Since a lawsuit was brought by Cindy in 2005, how can the elders deny having known all about this? Their response makes no sense. Nobody tracks the church's lawsuits??? Confusing.
Gateway church was not even a movement when this sin took place. Why sue them? I have no respect for a long tome ago victim who the Lord healed and brought her through, then 40 years later wants fame and fortune.
*Larry Burkett's book on "Giving and Tithing" drew me closer to God and helped my spirituality. 2020 was a year I literally lived it. I cashed in my life savings and gave it all away. My total giving amounted to 40,000 dollars. Everyone thought I was delusional. Today, 1 receive 85,000 dollars every two months. I have a property in Calabasas, CA, and travel a lot. God has promoted me more than once and opened doors for me to live beyond my dreams. God kept to his promises to and for me*
It is the digital market. That's been the secret to this wealth transfer. A lot of folks in the US and abroad are getting so much from it, God has been good to my household Thank you Jesus
@@nicskywalker1542Olen Griffing knew. Cindy's latest interview confirmed it was him that they told at Shady Grove. He is still at Gateway. Tom Lane knew as did their lawyers per emails. Christian Post has the emails on their website.
you need to stay away from the church ... how many THOUSANDS more times do you need to hear this same story repeated in the churches. That's what always happens in a system where you allow people to be "absolved" of their sins rather than facing criminal justice! It's gross!
@@justbrowsing8675 the son has NOT been named senior pastor and the position is currently vacant. On the website, it lists him as "associate senior pastor" but only because he has not resigned. The church is inviting guest speakers both from within and outside the church to speak until a decision is made on how to move forward, hopefully with integrity and accountability, as Christ once commanded of us. Praying for the victim as she comes forward and tells her story (even if it predates Gateway's founding by several years- it can take years/decades for a victim to be in a place of healing to tell their experience and give us a better understanding of the truth), and also praying for James Morris (Ps. Robert's son) who is now learning what a sociopathic liar and manipulator his own father is (having witness this in my formative years of ministry at the hands of another pastor outside of Gateway's ministry, I can only imagine being lied to and manipulated to that extent by a parent), and also praying for the many elders, campus pastors and members who have faithfully served the ministry and are collectively determining how to do so, in a way that honors God and the call to accountability, integrity and having a higher standard of morality than the world surrounding the church, so as to be above reproach in the days, weeks and years to come. I believe the best days can truly be ahead for Gateway Church- but the process of doing so must be done correctly and with respect to the healing collectively for everyone involved.
*There shouldn’t be a statute of limitations for such a crime. The vile man continuously raped a child.* 😢 Whenever he ‘stepped away from this church’ for two years seeking counseling those 30 years ago, the *elders knew why* but they were making good money to remain silent and swept it all under the rugs. *He was also on payroll as the founder* for those two years while away so the leadership was all financially benefiting the entire time. *They need to change the whole leadership board* and he needs legal charges for raping a baby.
ALL of the elders need to step down immediately. If they don't, I hope to see this church dissolved. They hired a law firm not for an internal inquiry, but to determine if the elders could be held liable in a civil lawsuit. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations here in Texas has run out for a criminal investigation, but there still can be (and should be) civil action taken against the leaders of the church. This is a stain on Christians here in the DFW area and all over the world. All of those church members have been following a child abuser. "For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all." -Luke 8:17
Most churches do NOT do proper background checks on ANY of their employees! (I worked for one in the 80’s and testified for 2 days about a young employee who was molesting children!). The people “caring” for your children MUST have background checks done! PASTORS TOO!!
When he’s the founder and boss of the church, nobody is going to question or investigate him. Even if they found something out, they can’t say or do anything about it if intending to keep their positions (keep making money) in that church. He’s the one song the hiring and firing as the CEO/Founder(owner). That’s the problem here.
I did the background checks for Gateway Church every 6 months since 2008. They ran every member but Robert Morris. I always wondered why he got exempt.
