Who is Robert Morris: Texas Pastor Pleads Guilty in Child Sex Abuse Case

Robert Morris, the founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor decades ago. The 64-year-old pastor admitted in court to five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. His plea was entered on October 2, 2025, in Osage County District Court.

Morris was sentenced to ten years but will serve only six months in jail under a plea agreement. He must also register as a sex offender and pay $250,000 in restitution to the victim. The decision marks a dramatic fall for one of America’s most prominent megachurch leaders.

Background of Robert Morris and the Abuse Case

Robert Morris founded Gateway Church in 2000 and grew it into one of the largest megachurches in the United States. The church attracted tens of thousands of weekly worshippers and expanded to multiple campuses. Morris became an influential evangelical voice, publishing bestselling books and advising national political figures, including former President Donald Trump.

The case began when Cindy Clemishire, now an adult, publicly accused Morris in June 2024 of sexually abusing her when she was 12 years old. She said the abuse started on Christmas night in 1982 and continued for several years. According to her, Morris manipulated her and warned her to stay silent. Clemishire shared the story publicly after years of keeping it secret.

Morris initially admitted to what he described as a “moral failure” decades ago but did not fully acknowledge the detailed accusations. Gateway Church announced his resignation soon after the allegations became public. The Oklahoma attorney general’s office later opened an investigation, leading to a multicounty grand jury indictment in March 2025. He faced five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child based on the abuse allegations from 1982 to 1985.

On October 2, 2025, Morris accepted a plea deal and admitted guilt in court. The plea included a ten-year sentence, with only six months of actual jail time, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and a $250,000 restitution payment. He was taken into custody immediately after the hearing.

Impact on Gateway Church and the Evangelical Community

This case has shaken the evangelical Christian community in the United States. Morris was considered a powerful figure in church leadership and politics, and his downfall highlights concerns about accountability within large religious organizations. Survivors of abuse have pointed to this case as proof that even long-hidden crimes can surface and lead to justice.

Gateway Church has faced turmoil since Morris resigned. The leadership transition, questions about oversight, and loss of trust among members have created a challenging period for one of the nation’s largest megachurches. Many observers say the case could push churches to increase transparency and strengthen safeguards against abuse.

Robert Morris’s guilty plea closes a long and painful chapter for his victim and marks a turning point for accountability within megachurch culture. His case will likely remain a reference point for survivors seeking justice even after decades of silence.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Robert Morris?

He is the founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and was one of the most prominent evangelical pastors in the U.S.

Q2: What charges did Robert Morris plead guilty to?

He admitted to five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, related to abuse in the 1980s.

Q3: When did the abuse take place?

The abuse began in December 1982 when the victim was 12 and continued for several years.

Q4: What sentence did Robert Morris receive?

He was given a ten-year sentence but will serve only six months in jail. He must register as a sex offender and pay $250,000 in restitution.

Q5: How has Gateway Church been affected?

The church has faced leadership changes, loss of trust, and scrutiny about its handling of misconduct allegations.