Gateway Church in Texas has removed multiple elders following a four-month investigation into allegations that its founder sexually abused a minor in the 1980s.

The probe, led by law firm Haynes & Boone, began after 54-year-old Cindy Clemishire accused Robert Morris of sexually abusing her over several years, starting when she was twelve years old.

According to The Christian Post, during a recent church service, Elder Tra Willbanks stated that the investigation revealed several elders and employees were aware of Morris’s misconduct, yet failed to act.

“We now know there were elders and employees who knew... that Cindy was twelve at the time of the abuse,” Willbanks said, emphasising that these individuals have since been removed.

Willbanks didn’t specify names, but elders Kevin Grove, Thomas Miller, Jeremy Carrasco, and Gayland Lawshe no longer appear on the church’s website.

The remaining elders, who had no prior knowledge of the allegations, expressed sorrow for Clemishire’s experience, commending her courage in coming forward.

Willbanks explained that Morris had previously described his misconduct as an “affair” during his early 20s, suggesting he had confessed to church leaders in the late 1980s, long before Gateway Church’s establishment.

However, the investigation confirmed that Morris’s actions involved abuse of a minor, contrary to his public account.

On 14th June, shortly after Clemishire shared her story, Morris resigned, although the investigation continued.

In response, Gateway Church has made significant leadership and structural changes.

It has removed 'apostolic elders,' decided against having staff members as voting elders, and is addressing both legal and financial issues related to Morris.

The church is also cooperating with a criminal investigation to ensure full accountability.