His glory). I believe that God sovereignly gives everyone freewill. We decide to obey or not obey and forgive as He forgives or not forgive. The soteriology to which most Christians, including me, ascribe, allows for God to transform us into His image by a living relationship with Him. Therefore, I do not have difficulty believing that a surrendered individual can be delivered and their life transformed by God’s power. I also am keenly aware that not everyone who claims to be delivered is truly delivered. Unfortunately, I know men who claim repentance, but continue in their sin. That is where we must rely on the Holy Spirit to help us discern the difference.
Am I excusing child abuse? NO! Am I excusing sexual abuse? NO! Am I excusing spiritual abuse? NO! Am I excusing any type of abuse? NO! Rather, I am saying that the only way to survive is to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander along with every form of malice. Instead be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God, through Christ has forgiven you” (Eph 4:31-32) and give it all to God, “because He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). Holding on to bitterness towards our abuser doesn’t hurt the other person. It keeps us trapped in the abuse. Cindy’s parents and church elders thought Robert Morris could be redeemed. They were right. That does not mean that anyone believes that what he did when he was an immature new Christian was right. It was horrible. What men did to me was horrible. What men have done to countless girls and women is horrible. Only God can help Cindy and the rest of us to heal, but we have to let Him. Is it easy? No. Is it necessary for our deliverance? Yes. So, I’m not “supporting a person who molested a 12 year old girl.” I am upholding an Almighty God Who loves us more than we can imagine and has predestined us “to be conformed to the image of His Son”; “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Rom 8:28-39). By His grace, God can use our failures and our pain to make us more like Him when we surrender everything to God.

“Story of David.”

“Just like Game of Thrones and Rings of Power, Except CHRSITIAN(TM)!”

This whole thing is incredibly tragic. First and foremost, for Cindy herself, whose innocence & trust were violated. Then, trying to get this man held accountable for his actions. This was a crime. There’s forgiveness…but there must be justice. One cannot escape the justice of man’s laws and definitely, there will be no escaping God’s justice when Mr. Morris has to stand before God. There are very few left unscathed because of this. My heart grieves for him, his family, his church, and, of course, for the victim and her family. I also grieve deeply for the whole of Christendom, as this gives non-believers yet another weapon to use against coming to Christ. We cannot change what happened, but we can look to God’s Word to find out how God would like us to react and go forward on the matter. Because, for some reason, He’s teaching us how to handle ourselves, for possibly when something comes up in our own personal lives or in the life of someone close to us. Pray for the whole situation, for all involved, and for each other.

Holy Spirit, help us. Give us a tender, responsive heart to Your leading, to hear what You are saying through Your Word. Help us grow in our faith by taking on Your ways, not ours.

Mark R,

If you use the Wayback Machine as they call it (web.archive.org) you can look up cached copies of webpages. Looking at the elder list from gatewaypeople.com on August 8, 2007 the elders are listed as Robert Morris, Tom Lane, Brady Boyd, George Grubbs Jr., Tom Lane, David Smith, Steve Dulin, Kevin Grove, and Gayland Lawshe. The last three are listed as elders as of today on the current website. Also in 2007 Jimmy Evans is listed as an apostolic elder but don’t know if he was in Southlake. I chose 2007 because the article I read said that was when Morris’ attorney offered $25k with an NDA.

Mark R,

I’m sure way back when she told her parents and Morris got caught. I heard her father was talking with the elders and they must have known her age. They are lying.

The church needs to cut all ties with the Morris family no more money, no more insurance and they do not belong behind the pulpit.
It’s all about the money to them and not about God.

Editors note” I am getting tried of answering this question. In the 1980s, we were being taught to bring this stuff to the church and let them handle it. And most churches back then did not report sexual abuse. 15 years ago, before the MeToo movement, I started this blog because I saw some pastors ignore and not report things in a church I attended. They denied it, of course. Since Metoo churches have begun to change. back then, if your father went to the church to handle things, you would have been pleased. But, she did not stop fighting for Morris to admit to his crime. In the ned, Morris is the one to blame. I am beginning to think this is the latest “gotcha” by folks who have no sense of history. Did you know that in the 1050s, 19060s, doctors and law enforcement often turned a blind eye to this problem? Please do some reading and get educated.

A couple things! Why did the father not doing anything back then?! As a woman, I would be so angry if this happened to me!

Where is Pastor Jimmy Evans through all this? He is the one person that knew she was a child with 100% certainty. He was with Pastor Robert the ENTIRE time. Dee? anyone?

Headless Unicorn Guy,

Headless Unicorn Guy: Grinning Ed Young of Seven Day Sex Challenge fame?
That made it into an episode of GCB?
(A challenge delivered the same Sunday that Western-Rite Liturgical Churches celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.)

Headless Unicorn Guy: Grinning Ed Young of Seven Day Sex Challenge fame?
That made it into an episode of GCB?
(A challenge delivered the same Sunday that Western-Rite Liturgical Churches celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.)

Headless Unicorn Guy: Middlebrook is an attorney who has worked for Ed Young Jr. over at Fellowship.

BigTex: Brady Boyd, Steve Dulin, Kevin Grove, George Grubbs Jr., Jeff Drott, Tom Lane and Robert Morris were elders. Jimmy Evans apostolic elder

Jimmy Evans was the ONLY person with Robert Morris at that time. It impossible for him not to know her age. If they hid this from everyone, I can see that because of time. Saying young lady far different than saying it she was a child.

