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A woman has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Robert Morris, the founding pastor of a popular Texas megachurch. Gateway Church, located in Southlake, Texas, boasts a weekly attendance of approximately 100,000, making it one of the largest megachurches in the United States.

Cindy Clemishire, now 54, claims Morris sexually abused her over a four-year period starting in 1982 when she was just 12 years old.

 According to Clemishire, the abuse began when Morris was a 20-year-old traveling evangelist who had befriended her family. Morris was married at the time and had a young son. The two families became close, and Morris often preached at her family's church.

The allegations first came to light in a report by The Wartburg Watch, a church watchdog blog based in North Carolina. And her story was later covered by The Christian Post.

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Texas Megachurch Allegations

Clemishire stated that the abuse occurred between 1982 and 1987 in both Oklahoma and Texas. 

She recalled meeting Morris in 1981 and described how the abuse started while he was a guest at her home. By the time she was 17 and disclosed the abuse to her parents, Morris had become the pastor at Shady Grove Church, now a Gateway Church campus in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Gateway Church, founded in 2000, has since expanded significantly, operating nine campuses in Texas, one in Wyoming, and another in Missouri.

Morris' Response

In a statement to The Christian Post, Morris acknowledged his past misconduct. "When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying," Morris said. 

He admitted to "kissing and petting" but denied any intercourse. He confessed that this behavior occurred on several occasions over the years.

Morris stated that the situation was brought to light in March 1987, leading to his confession and repentance. "I submitted myself to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the young lady’s father. They asked me to step out of ministry and receive counseling, which I did," he explained. Morris noted that he returned to ministry in 1989 with the full blessing of the church elders and Clemishire's father. He claimed to have sought and received forgiveness from Clemishire and her family.

However, Clemishire disputes Morris' characterization of the abuse. She claims it was more than "kissing and petting."

Survivor Support 

Melanie Sakoda, a Survivors Support Coordinator with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), emphasized the importance of survivors coming forward. "Most survivors come forward between the ages of 50 and 70," Sakoda said, noting that many do so to prevent similar abuse from happening to others. 

She criticized the Texas megachurch for its handling of the allegations, advocating for secular authorities to conduct investigations into such crimes.

"For decades, churches have ignored her disclosures while embracing, promoting, and endorsing this reported sexual offender as a man of God," reads a statement from Clemishire’s attorney. The attorney expressed hope that Clemishire's decision to speak out will empower other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and seek support.

Sakoda also advised survivors not to suffer in silence. "There are people who will believe you and support you, you just need to find the right people," she said.