Founder of Gateway Church Pleads Guilty to Indecent Acts with a Child

Robert Preston Morris, 64, founder and former senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, pleaded guilty on October 2, 2025, to five counts of lewd and indecent acts with a child. The charges stem from the sexual abuse of Cindy Clemishire, which began in December 1982 when she was 12 years old. At that time, Morris was a traveling evangelist staying with Clemishire's family in Hominy, Oklahoma. The abuse continued over the next four years.

Under the plea agreement, Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence, with the first six months to be served in the Osage County Jail. He is required to register as a sex offender and will be supervised by Texas authorities via interstate compact. Additionally, Morris must pay restitution to the victim and cover his incarceration costs, including any medical expenses.

Clemishire, now 55, publicly identified herself and expressed that "justice has finally been served." She hopes her story will encourage other victims to come forward and advocate for stronger protections for children.

Morris resigned from his position at Gateway Church in June 2024 following the allegations. The church, founded by Morris in 2000, has grown to become one of the largest megachurches in the United States, with approximately 100,000 attendees across multiple campuses.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, Clemishire and her father filed a lawsuit against Robert Morris, his wife Deborah Morris, and several current and former church leaders. The suit alleges that the defendants knew about Morris' misconduct, concealed it, and profited from his "moral failures and rape of Plaintiff, Cindy Clemishire."

This case underscores significant issues of accountability within religious institutions and highlights the long-term impact of sexual abuse on survivors. It also brings attention to the challenges victims face in coming forward, especially when the accused holds a position of power and influence. Clemishire's decision to publicly share her story aims to empower other survivors and advocate for stronger protections for children.

The guilty plea of Robert Morris brings a measure of justice to Cindy Clemishire after decades of silence. It also serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability within religious organizations to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.