Rachel H:
Headless Unicorn Guy,

Jimmy Evans was the ONLY person with Robert Morris at that time. It impossible for him not to know her age.If they hid this from everyone, I can see that because of time. Saying young lady far different than saying it she was a child.

At what time? the 80s? Maybe so, but when Cindy approached the church in 2005 Tom Lane responded to her in an email and confirmed the age that she was when the abuse started.

Tom Lane knew. he was at the church from 2004-2023.

I can’t assume that the others knew but I’m bringing up that it’s hard to believe that they would not

a big liability like that on the church is something the elders would probably want and need to know

BigTex: Again let me know what time frame and place you are speaking about.

Jimmy was not the only one with Robert in 2005.

I agree jimmy knew, just pointing out there were most like more that found out.

Jimmy seems to have been pushed out of gateway a couple of years ago btw

Pushed out because he made waves or because Morris wanted to eliminate a potential witness to his crimes for when the excrement hit the whirling blades down the road?

This situation hits so close to home for so many women. I want to thank these brave women for speaking out, on behalf of myself and the many women who have been and continue to be silent about grievous sins committed against them that they have carried alone, confused and ashamed for a lifetime. Even though I don’t believe there will ever be justice I cannot give up on hope for the future. Thank you.

Trixie: He who is without sin, cast the first stone.

Speaking of stones, look up Scriptures pertaining to “millstones” … Jesus had a lot to say about them.

ed. noteYour pastor did not confess to this crime. He lied when he didn’t tell the truth. He resigned and still didn’t say anything. I feel sorry for you. You seem to equate “reaching millions” with salvation. As I listen to you and those like you I do wonder if you have been had by a master manipulator. Time to find another church and really read your Bible.

Robert Morris son James did not commit this act. he was mentored by a great preacher, who committed a terrible, sin and crime. I do not hold James accountable to the sins of his father. I would like to see him take over.

I am thankful that Robert Morris came forward and shared his sin with the church. I was in the congregation, and I respected him for his vulnerability.

When we put people in prison, it is to pay for their crime and it is also in hopes that they can be rehabilitated. Robert Morris did not go to prison for his crime, but he most definitely was rehabilitated.

I’m absolutely devastated this happen to Cindy when she was a child and continued until she was a 16 yo young lady. It must’ve been devastating for her.

As for her abuser, I have absolutely no doubt that he has been restored by God Almighty and he has been used in an incredible way to reach millions of people for Christ and he has impacted my life for the positive.

This is a tragic story. And it’s sad to see so many Christians turn their back on this man. My question is what does someone have to do to receive forgiveness from Christians? I absolutely know my God has forgiven him. Make no mistake. I am not downplayed in anyway what he has done. I’m thankful that he took responsibility, I’m glad he told me about it as a member of his church. I certainly did not know all the details, but I knew that he had a sexual addiction that he acted out against his wife and his victim.

But my question still remains how do we Move on from here? Do we turn our back on him? Do we forgive him? I personally am choosing to forgive him, and I will continue to pray for Cindy‘s healing. I have worked on the behavioral health filled all my life, and I know that her walk has not been easy. Why would her father forgive Pastor Robert years ago? Did he turn his back on his own daughter? Did they work through it together? Doesn’t he hold some type of accountability? I hope Cindy can also find it in her heart to forgive, and I certainly hope above all that Robert Morris has apologized to her profusely and confess to her personally the sin that he committed against her.

Muff Potter: I agree.
Spiritual this and spiritual that.
It gets old, it really does.

The rationalization becomes particularly troubling considering Figure 2 in the article at https://www.prri.org/spotlight/prri-2022-american-values-atlas-religious-affiliation-updates-and-trends/

While some argue passionately about semantics, an ever-growing percentage of Americans are taking their heart and staying home.

Arguing about how Morris is biblically innocent is probably not the best way to reverse those trend lines.

Shelley,

He did not repent. He continued to lie and to deceive. To this day I have not seen that he has made a statement taking full responsibility let alone making Zacchaeus style restitution. If he had fully repented, then he could be restored to fellowship with believers but never to spiritual leadership. Does “above reproach” mean anything these days? When can a child molestor ever be above reproach short of heaven? Even “the pagans” (unbelievers) would never consider such a thing. I am reminded of Paul’s words in 1st Corinthians. I wish more churches would preach on what transformation and holiness actually looks like. There is no greater testament to the work and glory of the Holy Spirit than a truly transformed life marked by humility and gentleness and full integrity.

Shelley: I’m just so thankful to God that He never turned his back on me during my own sin and during my own sexual assault by my own husband on my honeymoon.

It seems like it worked out well for you and your husband, but your husband has no business in a pulpit, and if he did it again, no business being your husband.

I still think RM looks like Jimmy Carter’s Evil Twin.

Mark R:
Headless Unicorn Guy,

That’s an insult to President Carter to be compared to Morris, even in jest.Disagree with his politics and/or religious views if you must, he faithfully kept his marital vows until Rosalynn’s recent passing.

I’ve got a lot of respect for Jimmy Carter.
Just we’ve seen a LOT of Evil Twins scrutinized on this blog.
Like Patrick Stewart’s Evil Twin Chuckles Mahaney.
And a LOT of Andrew Tates in pulpits and/or with Theological tomes.

NoelleLynn: I am reminded of Paul’s words in 1st Corinthians.

As in “A thing so pervy it doesn’t have a name, even among the Goyim?”