Robert Morris, the founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, resigned amidst allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior involving Cindy Clemishire, who was 12 years old at the time of the incidents. The controversy has unfolded with legal implications and accusations of blame-shifting from Morris’s legal counsel.
Newly released documents reveal that Morris’s attorney, J. Shelby Sharpe, attributed the initiation of the inappropriate contact to Clemishire, stating that she entered Morris’s bedroom and got into bed with him, a claim she denies. This assertion came to light amid Clemishire’s pursuit of restitution from Morris for counseling costs related to the alleged abuse.
In response to Clemishire’s demand for $50,000, Morris’s lawyer offered $25,000 contingent upon signing a nondisclosure agreement, an offer she refused. Sharpe, however, denies any recollection of this settlement offer or the request for a nondisclosure agreement.
Clemishire, speaking with NBC News, detailed allegations of being groomed for abuse by Morris from the age of 12 until she was 16 in the 1980s. She has been vocal about her experiences, seeking acknowledgment and financial restitution.
The situation escalated further when Gateway Church initially stood by Morris, only to retract their support upon learning the full extent of the allegations.
The church’s elders expressed regret for not having all the facts earlier, including Clemishire’s age and the duration of the abuse. They issued an apology to Clemishire and her family, expressing shock and sadness over the revelations.
Morris, in a statement, admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior and claimed to have confessed and repented long ago. His resignation followed Gateway Church’s withdrawal of support, citing their previous understanding of the situation as involving a consenting adult rather than a child.
The unfolding controversy has sparked public outcry and raised questions about accountability within religious institutions, particularly those with substantial followings like Gateway Church, which boasts 100,000 members. The case underscores ongoing debates about transparency, accountability, and the protection of minors in religious organizations.