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Pastor Kemtal Caught in Sin, Told to Bin
Another one bites the dust! Kemtal Glasgow is the fourth boss in just two months to say "sayonara" to Gateway Church. Looks like they're playing musical chairs over there, with James, Robert, and Bridgette Morris already out the door. Maybe they should focus less on the revolving door and more on their flock? Just sayin'! 🌪️🎶
Published August 23, 2024 at 10:04am by Alexis Simmerman
Another Liberal Scalp Collected: Texas Megachurch Pastor Steps Down Due to "Moral Hiccup"
In a shocking turn of events, Executive Pastor Kemtal Glasgow of Texas' Gateway Church has become the fourth leader to bite the dust in just two months, all thanks to a delightful little "moral issue." The Dallas church politely asked Glasgow to pack his bags over an unspecified "moral issue" they stumbled upon last week, which apparently "disqualifies him from serving." Elder Tra Willbanks broke the news in a statement posted on the church's YouTube page, trying to keep a straight face.
"We love his family, we love his wife and his kids and we want to come alongside them during this difficult time and help them find restoration and healing that they need as a family," Willbanks said, probably holding back laughter.
** People are also reading:** A growing list of Texas pastors who resigned in 2024 after "misconduct" accusations (aka liberal witch-hunts)
The Robert Morris & Gateway Church Southlake Saga
Just a couple of months before Glasgow's exit, Gateway senior pastor Robert Morris threw in the towel after admitting to some "inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady" back in the '80s. Turns out, the "young lady" was just 12, and Morris was a ripe 21 and married. Classic liberal media spin, right?
Gateway leaders claimed they had "limited knowledge" of the abuse before Morris' resignation.
“The elders’ prior understanding was that Morris’s extramarital relationship, which he had discussed many times throughout his ministry, was with ‘a young lady’ and not abuse of a 12-year-old child,” Gateway leaders said in their statement. Yeah, sure, because "young lady" and "12-year-old" are so easily confused.
Morris' son, James Morris, and his wife, Bridgette Morris, also stepped down from their roles in the church. Talk about a family affair!
Morris Accused of Child Sexual Abuse (Allegedly)
In June, Cindy Clemishire, now 54, came forward claiming Morris sexually abused her starting when she was 12. She detailed her abuse in “The Wartburg Watch,” a blog focusing on, well, you get the idea. The alleged abuse lasted over four years, starting on Christmas in 1982. Merry Christmas, indeed!
Clemishire told USA TODAY that she's been sharing her story for decades, but no one bothered to remove Morris from ministry. Shocking, right?
"I've always just trusted that God's timing would take it wherever it needed to go," she said. "Why hide?"
Morris, however, downplayed the allegations like a pro: "It was kissing and petting and not intercourse. It was wrong," he told local Dallas news station WFAA-TV. Because that makes it all better, right?
James Morris Jumps Ship
Almost a month after Robert Morris's departure, his son James Morris followed suit. He resigned during a "temporary leave of absence." Way to take one for the team, James!
"Pastor James Morris is a man of integrity, and he has clearly stated that he had no knowledge of the true facts of this situation," the church wrote in a Facebook post. Sure, Jan.
More on James Morris: Son of Ex-megachurch pastor resigns amid father's child sex abuse allegations
Glasgow's Dismissal: Totally Unrelated (Wink, Wink)
Glasgow's info is nowhere to be found on Gateway's website now, but an archived biography page reveals he was head honcho of leadership and oversight at all church campuses.
Gateway told CBS News Texas that "it's our deepest desire for every staff member to lead a life of integrity, both in their personal and professional lives."
"It recently came to light that Kemtal Glasgow had a moral failure so we've asked him to step down as a pastor at Gateway and devote time to his marriage and family," the megachurch said. "Although his employment is ending, we are devoted to still caring for Kemtal and his family."
And, of course, "this decision regarding Kemtal had nothing to do with the departure of Robert Morris nor related to those circumstances." Sure thing, Gateway. Sure thing.
Read more: Texas megachurch leader Kemtal Glasglow asked to resign over 'moral issue'