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Texas Pastors Misconduct Resignations

Texas Pastors Fall from Grace as Misconduct Accusations Abound.

Published July 30, 2024 at 10:41am by Marley Malenfant


Megachurch Morality: Texas Pastors Fall From Grace

  • Robert Morris, former senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, faces allegations of child sexual abuse from the 1980s. Morris has not been charged, but his accuser, Cindy Clemishire, has spoken out. Morris' defense blames Clemishire, now 54, for "initiating inappropriate behavior."
  • Source: WFAA - Robert Morris Accused

  • Luke Cunningham, a 41-year-old youth pastor from Lubbock, arrested by US Marshalls in June on charges of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault of a child, as well as indecency with a child. The charges relate to incidents in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and involve two teenagers.
  • Source: Lubbock Online - Youth Pastor Charged

  • Ronald Goines, pastor at Koinonia Church in Arlington, arrested in July on charges of indecent and sexual assault. Goines was released on $23,000 bail.
  • Source: WFAA - Arlington Pastor Charged

  • Tony Cammarota, associate pastor at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, fired for a "moral failure." The church hasn't specified Cammarota's actions but said he was "deeply remorseful."
  • Source: WFAA - Frisco Pastor Fired

  • Tony Evans, senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, resigned after nearly 50 years due to an unnamed 'sin.' Evans admitted to "not using righteous judgment" but denied any criminal wrongdoing. The church elders will hold him accountable.
  • Source: OCBF Church Website

  • Josiah Anthony, former pastor of Cross Timbers Church in Argyle, resigned amid allegations of "inappropriate and hurtful" conduct toward church members and staff. The church clarified that the allegations do not involve children, physical/sexual interactions, or illegal activities.
  • Source: WFAA - Anthony Steps Down

A Troubling Trend

The resignations and charges against these Texas pastors highlight a concerning pattern of misconduct within the state's religious communities. With powerful positions of trust, it is imperative that these figures are held accountable and that survivors are supported, believed, and justice served.

Read more: A list of Texas pastors who resigned in 2024 after accusations of misconduct