Ex-Gateway Church Pastor Robert Morris Pleads Guilty Child Sex Abuse Oklahoma

Robert Morris, founding pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, pleaded guilty in 2025 to five counts of lewd acts with a child, stemming from abuse that occurred in Oklahoma during the 1980s when he was a traveling evangelist. His victim, Cindy Clemishire, who was 12 at the time of the abuse, publicly confronted him in court and expressed hope that her story would empower other victims to speak out. Morris received a 10-year prison sentence, with all but six months suspended, and must register as a sex offender for life, pay restitution, and cover incarceration-related costs. The case led to significant consequences for Gateway Church, including leadership changes, layoffs, and scaled-back services following revelations of church leaders' knowledge or moral culpability regarding the abuse. Morris's guilty plea and sentencing followed his resignation from Gateway Church shortly after Clemishire came forward in 2024. Despite his attorneys emphasizing Morris's remorse and apology, Clemishire shared the lasting trauma the abuse caused her, contrasting Morris's public ministry success with her personal struggles.