Gateway Church apologizes to accuser of former pastor

SOUTH LAKE, Texas – The Gateway Church apologized directly to a woman who accused former pastor Robert Morris of sexually abusing her as a child.

The apology came on Saturday and was the first since Morris’ son, James Morris, resigned as pastor of the Southlake church.

Robert Morris resigned last month after Cindy Clemishire accused the pastor of sexually abusing her over a five-year period starting when she was 12 years old.

Clemishire, now 54, says she contacted the Gateway Church about the allegations in 2005.

Morris had previously admitted to having had an inappropriate relationship with a “young lady” decades earlier, concealing her age.

Gateway Church elder Tra Willbanks addressed Clemishire directly during Saturday’s service.

“Cindy, if you’re watching, we want to apologize again on behalf of our entire church for the years of pain you have endured. We are sorry that our initial communication was clearly incorrect. You were a child. Not a young lady,” he said.

Willbanks also addressed a recent statement from the church that called the allegations an “inappropriate relationship.”

“To be clear, we believe this was sexual abuse of a child. Any description that does not fit that viewpoint does not reflect our position. I am sorry we misunderstood this communication. We are in no way trying to cover up or downplay this situation. In fact, I want to say to you, Cindy, ‘Thank you for coming forward,'” Willbanks continued.

Gateway hired an outside legal team to investigate these allegations and the church’s knowledge of them at the time.

Wilbanks said the investigation is ongoing and all parties are cooperating.

The church is expected to make the results of the investigation available to the public once it is completed.

No criminal charges were filed against Morris.