Following sexual abuse allegations, Gateway Church officials are recommending former lead pastor Robert Morris’ son, James Morris, and three elders for take a leave.
Gateway Church posted a statement on social media on Friday, announcing that the megachurch has hired law firm Haynes & Boone, LLP to “conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation related to recent events,” referencing Robert Morris’ resignation .
Founder and former lead pastor of Gateway Church, Robert Morris resigned from his position on June 18 after admitting that he sexually abused a 12-year-old child. Cindy Clemishire, who is now in her 50s, told religious watchdog blog The Wartburg Watch that Morris abused her for four years in Oklahoma and Texas.
According to the statement, the law firm is recommending any elder with a potential conflict of interest temporarily resign from the church board. This includes any elders with relational conflicts who were on the Gateway Church board from 2005 to 2007, the statement says.
In 2005, Clemishire confronted Robert Morris with a civil lawsuit, and his attorney responded by saying Clemishire was to blame, The Wartburg Watch reported. After asking for $50,000, Morris and her attorney said they would provide $25,000 if she signed a nondisclosure agreement, which Clemishire refused, according to the report.
The church’s newly appointed senior pastor, James Morris, voluntarily offered to resign, in accordance with the firm’s recommendation, to demonstrate a “truly independent and impartial inquiry,” the statement said. He was set to take up the role at the church in 2025.
The megachurch added that the license does not imply that any elder had knowledge of the sexual abuse and that James Morris was not aware of the “facts of this situation.”
Four days later Clemishire announced the sexual abuseRobert Morris admitted there was “touching” and “kissing” between him and a “young lady” but no sexual intercourse.
“These Elders want to go above and beyond to help ensure that everything possible is done to conduct the investigation impartially and consistent with best practices,” church officials said.
The three elders asked to resign are Kevin Grove, Steve Dulin and Gayland Lawshe, according to the release. They served as elders between 2005 and 2007.
Grove serves as global executive pastorand Lawshe as the network’s pastor, according to the Gateway Church website.
The elders and James Morris “will continue their important work as valued members of the team,” the statement said.
