Robert Morris resigns from Gateway following past abuse…… | News and reports

Gateway Church founder and lead pastor Robert Morris has resigned and his Texas megachurch is launching an investigation into abuse allegations dating back 35 years, according to a media statement.

Morris, a former adviser to President Trump and leader of one of the nation's largest nondenominational churches, leaves after an Oklahoma woman, Cindy Clemishire, says she was molested by the pastor when she was a minor in the 1980s. He has led the congregation since 2000.

In a statement Tuesday announcing Morris' resignation, the Gateway alumni board said they were “heartbroken and dismayed” to learn that what they believed to be an extramarital affair was believed to be abuse of a minor. The Christian Post reported.

“Unfortunately, prior to Friday, June 14, Elders did not have all of the facts regarding the inappropriate relationship between Morris and the victim, including her age at the time and the duration of the abuse,” they said. “Elders previously understood that Morris' extramarital affair, which he had spoken about repeatedly throughout his ministry, involved a 'young woman' and not abuse of a 12-year-old child.

The elders initially responded Friday, saying he had already revealed what happened and had “undergone a restoration.” Morris' earlier statement to The Christian Post called the incident “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young woman.”

The Church has hired a law firm to conduct a review of Clemishire's account dating back to the 1980s. A spokesperson for Haynes & Boone, LLP, confirmed to CT that the firm “has been retained to conduct an investigation independent”.

“Even though this occurred many years before Gateway was established, as Church leaders we regret not having had the information we have now,” the elders said. “We are heartbroken and dismayed by what has been revealed in recent days, and we express our deep sympathy to the victim and his family. »

“For the sake of the victim, we are grateful that this situation has come to light. We know that many have been affected by this situation, we understand that you are suffering and we are truly sorry. We pray that with time, healing for all affected may occur.

Clemishire said The Roys report that she had previously informed at least one pastor and church elder that the abuse began when she was 12 years old. She said she and her lawyer, Boz Tchividjian, want to see the scope of the review expanded in case there are more victims.

The church did not address the allegations during services last weekend, where Morris was not scheduled to preach, and it did not publicly post his resignation on its website or social media.

This is breaking news and will be updated.