@@StreetsOfVancouverChannel Once a year ??!! for criminal offenders in the church where we see this happen again and again and again?! You say it like it's a good thing !!
The creeps that are in charge in Texas will change the laws if they have to protect a good ole boy though. If that doesn't work they will just call it a witch hunt, delay delay delay, call into question the authority of the court, admonish the judge plus his or her family, delay delay delay some more, say it is motivated by some sort of agenda, delay delay delay etc.
Weird how he keeps letting this happen though in his one sacred place left on Earth, huh? Almost like he doesn't care, or has no power to do anything...or both...the only other option would be there's no one there at all. Which do you think it is?
@@njones420 You also must remember that these are some of the most vile people ever. They have been insulated from consequences and lived on the teet of donations for decades. There are definitely good Christians out there. If they talk the talk AND walk the walk plus stay in their lane then they can actually be a force for good and it should not matter what their beliefs are - like Jimmy Carter. HOWEVER that type is exceedingly rare in the US and near extinct in the Derp Sout....I mean the Deep South.
@@njones420I don’t think, I know… God gave man a free will. Man chooses to sin, if man does not ask for forgiveness and turn AWAY from sin… God s wrath WILL be poured out for all eternity. ! HELL fire
@@jesussaves7973 You _think_ you know... that's the point. So, god gave you free will, but will punish you based on what you decide to do with it ... That's no better than slavery. He died for your sins, but will also punish you for your sins. also, "HELLFIRE" with caps is just funny to me. 😂 . The whole thing is a joke!
This happened a long time ago and nobody was arrested. Did her parents file a police report at the time? Was there an investigation at the time? I don't know.
i feel sad for the girl who was abused and recovering. i feel sad for the congregation who are grieving. i still ask why did the elders not ask for details or at least the age of the "young lady". All the leaders would have had a duty to report.
Yeah, it's been 4 decades...I would think she's not reeling from what happened at this point. Jesus does heal and make things new if you let Him. Some people refuse to let go tho.
How long ago was this and what churches fought against this? Was it the Catholic Church? The SDA church requires this and mandatory criminal background checks for our schools and all children and youth services.
@Sunshine26762 33 states have protection clauses for clergy or church "privileges" that allow them to get away with not reporting the abuse, and some go further and allow churches to prohibit doctors and teachers from reporting as well, by exerting privilege over evidence. It's sick, but Christian organizations all across the US have fought hard and mostly won. Washington state just made it law that all clergy is mandated to report, but Arizona and Utah are making it easier for clergy to be immune to any legal repercussions.
Those elders knew. There are more victims. It’s not inappropriate behavior. It’s child molestation and his friend’s child, while his wife was there. It’s sick he should be in jail. Her parents I’m sure they knew too….
There is a scripture that says "But who so shall cause one of these little ones who believes in me to fall, it would be better for him that a millstone were hung around his neck and that he were drowned in the debts of the sea. Matthew 18:6
@@jeffreymartin6369It means do not follow me for the sake of following men. Follow men, who have the guts and conviction to speak the word in truth. And like the bereans, test every spirit and not be swayed
@@jeffreymartin6369 so many people are idolizing these pastors, teachers and worship leaders, and their watered down doctrines ($$$), especially in these mega churches, rather than keeping our focus on what the scriptures actually say and our trust in Jesus.
Numbers 32:23 "Be sure your sin will find you out." Confess your sin. Turn from your sin. Accept the consequences of your sin. And THEN you can be forgiven.
So Christianity gives you a free pass to do anything so long as you say sorry afterwards?? ...and you wonder why this keeps happening again, and again, and again, and again...
@@njones420 No. I mean in someones perverted version of Christianity like these people it appears so. I am assuming you are American so I know that is hard to accept given this perverted version is just about all you have been exposed to. However you must consider that book is some 1600 years old, been translated into several languages all over the globe and been read by billions. If one were to suggest that a single person could possibly be familiar with every way it can be interpreted or practiced is absurd. There is no doubt some terrible people who claim to be Christians, I have also seen people who selflessly give of themselves their entire lives. Jimmy Carter is a great example. That is the type of Christian I am talking about. However some people act just as intolerant of Christians (with absolutely no context to what *kind* of Christian, or person they are) as the Evangelicals they claim to despise. It is almost like the same chords just a different key - the same Mad Libs just different words plugged in.
