In the aftermath of the sexual abuse allegations coming to light against Pastor Robert Morris, the founder of Gateway Church in Texas. According to accusations, Morris began abusing Cindy Clemishire in the early 80s when she was 12. Pastor Robert Morris Ministries recently canceled “all future radio and television broadcasts” amid the continual fallout from the scandal.
The Board of Elders of Gateway Church and the Overseers of Pastor Robert Morris Ministries released a joint statement on Wednesday that began, “On Tuesday, June 18, Gateway Church accepted the resignation of Robert Morris. He has stepped away from leading the church and all related ministries, including Pastor Robert Morris Ministries.”
The statement addressed the decades old “moral failure,” continuing, “The elders of Gateway Church learned that Pastor Robert’s moral failure from more than forty years ago involved a minor. We are heartbroken and grief stricken for this woman who has carried this burden of abuse for decades.”
The message suggested that Morris had failed to be sufficiently honest and transparent about the sin he had committed long ago. This ultimately prevents him from continuing his leadership at the megachurch he founded. “Pastor Robert’s sin and his lack of transparency to the church’s elders and leadership has disqualified him from continuing in his role as senior pastor at Gateway Church and as leader of Pastor Robert Morris Ministries. As a result, all future radio and television broadcast ministry from Pastor Robert Morris Ministries has been cancelled,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the joint statement expressed gratitude for the valuable work that was done through Morris’ ministerial efforts despite his moral failure. They expressed faith in God and how He serves as a firm foundation amid times of hardship and uncertainty.
“We are grateful for how God has used Gateway Church and Pastor Robert Morris Ministries to minister to so many people around the world for decades. Countless people have come to Christ, grown in their faith, and been ministered to in their time of need. We are truly humbled by what God has done through these ministries. We know God is on His throne—even when it seems that everything around us is shaking, He is our firm foundation. We know He loves and cares for every one of you, and we encourage you to continue looking to Him as the source of hope and strength,” it added.
The Christian Tribune initially reported on the news of Morris confessing the sin that took place roughly 35 years ago. “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. It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong. This behavior happened on several occasions over the next few years,” Morris said
He continued, “In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented of. 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 and freedom ministry, which I did. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area.”
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