Texas Megachurch Founder Pleads Guilty to 1980s Child Sexual Abuse

Robert Morris, the founder of Gateway Church—one of the largest megachurches in Texas and the United States—has pleaded guilty to charges of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl during the 1980s. The 64-year-old pastor entered his guilty plea on Thursday at the Osage County District Court in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, admitting to five counts of lewd and indecent acts with a child.

The abuse began in December 1982 when Morris was a traveling evangelist visiting the home of Cindy Clemishire in Hominy, Oklahoma, where she was just 12 years old. The misconduct continued for approximately four years, deeply impacting Clemishire’s life. She was present in court during the sentencing and described how the abuse “rippled into every part” of her existence.

Under a plea agreement, Morris received a 10-year sentence, with all but six months suspended. He is required to serve the first six months in Osage County Jail, register as a sex offender, and will be under supervision by Texas authorities after his release. Additionally, Morris must pay $250,000 in restitution to the victim and cover incarceration-related expenses.

The case came to light publicly in 2024 when Clemishire accused Morris of the abuse, prompting his resignation from the leadership of Gateway Church in June that year. Morris acknowledged having engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with the young girl but denied intercourse, admitting to acts including kissing and petting.

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Gateway Church, known for its large congregation and influential presence, declined to comment on the guilty plea. Morris’ career had reached national prominence before the revelations, including being a spiritual advisor to prominent political figures.

The victim, Clemishire, expressed hope that her story would inspire others to come forward and that laws would continue to evolve to better protect children and victims of sexual abuse. She emphasized the importance of breaking the silence surrounding such abuse to prevent future victims.

This development marks a significant moment in a case that drew national attention, highlighting issues of accountability and justice within religious institutions and for survivors of long-ago abuse .