Introduction
Cindy Clemishire’s courageous decision to come forward with allegations against former Texas megachurch pastor Robert Preston Morris has led to his indictment and sparked a nationwide discussion on accountability within religious institutions. Her story has not only shed light on the abuse she endured but has also resulted in significant upheaval within Gateway Church, the institution Morris founded.
Cindy Clemishire: Early Life and Encounter with Robert Preston Morris
In 1982, at just 12 years old, Cindy Clemishire lived with her family in Hominy, Oklahoma. Robert Preston Morris, then a 21-year-old traveling evangelist, frequently visited their home, often staying overnight due to his close relationship with the Clemishire family. During these visits, Morris allegedly began sexually abusing Cindy, a pattern that continued for approximately four years.
According to Clemishire, the abuse started on Christmas night in 1982 and lasted until she was 16. The trauma she experienced had a lasting impact, leading to years of emotional distress and counseling.
Robert Preston Morris, His Family, and Their Relationship with the Clemishires
Robert Preston Morris, born in 1961, married Debbie Morris in 1980. They had three children, including their son James Morris. The Morris family was deeply intertwined with the Clemishires, a relationship that allowed Robert Morris unrestricted access to Cindy. This dynamic allegedly enabled the continued abuse.
When the allegations became public, James Morris—initially positioned to succeed his father as senior pastor—was placed on leave. Eventually, he and his wife resigned from all their roles at Gateway Church, further demonstrating the widespread impact of the scandal on the Morris family.
Cindy Clemishire: Attempts at Seeking Justice
For decades, Cindy Clemishire remained silent, battling the trauma of her experiences. In 2005, she sought restitution from Morris, who dismissed her claims, stating he had already obtained forgiveness. When she pursued a civil lawsuit, Morris’s attorneys accused her of being “flirtatious” and attempted to silence her with a $25,000 settlement in exchange for a non-disclosure agreement—an offer she refused.
In June 2024, Clemishire publicly detailed her experiences via The Wartburg Watch, a religious watchdog platform. This revelation prompted Morris to admit to “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” over 35 years ago. However, Cindy refuted this characterization, emphasizing that she was a 12-year-old child at the time—not a “young lady.”
Cindy Clemishire: Legal Proceedings and Morris’s Indictment
On March 12, 2025, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office indicted Robert Preston Morris on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. Due to a legal loophole—since Morris was not an Oklahoma resident during the time of the alleged crimes—the statute of limitations did not apply, allowing the case to proceed. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.
Impact on Gateway Church
The scandal has rocked Gateway Church, the megachurch Morris founded in 2000. Internal investigations revealed that several church elders had prior knowledge of Morris’s misconduct but failed to act. Consequently, four elders—Kevin Grove, Thomas Miller, Jeremy Carrasco, and Gayland Lawshe—were removed from leadership positions.
Membership at Gateway Church has plummeted, with approximately 25% of its congregation leaving since the scandal broke. The church has struggled to maintain financial stability and has faced challenges in appointing a new senior pastor.
Morris’s Response and the Church’s Stance
Following Cindy’s public accusations, Morris admitted to some “inappropriate sexual behavior” but attempted to downplay the severity. Gateway Church released a statement expressing support for the legal process and extending prayers to all affected. However, the church’s delayed response and previous attempts to cover up the allegations have drawn criticism from former members and religious accountability advocates.
Conclusion
The case of Cindy Clemishire and Robert Preston Morris is a stark reminder of the need for accountability within religious institutions. It underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring allegations of abuse are addressed with transparency and seriousness. As legal proceedings continue, this case has prompted broader discussions about justice, power, and responsibility within faith communities.
