The pastor of a Texas megachurch, who Donald Trump once named as a 'spiritual advisor', has issued a statement confessing to a "moral failure" in the 1980s.

Robert Morris is the pastor of Gateway Church, Dallas, with a congregation of over 100,000.

In a statement sent to The Christian Post, he said: "When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying. It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong. This behavior happened on several occasions over the next few years."

He continued: "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 counseling and freedom ministry, which I did. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area."

During the timeframe referenced by Morris, he was married to his wife, Debbie, and had a son. The statement said the couple visited the female in question and her family in 1989 to "ask for their forgiveness".

"They graciously forgave me," said Morris.

The pastor has close ties with Donald Trump. In 2016, he was part of the then-candidate's Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, and led a prayer before a rally held at the Gateway Dallas campus.

In 2025, Morris' son, James Morris, is due to take over his father's role as senior pastor, with Robert Morris remaining an elder and regular speaker.

Morris currently serves as chancellor of the King's University, Texas, and hosts a television programme airing in over 190 countries.