Pastor Robert Morris Resigns Following Admissions of Sexual Behavior with a Child in the 1980s

Robert Morris resigned from his role as senior pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, after admitting to a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old child in the 1980s.

The Allegations:

Cindy Clemishire accuseds Morris of abuse in a Detailed Report, claiming:

"I was 12 years old and wearing my pink pajamas when Robert Morris... began to molest me. The alleged abuse lasted for 4 1/2 years." [Source]

Clemishire, now 54, shared her story in The Wartburg Watch, a blog exposing issues in Christian churches.

Gateway Church Responds:

The Board of Elders issued a statement, expressing their regret and noting they were unaware of the abuse:

"The elders’ prior understanding was that Morris’s extramarital relationship... was with ‘a young lady’ and not abuse of a 12-year-old child... As leaders of the church, we regret that we did not have the information that we now have."

Clemishire's Response:

On Tuesday, she issued a statement on Morris' resignation, expressing:

"Though I am grateful that he is no longer a pastor... I am disappointed that the Board of Elders allowed him to resign. He should have been terminated."

Legal Context:

In Texas, there is no statute of limitations for criminal charges of continuous sexual abuse of a young child (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure). As of Thursday, no charges have been filed against Morris.