The pastor of a megachurch in Dallas resigned on Tuesday, two days after acknowledging “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” 35 years ago.
The individual, who was 12 at the time, described the behavior as criminal sexual abuse.
Robert Morris, the former pastor of Gateway Church, had a significant following and served as a spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump.
His resignation followed public allegations made by Cindy Clemishire, now 54, who accused Morris of abusing her starting when she was 12 and continuing over several years.
Initially, the church stood behind Morris but later announced his resignation amid widespread criticism.
The church’s board of elders expressed deep sympathy for the victim and her family, saying they had previously understood the situation as an “extramarital relationship,” not abuse.
Clemishire’s allegations became public on Friday through a blog post on the Wartburg Watch.
She recounted meeting Morris when he was 20 and she was 11, and described subsequent incidents of abuse in Oklahoma and Texas until 1987.
Despite the church’s initial support, Morris ultimately resigned, but as of Tuesday, he was still listed as the senior pastor on Gateway Church’s website.
Morris has been involved in media through a television and radio program, which have a wide reach internationally.
He previously acknowledged the past misconduct in a statement to local news and said he had sought counseling and stepped out of ministry as a result.
Clemishire, who has been sharing her story for decades, encouraged other victims to come forward.
Her attorney explained that due to the statute of limitations in place in the late 1980s, Morris cannot be charged criminally or civilly for the abuse.
However, they are exploring other legal options and advocating for statute of limitations reform.
The former president’s campaign spokesman stated that Trump was unaware of the allegations and that Morris no longer has a role with the campaign.
