During the investigation, it was revealed that six individuals, including Morris, declined to participate.
The law firm’s findings indicated that certain church elders and employees were aware Cleminshire was 12 at the time of the alleged abuse, while others knew of the allegations but failed to question further.
As a result, the church dismissed elders who fell into either group and barred any staff members aware of the situation from becoming future elders.
Gateway Church leaders admitted the investigation exposed a “failure of culture” within the organization.
“We must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that our culture allowed this truth to be buried for too long,” said Elder Tra Willbanks.
“At some point in the past, the culture of Gateway became one where power was centralized and the leader at the top was surrounded by people who wanted to protect him. Some of them at all cost.”
The church is now implementing governance changes, including revised bylaws, to prevent similar issues in the future. It noted that no other allegations of sexual misconduct against Morris had been found.
