OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Robert Preston Morris, the founder of the substantial Gateway Church in Texas, was released early Tuesday morning after completing a six-month jail sentence for sexually abusing a child in the 1980s.
Morris, 64, entered a guilty plea in 2022 to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, resulting in a ten-year suspended sentence. His incarceration stemmed from a case that began over four decades ago when the victim, Cindy Clemishire, was just 12 years old.
The abuse occurred while Morris was a traveling evangelist in Hominy, Oklahoma. Following the allegations, he resigned from his position as senior pastor of Gateway Church, one of the nation’s largest megachurches, in June 2024.
Upon his release, Morris is required to register as a sex offender and will be monitored by Texas authorities. He must also cover the costs associated with his incarceration, including medical expenses, and provide restitution to Clemishire.
Clemishire, who has publicly shared her story, expressed relief at Morris's sentencing, stating that justice has been served. Her attorney, Jeff Leach, voiced plans to continue pursuing accountability through civil litigation against Morris and others who may have protected him over the years.
Morris offered an apology through his attorney, stating he is deeply remorseful for his actions decades ago. This case highlights significant issues surrounding abuse within religious institutions and the challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice.
Founded by Morris in 2000, Gateway Church has been a politically active organization, with Morris previously associated with President Trump's evangelical advisory board.
