Robert Morris Resigns from Gateway Church Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

Robert Morris, former senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has resigned after confessing to sexual behavior with a child in the 1980s. Cindy Clemishire came forward with allegations that Morris abused her starting when she was just 12 years old, and continuing for over four years.

The Allegations:

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

"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

Gateway Church Response:

The board of elders announced Morris' resignation, expressing their regret for not knowing of his past abuse. They stated:

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

Clemishire's Response:

Clemishire expressed "mixed feelings" about Morris' resignation, stating:

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

Legal Implications:

Under Texas law, there is no statute of limitations for continuous sexual abuse of a young child, defined as under 17 years old. Despite this, as of Thursday, Morris has not faced criminal charges.