He was caught lying about how old the girl was. He was not forthright in his confession. And he candy coated the truth. He did not volunteer the information, the victim called him out. She was ignored for years on this and finally, I believe, God had had enough and made the so called men of God in the church, have to admit that she was just twelve years old. They ignored it as long as they could. And then allowed him to resign instead of firing him in disgrace. The wife told the girl she forgave her for sleeping with her husband. Trying to make the girl the bad person. The love of money is a sin also. This event will definitely have a financial impact on the church. This church is very successful and influential.
This is very upsetting. And yes. Debbie Morris needs to be held accountable as well. This was my church. I met my wife here. But I left when I realized just how much Gateway was more like a company than a church. Always asking for money and making you feel guilty if you don't give to Robert's church.
@@carrier411yes its true Morris wife called the Victim and told her she forgives her for sleeping with her husband. It’s on U-tube. Morris wife is just a s sick as he is trying to make it sound like it was the victims fault.
All blind people!! They should’ve never stepped foot back in that child molesting compound!! The elders knew!!! They turned a blind eye!! All should be prosecuted!!
This elder is Tra Wilbanks, CEO of Anchor Investments, a reported family-owned and operated investment firm with a focus in the manufacturing, distribution, and services market. Website says, "Helping owners unlock their equity, we work with companies predominantly located in the south with revenue levels of at least $5 million." Funny how big money always seems to be around the church leadership.
Yes! I used to work for a small entrepreneur group of millionaires and starting a megachurch was a frequent topic of discussion. It’s all about the money.💰
TBN favorite they first covered for him and he didn’t go to jail that’s why he preach for the next 30 something years and didn’t go to jail. I love their fessing up. The only reason he resigned because she brought it to light
Makes me queztion TBN and Daystar . He married one of the Lamb girls. These people expose charlatans yo unsuspecting viewers. Switch them off and go read your Bible.
If Morris was the founder of the gateway church, then this church should close their doors permanently. I can't believe "the elders" forgot to ask how hold was this "young lady". Unbelievable!!
What is astounding is that there are no way her parents are innocent in this. Five years they didn’t protect her As a father with daughters, that’s my first obligation to them is to protect them . Then they allowed a slick Willie preacher to deceive them. Yes, the preacher is guilty but the first line of defense for a child is the parents they failed her
Church, this is a wake up call for the body of Christ 💯🙏 Get your house in order and heed to the voice of God when He speaks or you will be exposed too. This is not a time of pointing fingers but a lesson for us ALL 💯 God is tired of lip service 🙏
The way this church addressed this sexual abuse case is disheartening. The speech that was presented felt rehearsed and very calculated. Almost like the elders knew about this since the beginning. We had to watch the speech over a screen on Sunday, they could have at least addressed this situation in person, on both days of service instead of replaying it . This is a serious case and it deserves respect as well as deep accountability. Is that too much to ask? There is no judgement in Christ but we must be held accountable for our actions and act accordingly. If the leaders of this church cannot be honest through and through they become the leprosy in the church that will in time only destroy it.
Judgment starts in the house of God, but all these judgmental remarks reek of holier than thou. I hurt for this mess but this church has helped us in South America ( And not with money but wisdom).
Right!? That’s what I am struggling with!? Isn’t it kinda like “David” or David & Bathsheba even? A human can’t be forgiven of sins anymore and still continue to be used by God??
He didn't keep it real. The church initial response when this was exposed publicly was not one of investigation but stating that he walks in purity now. The internal June 14 statement sent by church elders to Gateway staff said RM had been “open and forthright about a moral failure he had over 35 years ago.” On June 18, the Board of Elders said they “did not have all the facts,” including the age of the victim and the length of the abuse and accepted Morris’ resignation from Gateway Church that day. Gateway should have fired him. The elders failed to do what is right.
