Megachurch Pastor in Texas Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations
Robert Morris, the founder of a Texas megachurch and a faith adviser to the Trump White House, has resigned from his position as senior pastor after being accused of sexually abusing a child in the 1980s. The Board of Elders of Gateway Church, based in Dallas, released a statement confirming the acceptance of Mr. Morris’s resignation and the initiation of an independent investigation into the abuse allegations made public by a 54-year-old woman.
According to The Christian Post, Mr. Morris admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in his early twenties, which involved kissing and petting. The relationship, which began when the girl was 12 years old, was brought to light in 1987, leading Mr. Morris to seek counseling and temporarily leave the church. He later returned in 1989 with the approval of church officials and the girl’s father.
The church’s Board of Elders expressed regret for not having all the facts of the situation prior to last week, stating that they were aware of Mr. Morris’s extramarital relationship but believed it was with a young lady and not a case of child abuse. Despite the incident occurring before the establishment of Gateway Church in 2000, the board acknowledged their lack of information and understanding.
Mr. Morris, who previously served on a faith advisory council during the Trump administration and hosted the former President at Gateway Church in June 2020, has had no involvement in Mr. Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, as confirmed by a campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung.
The news of Mr. Morris’s resignation has sparked discussions within the religious community about accountability and transparency in leadership roles. Many are calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations and for measures to be put in place to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing issues of abuse and misconduct, no matter when they occurred. The impact of such revelations extends beyond individual reputations to the wider community, emphasizing the need for honesty, integrity, and responsibility in all aspects of leadership.