(CP) The Board of Elders of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, introduced Tuesday that megachurch founder Robert Morris has resigned and has employed a legislation agency to analyze claims made by a lady who says Morris sexually abused her. for a number of years within the Eighties, beginning when she was 12 years previous.
“At the moment, June 18, the Board of Elders of Gateway Church accepted the resignation of Robert Morris, Senior Pastor. As well as, the Board of Trustees commissioned the legislation agency of Haynes & Boone, LLP to conduct an unbiased, thorough {and professional} evaluation of the previous abuse report to make sure that we absolutely perceive the occasions of 1982-1987,” the council mentioned in an announcement to The Christian Publish.
Morris' resignation comes after the lady, 54-year-old grandmother Cindy Clemishire, alleged that the megachurch's pastor started sexually abusing her on Dec. 25, 1982, and continued abusing her for 4 and a half years afterward.
With out naming Clemishire, Morris admitted to CP in an earlier assertion that he engaged in “sexually inappropriate conduct with a younger girl” when he was a pastor in his 20s.
“After I was in my early twenties, I used to be concerned in inappropriate sexual conduct with a younger girl in the home the place I lived. It was kissing and fondling, not intercourse, but it surely was unhealthy. This conduct occurred over the subsequent few years.” Morris mentioned.
“In March of 1987 this case was dropped at mild, confessed and repented of. I submitted to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the younger girl's father. They requested me to depart the ministry and get counseling and freedom.” since then I’ve walked clear and accountable on this space,” Morris added.
Elders at Gateway Church additionally advised CP that Morris has been clear with them about his previous they usually imagine he has been biblically restored to ministry. However of their newest assertion, the elders mentioned Morris didn’t disclose that he abused the 12-year-old.
“Sadly, previous to Friday, June 14, the elders didn’t have all of the information concerning the inappropriate relationship between Morris and the sufferer, together with her age on the time and period of the abuse. The elders beforehand understood that Morris' extramarital affair, which he had mentioned many instances throughout his ministry, was with a 'younger by a girl' and never by abusing a 12-year-old baby,” the elders defined.
“Though this occurred a few years earlier than Gateway was based, as church leaders we remorse not having the data now we have now. We’re heartbroken and appalled by what has come to mild in current days. We prolong our deepest condolences to the sufferer and her household,” they mentioned aged.
“For the sake of the sufferer, we’re grateful that this case was dropped at mild. We all know that many have been affected by this, we perceive that that is hurting you, and we’re very sorry. We pray for a speedy restoration.” could happen to all involved.”
© The Christian Publish
