Posted on 10/04/2025 12:09:26 PM PDT by WhiteHatBobby0701
The founder of a Texas megachurch pleaded guilty today to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child stemming from incidents that date back to the 1980s. Robert Preston Morris, 64, appeared in court today in front of Osage County District Special Judge Cindy Pickerill.
Morris, who resigned last summer as senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, was indicted by a Multi-County Grand Jury earlier this year. The abuse began in December 1982 when Morris was a traveling evangelist visiting the family of the victim in Hominy. The victim was 12 years old at the time, and the abuse continued over the next four years.
Under the plea agreement, Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence with the first six months to be served in the Osage County Jail. He must register as a sex offender and will be supervised by Texas authorities via interstate compact. Morris was also ordered to pay his costs of incarceration, including any medical expenses, and restitution to the victim.
"There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children," said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. "This case is all the more despicable because the perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his position of trust and authority. The victim in this case has waited far too many years for this day."
The victim, now an adult, Cindy Clemishire, addressed the impact of today's plea.
“Today justice has finally been served, and the man who manipulated, groomed and abused me as a 12-year-old innocent girl is finally going to be behind bars,” she said. “My hope is that many victims hear my story, and it can help lift their shame and allow them to speak up. I hope that laws continue to change and new ones are written so children and victims’ rights are better protected. I hope that people understand the only way to stop child sexual abuse is to speak up when it happens or is suspected.”
“Today is a new beginning for me, my family and friends who have been by my side through this horrendous journey,” Clemishire said. “I leave this courtroom today not as a victim, but a survivor.”
The idea of replacing hymns with Top 40 hits is a sham because it funds Big Entertainment. It also pushes charismatic doctrine.
Gateway Church parishioners are notorious for dining sumptuously after Sunday service and leaving only Bible tracts for tips.
That is your personal preference.
While I love most hymns, there is room for modern worship songs, too. Younger people are not always into the hymns. If churches want the new and younger converts to Christ to feel welcome church, music needs an upgrade.
That is greedy and embarrassing.
WTH is a Bible tract? Please explain. I wouldn't call lunch at Ana Mia's or Rosa's Cantina "dining sumptuously."
IMO, you're taking unfair shots at the congregation.
I’m disappointed the congregants didn’t fine a millstone for Morris.
Matt:18:6 ““But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
“the founder of a Texas megachurch”
“from incidents that date back to the 1980s”
Oh look, another pervy perv Pastor. Hang the phooker.
and you wonder why churches are empty.
DIDDY DESERVED AT LEAST 10 YEARS
If only traveling evangelists were allowed to get married . . .
A “Bible tract” is like a little paper booklet or brochure like thing promoting Christianity with references to the Bible usually presented in a simple way.
Thanks Andy.
Stating a fact is not unfair.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.