One of the largest global Christian broadcasters, Daystar Television Network, has removed all content featuring megachurch pastor Robert Morris, following allegations that he abused an underage girl in the 1980s.
In a statement posted to X on Tuesday, the network said: “We are deeply grieved and saddened by the recent and very serious allegations against Pastor Robert Morris involving the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old minor.
"In light of these events and a recently released statement by Gateway’s Elders, Daystar’s leadership has made the decision to remove all of Pastor Robert Morris’ programming from our broadcasting schedule.”
Robert Morris resigned as the pastor of 100,000-member Gateway Church in Texas last weekend, after the Wartburg Watch posted the account of Cindy Clemishire, 54. She alleged that Morris molested her in her family home on Christmas Night, 1982.
Cindy said she was 12 at the time and alleged that the abuse continued until her late teens, when she confided in a close friend.
Following the Wartburg Watch post, Morris released a statement to his congregation disclosing that he had engaged in "inappropriate behaviour " with "a young lady".
Days later, the Gateway Board of Elders told the Christian Post they had been aware of Morris having a prior “extramarital relationship”, but did not know its full nature.
A statement by the elders read: “Regretfully, prior to Friday, June 14, the elders did not have all the facts of the inappropriate relationship between Morris and the victim, including her age at the time and the length of the abuse. We are heartbroken and appalled by what has come to light over the past few days, and we express our deep sympathy to the victim and her family. For the sake of the victim, we are thankful this situation has been exposed. We know many have been affected by this, we understand that you are hurting, and we are very sorry. It is our prayer that, in time, healing for all those affected can occur.”
On Tuesday 18th June, the Board of Elders announced that Morris would be stepping down as senior pastor, and that the church had hired the law firm Haynes & Boone LLP to investigate “the events from 1982-187”.
Morris said in a statement: “When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in inappropriate sexual behaviour with a young lady in a home where I was staying. It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong. This behaviour happened on several occasions over the next few years.
“In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented of. I submitted myself to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the young lady’s father. They asked me to step out of ministry and receive counselling and freedom ministry, which I did. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area.”
At the time of the abuse, Morris was married to his wife, Debbie, and the couple had a son.
Morris founded Gateway Church, Dallas in the 1980s. It now expands across ten campuses, including a shopping mall. During the 2020 presdiential campaign, Donald Trump referred to him as a 'spiritual advisor'.