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Texas Pastor Misconduct Resignations 2024
Five Texas pastors resigned amidst a flurry of misconduct allegations this year, raising concern about corruption within the church and renewing calls for transparency and reform.
Published July 30, 2024 at 10:41am by Marley Malenfant
Texas pastors rocked by scandal, resignations and charges
This year, several Texas pastors have been embroiled in scandals, resulting in resignations and even criminal charges. Here's a roundup:
Robert Morris: Child Sex Abuse Allegations
- Allegation: Cindy Clemishire, now 54, accused Morris of abusing her when she was 12. "The Wartburg Watch" blog. Abuse allegedly continued for over four years.
- Response: Morris resigned from Gateway Church, Southlake. His lawyer blames Clemishire for "initiating inappropriate behavior." No charges yet.
Luke Cunningham: Sexual Assault of Children
- Allegation: Former youth pastor arrested, charged with sexual assault of a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child. Also faces indecency charge for genitals touching.
- Churches: Most recently at Lakeside Baptist Church, Granbury. Fired due to accusations of inappropriate conduct with a minor at a different, undisclosed church.
Ronald Goines: Sexual Assault
- Allegation: Pastor at Koinonia Church, Arlington, charged with indecent and sexual assault.
- Response: Goines turned himself in, posting $23,000 bail.
Tony Cammarota: 'Moral Failure'
- Dismissal: Associate pastor at Stonebriar Community Church, Frisco, for 17 years. Fired for unnamed "moral failure." Church says he's "deeply remorseful," but his "sin" disqualifies him.
Tony Evans: Unnamed 'Sin'
- Resignation: Senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, resigned after nearly 50 years due to an unnamed 'sin.' Evans claims "no crime," but lack of "righteous judgment."
- Response: Church elders will hold Evans accountable, per their website.
Josiah Anthony: 'Inappropriate and Hurtful' Conduct
- Resignation: Pastor of Cross Timbers Church, Argyle, resigned over undisclosed "inappropriate and hurtful" actions toward church members and staff. Not physical, sexual, or illegal, per the church.
Read more: A list of Texas pastors who resigned in 2024 after accusations of misconduct