@@monicamarquette7804 I understand and am equally outraged at how this entire story has played out thus far. My comment was solely in regard to Elder Tra's opening statements and prayer. He did not make excuses, blame or shame anyone and that was refreshing to listen to, especially given Morris' horrendous explanation where he blamed, shamed and seemed to take zero accountability himself. Horrible. This statement by Elder Tra was not any of that in my opinion.
The church elder said in his opening statement, "I Can Not Imagine!" Then form an idea of SA. All moral failures should be taken out of society and punished. Imagine the life-long effect of mental scorn with shameful stress and remembering the physical harm done. Just imagine?!? Who is to blame? Several to many who know the true facts. They should be forced to come forward along with their own omission. Repentance is coming forward. If not, it will be your fall from God's grace. Cindy Clemishire, my heart goes out to you. You are fighting the good fight! Only the ones who have suffered as victims truly know.
Take heart, Gateway. The same God who was yesterday is also there today. This, too, shall pass. You will be stronger and purer as requires of the bride of Christ. God receives all the glory.
Absolutely 💯 Our Trust is in no man But only in the one and only Genderd Son of God Because of this there was no sin found in Him Jesus Christ is the King 👑 of Kings and the Lord of Lords
WHERE'S TARRANT COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY: PHIL SORRELL ON THIS CRIME? WHY HASNT ANYONE IN THE MEDIA ASKED HIM QUESTIONS? No statue of limitations in TX.
When the eldes first found out about this over 35 years ago did they not know the age of the victim then?! How was this handled in court. Did the parents speak to any elders about this? Im sure there were eldes who knew exactly how old she was and kept their mouths shut
This is the best comment I have read !! Thk u do much ! It is duly noted Pastor Robert talked about this issues! I don’t even live in Texas !!I heard about this mess long time ago ! This just the enemy wanting to destroy a great ministry ! God is good ! Thk God for his family & May God cover all of them (family) keeping them from the ugliness of peoples comments !prayers for Pastor & his family !
People can and does fail, but Jesus never fails!!! All sinners should be held accountable and face the consequences of their actions and no one gets away with it…. For ALL will stand before the Lord and be held accountable.
“For they publicly declare they know God but they disown Him by their works, for they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.” (Titus 1:16)
@Cmunic8 The congregation?? Wrong, sir. There may have been a few select people in the leadership that knew and kept it quiet, but not the entire congregation of people. They're just as hurt to find out about this.
@@danl9134 you’re a member? And where do you propose that they go to get something done?Social justice…are the people involved not at the location that represents them?
@Cmunic8 no I'm not a member. I'm just saying that your frustration is misdirected. These people are demanding answers from leaderahip as well. You can't blame them for the pastors secret sin from 35 years ago. They're not coming together at church to support what he did, they're coming together as the bodybof christ and as a family and mourning together. And yall are kicking them while they're already down. They all feel betrayed. I think everyone wants answers and justice.
Paul said it best, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Stop relying so much on people regardless of their position, calling, or status. Don’t get so caught up in the character of a person that it distracts, dismantles, and destroys your relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes we know that leaders are admonished and held to a high respectable standard but don’t allow your admiration for those in leadership cause you to lose hope when something unfortunate takes place. Hold your heads up and focus on Jesus and him alone. Pray for this man that he would repent and unfortunately deal with the consequences of this heinous act. More importantly, pray for this young woman who had to under go this evil and live with it for so long. Pray for her and others that may have been hurt as well. Pray for the entire body of this congregation. 🙏🏽
We are all Praying for this great church and its Pastors, Robert Morris has brought a lot of sinners to CHRIST, in my heart I think GOD has forgiven him, something that happened 40 yrs. ago should not be held against him. She should have spoke up sooner, also I think her parents are to blame & how could this have gone on over 4 yrs. & they didn’t know?
