...
By Anna Commander
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Robert Morris, founder and former senior pastor of Gateway Church in Texas who served on President Donald Trump's Evangelical Advisory Board in 2016, pleaded guilty on Thursday to five felony counts of child sexual abuse.
Why It Matters
Morris, formerly of Gateway—one of the largest evangelical congregations in Texas—resigned from the church last year amid the accusations.
Read More on News
The case marks a significant development in ongoing national discussions concerning abuse within religious organizations and the challenges survivors face in seeking justice. The guilty plea and sentencing of such a prominent religious figure cast a spotlight on the mechanisms of institutional accountability and the ongoing efforts to address sexual abuse in faith-based communities and beyond.
In 2020, during a "Roundtable on Transition to Greatness" event in Texas, Trump mentioned Morris along with another pastor, calling them "great people." Trump added, according to archived White House remarks, "Great people with a great reputation. I have to say that. Great reputation. And Gateway Church — the team has been incredible in hosting us."
What To Know
Morris, 64, entered guilty pleas to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child at a hearing in Osage County District Court, Oklahoma, before Judge Cindy Pickerill on Thursday.
The charges stemmed from abuse beginning in 1982—when the victim was 12 and Morris was a traveling evangelist—until she was 16, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.
"There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children," Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a release. "This case is all the more despicable because the perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his position of trust and authority. The victim in this case has waited far too many years for this day."
The plea agreement resulted in a 10-year suspended sentence, with the first six months to be served in Osage County Jail, followed by a requirement for Morris to register as a sex offender. According to Drummond's release, "Morris was also ordered to pay his costs of incarceration, including any medical expenses, and restitution to the victim."
...
What People Are Saying
The victim, now adult Cindy Clemishire, in Drummond's news release: "Today justice has finally been served, and the man who manipulated, groomed and abused me as a 12-year-old innocent girl is finally going to be behind bars. My hope is that many victims hear my story, and it can help lift their shame and allow them to speak up. I hope that laws continue to change and new ones are written so children and victims’ rights are better protected. I hope that people understand the only way to stop child sexual abuse is to speak up when it happens or is suspected.
“Today is a new beginning for me, my family and friends who have been by my side through this horrendous journey. I leave this courtroom today not as a victim, but a survivor.”
What Happens Next
Morris will serve six months in Osage County Jail, then remain on probation and under state supervision in Texas for the remainder of his suspended sentence.
Update 10/2/25, 6:45 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines