Robert Morris Accuser Shares Her Story, Faith Journey

The fallout continues after Robert Morris resigned from Gateway Church over furor following allegations he molested a 12-year-old girl in the 1980s. Morris, 62, who resigned from Gateway last week, offered an initial statement on the allegations against him in which he again used the term “young lady.”

In that statement, he described what he said was “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” in a home he stayed in during his 20s. “It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong,” he said. The preacher went on to state that the behavior happened on “several occasions” over a number of years.
Morris said the situation was “brought to light” in 1987. He said he confessed, repented, sought counseling, and returned to ministry two years later with the support of the victim’s father. For the record, the accuser, Cindy Clemishire — now 54 — has denied the latter claim as well as the notion she was a "young lady" at the time, claiming the abuse started when she was just a child.
Clemishire joins CBN News to detail her allegations, to share her faith journey, and explain the reasons she's speaking out.
HERE IS GATEWAY'S STATEMENT: Dear Gateway Church family,
The Board of Elders wants to reach out to you personally to address the recent events in our church and to provide you with an update.
This is an unthinkable and painful time in our church. Our church congregation is hurt and shaken, and we know that you have many important questions. We want to answer as many of your questions as we can at this point, and we ask that you continue to extend us grace as we navigate through the most challenging time in Gateway’s history.
The details that have recently come to light are deeply disturbing. We continue to pray that God will bring peace, comfort, and healing to everyone who has been affected. We know you are grieving just as we are. We know that so many of you have been impacted and affected. We are here for you, we are praying for you, and we love you.
The Board of Elders has taken a series of steps that we want to update you on.

CBN News. Because Truth Matters™

SUBSCRIBE to the CBN News Channel for more:

CBN features 24-hour TV news from a Christian perspective. The CBN News Channel provides independent news programming to an underserved audience to enlighten, entertain and inspire Christians around the world. Comments below do not necessarily reflect the views of CBN.

Share this live feed with your friends and family:

Questions about Helping the Home Front? Call: 800-700-7000

#breakingnews #politicalnews #christiannews #christian #christianity #church #breakingnews #cbnnews

[jesseebaldwin]

This speaks to me. I was masterfully groomed by my female Christian school teacher at an IFB church. Hearing her story helped so much. From the time I was 12 until 18 she sexually abused me. I sued her and the church and just settled this past month. It took years to fight them. I couldn’t speak up until I was in my 40’s and had my own children. The more you tell your story, the more shame is dispelled and it gives others the strength to step forward.

[melissasapp]

My father was a deacon & abused my sister & me all our lives. Disgusting. Neither of us told the other until I found out he abused my 9 year old daughter. I broadcast it, we confronted him, & forced him in to treatment. Tore our family apart. I forgave him but relationships ended. I ended up being a nurse & for 28 years helped victims become survivors. God planned every step of my wonderful professional career. I give God all the glory.🙏🙏🙏🙏

[unnamable]

I am a 40 year old woman. I was a Gateway member for 5 years in grand prairie tx. I was raped by my female cousin at the age of 5. I was also abused by men my whole life. I went to the staff for help at Gateway and they did not help me when my abuser was at the church. They pulled me in a room as i cried and screamed. They did nothing. Ill never forget that. Was in 2016. On and off id tell myself that churches are BS and God is not real after this. Thank you for speaking because it helps me see its not God that didnt help me. God is the only one who will. You inspire me! Thank you soooo much! Bless you!!!

[dianasimplifies]

There should be no statute of limitations on child molestation or child rape PERIOD

[allysondoerfler]

She was a child; it was a crime. She can forgive him, God can forgive him, but there are temporal consequences for crime, and it should be ESPECIALLY true when the victim is a CHILD.

[carley]

As a person that was molested at the age of 11. Yes it affected me deeply and it stole my childhood . I always felt dirty and carried a spirit of shame. . At the age of twenty I met Jesus and was saved . Forgiveness and Love are powerful tools that heal. Forgiveness sets one free and love covers a multitude of sin. That's what our Lord Jesus did for everyone that chooses to believe .

[ritaautrey]

Luke 12:2-3 What's done in secret will be brought to light

[karendelgado]

Sexual abuse is not a “mistake”. It is a sin and a crime. It was the leadership’s duty to report this to the authorities. If the perpetrator was truly repentant then he would have turned himself in and accepted the consequences.

[lavonnepatterson]

Every church leader who ignored this and mishandled this will be held accountable.

[janrobinson-biggs]

Those other Pastors should be held accountable if they were told it was a 12 year old and they did NOTHING !!

[PeaceandfreedominYeshua]

So cool that she never lost her faith.
God bless you Cindy.❤
Thank you for posting.❤

[SandyLong-dj]

I had a situation at 18 years old and told someone related to the man. She told me it didn't surprise her and to leave it to her and her husband. Well, that is the last I heard about it. I told a close friend that was really following that preacher and he defiantely did NOT believe me. Decades later I brought it up to that old friend who still said that it did not happen to me and that I was lying. Other friends always believed me which helped. Thank you for really being a voice for us all. I also did not lose my faith. Thank you again. Love from Sandy in Canada.

[LyndaRicks]

I was molested as a 6/7 year old child by a cousin & my mom just passed last year at 89 & supported my cousin until she died. This is why I only trust God!!!

[johnemmons]

People take heed: “Sin takes you farther than you want to go; keeps you longer than you want to stay; costs you more than you want to pay.”

[mhimnotthebee]

This women’s father should have called the police and have never let Robert Morris get away with abusing his daughter.

[joeking]

We wish you the best, Cindy! Remember, you're not alone, thousands of abuse victims are strengthened from your bravery!

[Patricia]

I heard someone say way back that The Lord would clean out His church first before He exposes the secrets in the world stage …it’s an encouragement that we’re getting closer to the end times✝️🙏🏻

[savannalane]

I'm for you Cindy. God is exposing the hidden works of darkness but also doing so much through your testimony. Thank you for sharing.

[renetfourie]

Healed broken people, became healers for broken people thru the grace of God!🙏

[LynHenady]

I am a victim of sexual abuse from a family member, and I'm about your age and I was 12 when it happened. I also watched Robert Morris for years and feel fed from his sermons, but it is a lifetime struggle being a victim and much in my heart agree with you and I'm very glad you stepped up and out with this. I was able to forgive my uncle in my heart only a year ago, and also accept finally this year (age 50) that the damage done at age 12 does last a lifetime. Stay strong in Christ my sister, you are helping people.