Gateway Church’s Robert Morris indicted for shocking child lewdness charges in Oklahoma.

In a shocking turn of events, Robert Morris, the founding pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas—a megachurch that has drawn around 100,000 attendees weekly—faces serious allegations after being indicted on multiple counts related to child sex abuse. On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced that a grand jury had brought forth five felony counts against Morris, stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred more than four decades ago.

The allegations specifically involve Morris engaging in lewd or indecent acts with a then-12-year-old girl named Cindy Clemishire, who in recent statements has bravely shared her harrowing experiences of abuse that began in 1982. Clemishire has waited for over four decades, recounting how Morris, who was in his early twenties at the time, formed a relationship with her family before violating that trust in the most horrific way.

“This isn’t just about justice for me. We’ve waited far too long for the law to catch up to him,” Clemishire expressed in a poignant statement. “I am grateful to the authorities who have been tireless in their efforts, and hopeful that this will mark the beginning of accountability for those who exploit their positions of trust.”

The grand jury’s investigation highlighted the complexities surrounding this case, particularly emphasizing that the statute of limitations does not apply due to Morris never being a resident of Oklahoma when these alleged incidents took place. Drummond made a strong statement against such predatory behavior, saying, “There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children,” underscoring the gravity of the situation since it involves an individual who held a position of such influence.

In the aftermath of the allegations, Gateway Church issued a statement acknowledging the circumstances. They voiced their commitment to prayer for all those affected by the situation and expressed gratitude for the justice system’s efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

This incident isn’t Morris’s first brush with controversy. In June 2023, allegations surfaced regarding his inappropriate sexual behavior in his twenties, which he later admitted, stating it involved “kissing and petting” but did not escalate to intercourse. However, these previously disclosed behaviors did little to prepare the congregation for the gravity of the current charges, sending shockwaves through the community.

Morris resigned from his position as senior pastor in June 2023, following public claims made by Clemishire. Her decision to come forward seemingly galvanized a wider conversation about accountability within religious institutions, urging those in leadership to acknowledge and confront abuse within their ranks. The fallout following these revelations led to an investigation that prompted several church elders, including Morris’s own son, to temporarily step back from their roles.

As the case proceeds, the implications of these charges extend beyond Morris himself, as the church faces scrutiny regarding its past practices and response to abuse claims. The board’s knowledge of Morris’s history and their subsequent handling of the situation may catalyze further discussions about systemic issues of power and accountability within religious communities.

While the current legal proceedings are certainly focused on Robert Morris and his alleged actions, Cindy Clemishire’s courage in coming forward shines a light on the long-stigmatized issue of abuse, particularly in trusted environments. The future of this case remains uncertain, but with the wheels of justice now in motion, many look forward to a resolution that may finally bring closure to a painful chapter for Morris, Clemishire, and everyone associated with Gateway Church.

In a society that often seeks to shield powerful figures, the brave confrontation of such individuals is a reminder that justice is, indeed, achievable—even when years of silence may seem to speak louder than the truth. All eyes are now watching as this case unfolds in the courts, hoping for resolution and accountability in a situation fraught with emotional and moral complexity.