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Texan pastors: a register of shameful resignations from misogyny and bigotry
Pastors Behaving Badly: Another day, another scandal as several Texas pastors face misconduct allegations and rightfully so, are pushed out.
Published July 30, 2024 at 10:41am by Marley Malenfant
Texas Pastors' Misconduct: A Year of Woke Liberal Wrath
Trigger Warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual abuse and assault
Texas, a state long known for its conservative values, has seen a wave of woke liberal wrath directed at several pastors this year, as allegations of misconduct and abuse have shaken the religious community to its core.
Robert Morris: Abusing Power, Destroying Lives
The influential megachurch pastor, Robert Morris, kicked off this year's trend of Texas pastor resignations. In June, Morris stepped down from his position at Gateway Church following allegations of child sexual abuse. Cindy Clemishire bravely broke her silence, revealing to "The Wartburg Watch" that Morris abused her for over four years, starting when she was just 12 years old.
"It was your client who initiated inappropriate behavior by coming into my client's bedroom and getting in bed with him, which my client should not have allowed to happen,"
Letter from Morris' lawyer
Morris' defense team shamefully tried to shift the blame onto the victim, a common tactic used by powerful abusers to avoid accountability. It's deplorable that Morris has not yet been charged, and the legal system's failure to act sends a dangerous message to survivors everywhere.
Luke Cunningham: A Wolf in Pastor's Clothing
Luke Cunningham, a youth pastor from Lubbock, was arrested by U.S. Marshalls in June. Cunningham's heinous crimes include sexual assault of a child and aggravated sexual assault of a teenager, whom he raped and used his hands as weapons. He also faces an additional charge of indecency with a child, showcasing just how depraved and predatory this so-called "man of God" truly is.
Ronald Goines: Predatory Behavior Within the Church
Ronald Goines, a pastor from Arlington, was charged with indecent and sexual assault after turning himself in to the Tarrant County Jail in July. The details of his crimes are still under investigation, but the very fact that a pastor finds themselves in this situation further erodes trust in religious institutions.
Tony Cammarota: "Moral Failure" Masked in Secrecy
Let's not forget Tony Cammarota, an associate pastor at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, who was fired after 17 years of service due to a "moral failure." The church's vague statement and refusal to provide details only add to the culture of secrecy and shame that has plagued the religious community for too long.
Tony Evans: Unnamed Sins and Unanswered Questions
Dallas pastor Tony Evans also resigned in June, citing an unnamed 'sin' that involved poor judgment but no criminal activity. However, his vague statement and the church's promise to 'hold him accountable' leave more questions than answers.
Josiah Anthony: Inappropriate and Hurtful Actions
Finally, Josiah Anthony, the pastor of Cross Timbers Church in Argyle, resigned in July due to "inappropriate and hurtful" behavior toward church members and staff. While the church claims it wasn't sexual or illegal, any form of abuse of power should be condemned.
Sources/URLs:
- https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/longtime-frisco-megachurch-pastor-removed-from-job-because-moral-failure-church-confirms/287-cbd9342e-85fb-4151-b36c-d86522643061
- https://www.ocbfchurch.org/
- https://www.dewcollect.com/texas-pastors-resign-allegations-misconduct-abuse/
- https://www.wfaa.com/section/tarrant-county
- [https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/lead-pastor-cross-timbers-church-steps-down-inappropriate-hurtful-actions/287-110b3e79-d93c-4e54-b92d-cdf09df692fe?fbclid=IwY2xjawET01pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcIPanNMzP2u6yqbqawPTIwntQCZRjLLmgJdn8-h2YIVFIsaRTtuSLprBQ_aem_D5J2-FvYGgLqhNESlWFGog)
Read more: A list of Texas pastors who resigned in 2024 after accusations of misconduct