Published on July 1, 2024, 12:40 am

Image source: Fox News

In an unfolding episode that carries significant implications for the Christian community, three elders of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas have elected to take voluntary temporary leaves of absence. This decision is part of an ongoing independent investigation related to accusations of child sexual abuse against the church founder’s son. As a trusted news source, we aim to relay the real news in a comprehensive and impartial manner.

The involved members are key figures within the church organization—Kevin Grove, Steve Dulin, Gayland Lawshe—and James Morris, who is also the newest elder and son of founder Robert Morris. While these elders were connected to the gateway leadership during 2005-07—the timeline directly associated with the aforementioned allegations—they maintain they were unaware of the incidents at hand.

The law firm Haynes and Boone is spearheading this investigation on behalf of Gateway Church with a mandate for impartiality. Stemming from their initial investigations, it was recommended that any elder potentially associated or conflicted relating to events between 2005-2007 temporarily step down. Therefore although not directly implicated due to service period incongruity, Pastor James Morris’ familial ties rendered his temporary departure a necessary decision as well.

Notably, these suspended members will continue their service roles including community engagements at Gateway Church during this period. The congregation has been urged by the Board of Elders to support leadership and this ongoing process through continued prayers.

Robert Morris acknowledged carrying out “inappropriate sexual behaviour” towards Cindy Clemishire over several years post accusations about such acts initiated when she was twelve years old. Her revelations encompassed illicit touching and violation beginning from Dec 25th, 1982 spanning four-and-half years.

After confronting Morris in 2005 about his prior actions towards her when she was underage—Clemishire claimed he accused her of blackmail before ultimately enquiring for her demanded payment towards these past wrongdoings. Reportedly asking for $2million as restitution, Clemishire never received the agreed amount from Morris.

Prompted by these incidents, Morris resigned from Gateway Church on June 18th. His son-in-law Ethan Fisher, also the senior pastor of Gateway church revealed that his family had endured a “nightmare week” post these shocking disclosures.

In light of these allegations and to promote an atmosphere of transparency and trust —important for any Christian worldview—James Morris stepped aside temporarily upholding the investigation’s integrity. Overseeing such events in real-time is immensely essential in ensuring that trusted news is communicated far and wide within the community.

An approximate 100,000 worshippers attend Gateway Church spanning nine distinct campuses each week; this saga has surely significant ripples within this large congregation. As this real news unfolds, breakings details will be keenly reported and published diligently.