Robert Morris, the popular pastor of a Texas megachurch, has resigned following allegations that he molested a 12-year-old girl 35 years ago.
Elders of the 100,000-member church told the Christian Post they understood that Morris had had “an extramarital relationship”.
A previous statement given by Morris disclosed that he had repented of "inappropriate behaviour " with "a young lady".
Gateway's elders stated: “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”.
A statement given by Morris to his congregation last week read: “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 “inappropriate behaviour”, Morris was married to his wife, Debbie, and the couple had a son.
At Sunday's service, Morris was absent, and there was no mention of the statement. In his place, Pastor Kemtal Glasgow gave a sermon on waiting on the Lord.
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'. At present, Morris is listed as chancellor at the King's University, Texas.