The fact I use to go here but found myself not wanting to attend due to how they operate. There’s a church in every north Texas city dang near but only the southlake church has live service. The rest of the churches have big movie screens and TVs showing recordings of the sermons 😒 so basically you meet at the church to watch the service online 😂
A real elder wouldn’t take just hear say, and get the FACTS FIRST. Because he suppose to care for the church.what if someone else would be molested AFTERWARDS, is ignorance excuse for the law? No it is not!
The elders should lawyer up and sue Morris for twisting the truth. What Morris did is the behavior of a pedophile. The church should press charges and have him arrested.
The whole mess is disgusting. As a child of 14 I was abused in the same way. I’m 66 and still struggle. This was very upsetting to me as this has raised old feelings and I’m sure there are others who feel this too. In my heart I feel that there were probably other girls victimized by RM. it will be interesting to see the truth unfold. On a trip to Israel the tour guides show a millstone in Capernum, in view of the Sea of Galilee. It looked pretty heavy. I hope the abusers and the Elders who were complicit feel its weight as well.
So many comments about wealth on this earth, but our time here is short! Are we all, including myself, too concerned about our earthly comforts? I know they matter, but the preoccupation on wealth can lead us away from the heart of God. Rich or poor, we are to seek God, and glorify Him with our lives. We are to have a generous heart towards others, especially those who are hurting. God bless!
What credentials do the "elders" have at Gateway? Honorary certificates? Research. Research. Research. Or don't & just follow the sheep off the cliff. 🤪🐑🤪🐑
Wherever the Ark of the Covenant was there. The presence of the Lord goes where we are. Judge no man. Jesus said he who has no sin cast the first stone. What us important is what the Pastor did for the community,the world We are to becareful of getting rid of the Pastor as to consequences that may happen. God chooses the ones who are capable to handle responsibility.....Give the Pastor gifts which no other person in the church has. Look at the good and not let one ugly soul destroy the beautiful souls which is over one hundred thousand...❤🙏🙏🙌🙌
No way, he did good works, but under the cover of a heinous crime. How can you expect him to continue as a leader? Yeah, he's sorry alright. His days ahead will be rough and with heartache. So sad..
Just the fact that the Church has hired an outside investigator, seems to give the impression that they may not totally believe all that the victim has said took place. Or perhaps they are doing this now, instead of many years ago, to make it look like they are more concerned now than they should have been years ago when this was brought "into the light" the very first time.
Truthfully, it would be the best if people could just state the age of the female at the time the abuse happened. Not young child, not young lady, not little girl...just 12 year old female. Not everyone agrees with the other titles.
Disappointed, God's word tells us we will reap what we sow. He deserves to be punished and never be allowed to return to ministry, these so called men of God that stand in front of us and cry like a baby asking for forgiveness are pathetic, they know how to play the game of manipulation. Gateway Church will always have a dark cloud over it.
We out here should not be on a witch hunt. If there is a judgement to be made, then it should be left to those who have the appropriate authority by having all the facts before them.
---------- Many in the church have lost their fear of the Lord, pastors included. Pray for them instead of harshly judging them. Stepping down is biblical, as all have fallen at one time or another. Pray for repentance to come to the body of Christ bring the “Fear Of The Lord” back into the hearts of the people. “The fear of the Lord" is more than just fear, such as awe, reverence, adoration, honor, worship, confidence, thankfulness, and love towards God Not excusing the actions as they were terrible but saying the church needs repentance in order to truly minister in this time
Keep worship and desire God Church we pray for you to comfort & be encourage knowing that we not serving men but Jesus Christ Almighty.He is the Head of the church and all things here on earth.Fogive & praying for haters let God judge no one perfect under the sun.
In the 1980s attitudes about any sexual abuse was handled very differently. The leaders of that church should be vilified. They're the problem and one of many reasons ppl have walked away and will walk away from churches. Belief systems have change today. We all must not lose sight that she was a kid, child... A child.
