The summer of 2024 has brought unprecedented turmoil to Texas evangelical communities, ignited by a wave of sexual abuse scandals involving prominent church leaders. The most impactful of these revelations concerns Robert Morris, the founder and former leader of Gateway Church, one of America’s largest megachurches.
In June 2024, Cindy Clemishire came forward with allegations that Robert Morris had molested her starting in 1982 when she was just 12 years old. The abuse reportedly continued until 1987. Morris initially admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior” but claimed it was not criminal. The church initially downplayed the severity of the allegations but Morris resigned after public scrutiny intensified.
Gateway Church, which attracts around 100,000 attendees each weekend and has extensive operations across multiple states, has faced a significant fallout. Attendance has dropped by 17% to 19%, and the church has experienced a series of upheavals, including the cancellation of its annual conference and the resignation of Morris’ successor. The church’s response included hiring a law firm to review the allegations, although the situation remains fluid and uncertain.
Morris’ scandal is part of a larger pattern of misconduct affecting Texas churches. The resignation of several pastors across the state highlights a broader crisis:
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Youth Pastor Luke Cunningham: Arrested in June 2024, Cunningham faces multiple charges of sexual assault involving minors. His last position was at Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury.
Ronald Goines: Pastor at Koinonia Church in Arlington, Goines was charged with indecent and sexual assault in July 2024 and was briefly jailed before being released on bail.
Tony Cammarota: An associate pastor at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Cammarota was dismissed in early July 2024 for a “moral failure” without further details from the church.
Tony Evans: The senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas stepped down in early June due to an unnamed “sin,” though he has not been accused of criminal behavior.
Josiah Anthony: Pastor at Cross Timbers Church in Argyle resigned in late July 2024 due to “inappropriate and hurtful” conduct. The church clarified that his behavior did not involve illegal activity or children.
The scandals have led to protests and significant turmoil within the affected congregations. Members have expressed a range of emotions, from anger and betrayal to hope for recovery. Interim leaders like Max Lucado and Joakim Lundqvist are working to guide congregations through this challenging period, emphasizing the need for healing and renewal.
As Gateway Church and other affected congregations navigate this crisis, they face the dual challenges of addressing past abuses and rebuilding trust within their communities. The fallout from these scandals may reshape the landscape of evangelical churches in Texas and beyond, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in religious institutions.
