Woman says Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris first molested her when she was 12-years-old
In a statement, Morris admitted to "inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady" 35 years ago.
A woman accuses Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris of first molesting her on Christmas in 1982, when she was 12-years-old.
Cindy Clemishire, the accuser, tells WFAA the abuse continued until 1987 when she told a friend what had happened. Clemishire says she told her parents after the friend advised her to do so.
Sunday, Morris admitted he was "involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady," though he did not make reference to the girl's age.
"It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong," Morris said in a statement. "In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented of. I submitted myself to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the young lady's father. They asked me to stop out of ministry and receive counseling and freedom ministry, which I did. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area."
Clemishire says she'd told her story for years and tried to sue Morris in 2005, but her actions did not generate much attention.
She says a pastor recently advised her to share her story with The Wartburg Watch, a blog which calls attention to instances of alleged sexual abuse in the church. The website published Clemishire's account Friday.
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Newspaper article from April 25, 1982 about Robert Morris and televangelist James Robison: “young man leaves drug scene to become fast-rising evangelist.” Morris sold drugs in a church parking lot in between services at age 19.
