The Christian network Daystar has dropped Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church from its programming following allegations that he sexually abused her in the 1980s starting when she was 12 years old.
Daystar joins a long list of ministries, pastors, and media outlets distancing themselves from Morris and the church.
“We are deeply grieved and saddened by the recent and very serious allegations against Pastor Robert Morris involving the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old minor,” the network said. “In light of these events and a recently released statement by Gateway’s elders, Daystar’s leadership has made the decision to remove all of Pastor Robert Morris’ programming from our broadcasting schedule.
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“Daystar unequivocally condemns the actions described in these allegations and remains committed to upholding biblical values as outlined in the word of God. As we navigate through this challenging situation, we extend our heartfelt support and prayers to all those impacted.”
Cindy Clemishire, a 54-year-old grandmother, alleged that Morris sexually abused her for four-and-a-half years in the 1980s, beginning when she was 12. After the allegation was brought to light, Morris stepped away from ministry in 1987 and returned two years later following a period of restoration.
The board of elders at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, announced last week that Morris resigned as senior pastor. Clemishire has disputed the church’s timeline of events.
“The leadership at Gateway received actual notice of this crime in 2005 when I sent an email directly to Robert Morris’ Gateway email address,” she said. “Former Gateway elder Tom Lane received and responded to my email. Again in 2007, my then-attorney Gentner Drummond (the current attorney general of Oklahoma) sent a letter to Robert Morris with the hope that he would help reimburse me for the thousands of dollars I had expended in counseling as a result of this abuse. His attorney acknowledged the dates as well and then attempted to blame me for the abuse.
“At the very least, both the Gateway pastor and at least one elder had specific notice that I was sexually abused beginning when I was 12 years old. Gateway had the information but intentionally decided to embrace the false narrative Robert Morris wanted to believe.”
Morris also was dropped from being a part of former President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, which he was previously featured prominently, according to a campaign spokesman.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice