Robert Morris, Accused Megachurch Pastor, Steps Down | Ep 1021

[@koala_inthewoods4296]

As a mother of five my take away from these stories is to always get the police involved straight away. These criminals seem to escape accountability often.

[@channahnoyb4803]

Exactly. And who knows if he’s never done it again?

[@sunnydayzie1202]

Yes. But things were very very different in the 1980s. It went on for years and as such she would have been blamed for consenting etc. it was a different world.

[@CaptainQueue]

I would add, begin training our children at around 5-6 years about improper touching, and that it is ok when it happens to scream for help and run. I think it is shocking that this girl of 12 had not been taught about human evil, and the outcome may have been quite different had the child screamed and other adults got involved that very moment.

[@tornay131]

@@CaptainQueue you're blaming her?

[@elizabeththornhill2302]

100%!!!!

[@VP-bx2jj]

No church should have a 21 year old pastor. That is way too young for that kind of responsibility and too young to have the maturity and wisdom to lead believers.

[@BadSneakers]

He was a youth pastor then

[@VP-bx2jj]

@@BadSneakers Too young for a youth pastor.

[@reedermh]

He was a traveling evangelist at the time. And he had - according to his story, anyhow - just became a Christian two years earlier. Doesn't the Bible warn about a pastor not being a novice?

[@shanenoel1270]

​@@reedermh He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. - 1 Timothy 3:6

[@VP-bx2jj]

@@reedermh Even more so now that you say that he had only been a Christian for two years. Not only young in physical age but also a baby in Christ.

[@annchovey2089]

I am just as upset with his wife. How can a woman blame a 12-year-old child?

[@carmenramos7405]

Why didn't the wife report him to the authorities. Her fault as if she committed the crime herself.

[@buggabuggaboy]

Because she is a vile, selfish person.

[@racquelhudson7243]

​@@carmenramos7405she probably felt she had to self preserve to keep her family together. The shock and embarrassment was probably too much for her to process, so to cope, it was probably easier to blame the child.. it's twisted but very real.

[@ritabrandow1318]

I am so glad you mention that. But when it comes to love women usually stand by there husband. I don't understand derstand why

[@boaa588]

If the wife reported him then she would have to go out and get a job.... We are all selfishly motivated in one way or the other unfortunately.... But she is at fault.​@@carmenramos7405

[@liannemarie2504]

For the people that keep trying to brush it off, this isn't just a one-time thing. He was counseling her repeatedly. He had these inappropriate encounters, repeatedly, with the same girl. He didn't feel something inappropriate and then call it off and make an excuse and then just kind of hide it. This was a premeditated thing he kept trying to do. He was trying to have an affair with a child. If that doesn't put through to you how horribly egregious this is, I don't know what to tell you

[@treasurechristie8310]

You can bet there are others as well.

[@jewelgazer]

Absolutely

[@Armygirl4Christ]

No sabbatical. He is totally disqualified.

[@deannanorby2131]

Yes! Thank you!

[@judysmith3249]

He resigned

[@Libertygal74]

@@judysmith3249not soon enough!

[@belvederebaileycambodia]

how is he even afforded the luxury of a sabbatical or resigning ?? He should be in prison, awaiting trial, right now. How is he still walking around in the community ??

[@jjclisa5798]

Come on folks. I'm not saying she's lying but do we really want to put people in jail based on a 35 yr old incident with only one persons testimony? I'm a women and know of women who have lied about sexual abuse for one reason or another. We need proof or more corroboration before we talk about jail. Its scary how little evidence people need to condemn some one. My best friend in 6th grade accused my dad of sexual abuse when we were 12 yrs old. The police investigated and there was no evidence of abuse. Years later this girl admitted to me she lied about my dad because her dad was molesting her and she was crying out for help in her own way. She almost destroyed my family because of a lie.

[@TrueSight_333]

Ex-GW member. Many of us are very hurt by all of this. I’m not in the leadership, but it is clear that GW covered this up - starting with Robert Morris who announced he was stepping down today. My heart is broken for the victim and all of those who in good faith, supported Pastor Morris throughout the years and believed he was expressing humility when describing his marital infidelity and subsequent restoration, when really - it was a lie that was covering a crime that had been committed years ago. Church restoration does not cover criminal acts of such an egregious nature. It is appalling that he was put back into ministry and now the chickens have come home to roost. So a young girl’s innocence was stolen, GW’s legacy will be forever tarnished, a man who was once a revered pastor’s reputation has been completely destroyed, and the rest of those at GW are left to pick up the pieces. God is a jealous God. The era of people worshipping celebrity pastors is over and the true church is about to emerge from the highways and the byways - the nobodies who simply love Jesus and want nothing more than to see others come into a real relationship with Him. They want all the glory for Him and none for themselves. Pay attention - one of you readers may be that very person whom God has chosen for such a time as this.

[@cynthiarm253]

Amen. Who cares about his reputation. Decades of deception. All evil comes to the light. His destruction of the Gospel and a child (probably more) is the tragedy. And he will pay when he meets the Lord.

[@caley22]

Amen!!! Well said 💯🔥👏

[@arunamy362]

“ God is a jealous God. The era of people worshipping celebrity pastors is over and the true church is about to emerge from the highways and the byways - the nobodies who simply love Jesus and want nothing more than to see others come into a real relationship with Him. They want all the glory for Him and none for themselves.” 🔥🔥🔥

[@MyAnchor619]

Former member here from 2000-2012, and I feel like the lies/coverup continued especially every time he gave the Jake's Motel Room 12 testimony and how he was changed after that. The abuse started a year later. Feels like the church was built on lies...quicksand and now it's sinking. I've had all kinds of emotions.

[@annchovey2089]

@@arunamy362amen to that. I saw an interview with Glenn Beck where he asked Billy Graham who he thought would be the next Billy Graham. Billy said God told him there wasn’t going to be one. That he was tired of man getting the credit for what He has done and He is going to accomplish His will through the everyday man just witnessing to his neighbor. More one-on-one rather than large crowds.

[@cmorgan7851]

I am heartbroken for the sexually abused woman. Not only was she betrayed by someone who was supposed to be trusted, but she had to endure the years of watching her abuser grow to such power and success with in the church. Praying for her complete healing.

[@luv2travel2000]

Yes. Very well said.

[@anniekondanani]

So glad there are people like you without sin. Do you know why he grew in his ministry? Because he repented. I am so glad Father God does nor condem us , we would all go to hel. No God does not condem us.

[@cmorgan7851]

@@anniekondanani Whether or not he repented does not make the pain of the victim any less. You are correct, God does not condemn us but the law of man can. In that sense, he should have submitted to the law for the crime he committed.

[@Armandrea]

@@anniekondanani Are you sure it was God that grew his ministry? Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

[@flowergirl-pp7vz]

@@anniekondananiHe refused to pay for her counseling. How is that repentance???

[@homewiththesomerfields]

The victims parents should have gone straight to the police. They are also responsible for not dealing with this properly either. Heartbreaking.

[@miatherache]

Stop blaming the parents of the victims. They were all victims in this. The church should have called the police or furthermore, Robert Morris should have refrain from molesting a girl for 4 1/2 years. Please stop!

[@BobbiGail]

​@@miatheracheI am not understanding. You think the parents were fine by not reporting to law enforcement? Its horribly uncomfortable and ppl will hate us, but it is LITERALLY our JOB to protect, believe, and defend our children. I do agree the parents are also victims AND yet they ARE the adults who can report.

[@ritabrandow1318]

100 percent

[@ritabrandow1318]

@miatherache the parents should have called also. Please, we should not make excuses for anyone. There may be more victims . Just because he says no doesn't make it true

[@JimmyTBall]

@@ritabrandow1318 speculation without facts is misinformation.

[@maryann7775]

I am totally disgusted by this, a 12 year old child molested all those years, he should have gone to prison for years. Then maybe I would feel he paid for his crime.

[@melissap2703]

He for sure should have been arrested :(

[@johnbrown4568]

There is no statute of limitations on child abuse. Therefore, a police investigation must now take place.

[@sherrypowers2059]

Amen!!

[@reedermh]

At the time this all took place, there was a statute of limitations. Subsequent changes can only be forward-looking in nature, as any retroactive changes would be unconstitutional (it prohibits "ex post facto" - "after the fact" changes to criminal statutes).

[@MyAnchor619]

There's a # of years a victim of child sex abuse has after their 18 birthday in the state of TX and OK which Cindy Clemishire has past as she's 54.

[@isand2015]

The statue of limitations for a victim is age 45 in Oklahoma, that's where the crimes took place.

[@jakerodriguez5548]

The dad needs to be charged as well. Child neglect. He should have reported this!!!

[@BelindaTN]

I don’t care if she was flirtatious. She was a 12 year old child. He was an adult and fully responsible for this encounter. Assuming what this woman says, is true, Morris is 100% responsible for everything that happened.

[@alfonsoobando3616]

How do you know she was flirtatious? You typically victim blame? She was 12. There is zero consent. She even stated she had no experience in any kind of sexual behavior. Crazy comment.

[@carolbarlow8896]

@@alfonsoobando3616Belinda wasn’t saying that she was flirtatious. She was saying that her behavior, whatever it was or wasn’t, is irrelevant. She was only 12 years old.

[@stacy2595]

What 12 year old girl wants an old man? He’s a pedo.

[@liannemarie2504]

​@@alfonsoobando3616this person is just repeating what the pastor themselves had said. She's not saying that that is the hypothetical situation she arrived at.

[@BelindaTN]

@@alfonsoobando3616 Alley read to us that Robert Morris’s lawyer stated that the 12 year old was flirtatious. And later she read that Morris’s wife said the girl was flirtatious. I am saying weather or or not this is true, is irrelevant. Morris was the adult and the leader, he had the power to shut that relationship down long before it got inappropriate. Instead, he encouraged it.

[@SusieQ3]

He wasn't "so young", she was so young. He was an adult, she was a child. She was not a young lady, and she was not flirtatious. She was a child. The fact that he is trying to down play the severity, and even place blame on his victim tells me that he is not repentant of his actions. He should have never been allowed back in the pulpit because he should have gone to jail.

[@kingGeorgefan1]

So sick of hearing about pastors falling into sin. A different one every week, but the same song and dance.

[@franciscopatinopena2943]

That's just a reminder not to put pastors or any people in a pedestal, because besides being pastors, they are just humans. The Lord knows that.

[@Deanna_mechael]

Shocking that they are human with failings

[@cathycunningham7769]

This is the area where Satan most often attacks men in ministry and they succumb to temptation. Be alert every person in ministry..he's coming for you. Stay obedient the God!!!!

[@cpcrn7036]

@@franciscopatinopena2943 if putting people on a pedestal involves requiring people AND pastors to obey civil laws, then I'm going to need more polish for those pedestals. He committed a crime against a child.

[@JimmyTBall]

Pastors are still people. Many of these now coming forward happened 35+ years ago. When bad decisions were made at a young age (20-25 is still a young age) at what point does the past become the past? - "Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." - "For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

[@deanne.m.sanderson]

No pastor should council a young girl/woman.

[@BlessedBlessedinHim]

He wasn't counseling her ..he invited her to her room that he was staying in and molested her

[@Susanna1953PC]

In my church a pastor or male church member was not allowed to counsel or visit or be near any female membet, regardless of age, of the church.

[@mandydoerfler2909]

Bring back true accountability and justice in the church. Call sin sin and don’t let people off the hook in the name of forgiveness! Men step up! When I was a teen, our small church had 2 seminary student young men who were serving in many ways. They were funny and cool to all of us young people, but my dad would not let me hang out with them and the youth without other adults. When some of the church elders wanted to give those men paid positions, my dad and another dad voiced their concerns and said NO. Well my dad and the other and our families were basically forced out of the church. Not long after, we found out those two seminary students were accused of SA with young boys in the church (like 7 year olds). My dad and the other tried to protect the church members because they had a feeling something was wrong but no proof. Men protect your families! Men protect your church families! Preach sin and hold church members (leaders too!) accountable!

[@karenmartin4221]

That is so sad!😢 And undoubtedly a story that has been repeated in some version countless times!

[@bevbevbev_]

I've been saying this for years, There is no true accountability in the church anymore. People commit heinous crimes and blame the devil for tempting them, the church elders will pray with them and say "you have been forgiven". But what about the victims of their crimes?

[@HEisWorthy-4C]

Sad that so many elders of the church are ignoring the signs of an immature, charming 'pastor' that preaches effectively from the pulpit and appears to be a 'doer' of the Word.' The enemy is busy & crafty & knows when & how to 'tap in' to the weakness of the flesh that we all struggle with & vulnerable to at different seasons of life. And, what a better setting than the church to destroy the testimony for the masses. We should all weep over what happens in a place (the church) where we should feel safe, loved & full of truth & Holy behavior from our brothers & sisters & our pastor!

[@michaelarmenta8289]

Sin is sin, and criminal activity is criminal activity.

[@bmtzzz2474]

@@bevbevbev_literal facts.

[@TeamBruffey]

I know a mom who has an autistic son. About 7 years ago when he was about 6 or 7, their family was attending Gateway Church... The children's leaders struggled to include her very intelligent son who had unique sensory needs and didnt yet communicate with spoken words, so the parents set up a meeting with the leaders of the children's ministry and a pastor (in Dallas) to discuss (or so they thought) how to best include their son in the body of Christ. They set down, the parents excited and hopeful. The pastor involved opened the meeting by looking at this couple and coldly telling them, "your son is not a part of God's plan for our church." And that was it!! They were devastated and heartbroken. They've never since attended any church. In fact, mom has deconstructed and now is a practicing pagan and raising her kids within that culture. And i will always believe that heinous moment at Gateway Church is a part of her leaving Christianity. I have NO respect for Gateway Church and think we meed to be DONE with mega churches and celebrity Christians/leaders.

[@snresendiz1]

I’m so sorry to hear that and am shocked. Gateway has a special needs children’s program and it is the reason why I began attending for my 7 year old autistic son. It was amazing for him. We attended the southlake and NFW campus.

[@TeamBruffey]

@@snresendiz1 it was in NFW where they lived and they were treated terribly. Their son could read even though he didn't use speech and wanted to be in a class that didn't have the words "special needs" on the door. But he would pace in the back of the room with the neurotypical kids and the teachers just couldn't handle it (didn't bother the kids at all). He was just ,6 or 7. The parents were totally open to dividing options to best involve him. And they were flat out rejected and told he "isn't a part of God's plan for our church." The mom called me angry, heartbroken, and so upset. Wolves in sheep's clothing is how I've long seen GW. And it obviously started at the top.

[@AllieBethStuckey]

That’s an awful story. I’m going to pray for them.

[@snresendiz1]

I thought you said in Dallas. Not that it matters. I’m sorry for the experience. Both of the campuses I listed had an actual special needs teacher that led both of my sons classes. This was 9 years ago. It was such a blessing to be able to attend church as we hadn’t been able to since he was born. I’m sorry to hear that others didn’t get to have this same experience. Special needs families and Church attendance is a very real need. I will also pray for this need.

[@TeamBruffey]

@@snresendiz1 I did meaning "the Dallas area" for those who don't know DFW. but when you mentioned you attended there, I decided to be more specific since you know the area.

[@eurekahope5310]

Ugh. I am only a quarter of the way through, but pastors are to be above reproach. The minute they commit sexual sin, they are unqualified to lead. They can be restored to membership, but not leadership. And this was far worse than an affair, this was abuse!!!! Leadership who won't report care more about reputation than their own flock.

[@csouthland]

So what if a pastor looks at a married woman with lust? Has he not committed sexual sin? What if a pastor saw a sex scene in a movie...and was aroused? So he can never be in leadership? You are a great example of why men have, and are continuing to, abandon church in record numbers.

[@zo3n1kos]

And yet David was still king after having Uriah killed, so that is not scriptural...

[@eurekahope5310]

@@zo3n1kos David wasn't the spiritual head of a church. He was a political leader. The new testament makes clear that teaching elders are to be above reproach, husband of one wife, and good stewards of their household. Clearly, almost all Old Testament kings were not in this category. Most had multiple wives and wayward children. If we thought the Old Testament kings were a guide for becoming pastors, we would simply hire the sons and grandsons of pastors. Not a good idea...

[@RickiBarnett]

​@@zo3n1kosDavid was not the spiritual leader of the people. He was King. There a difference

[@ihearttubing]

Restored to membership? After prison.

[@M_butterfly788.-tf8bd]

Not a sabbatical. He’s done. He officially stepped down. It wasn't a young lady, he lied and it was a 12 yr old girl. He should go to jail. Also, I hope TDJAKES steps down permanently soon too.

[@davidjohnson6538]

Amen another evil wolf

[@lancethefilmguy9392]

🙄

[@Sarah-river]

What did TD Jakes do?

[@maryl.7226]

I’m appalled by the naive negligence of the parents, allowing ANY male of ANY age or relationship to be repeatedly in the closed bedroom with their young daughter. NEVER would’ve happened in my home.

[@Breatheintomeandmakemereal]

I am sick to death of naive negligence! The whole, “Let’s look for the good in people!” My parents never would’ve allowed this. People, wake the crap up! I just don’t get it. How do people just ignore red flags? How are people willing to ignore it and put kids in danger? I just don’t understand it.

[@DrMamaHart]

He is not in jail because her PARENTS: both MOTHER and FATHER did not do their job.

[@CindyOsborne-TDWP]

That's disturbing

[@Stacy_KP]

Okay, Well let’s just see if The FILTHY AMERICAN jacked up Judicial system can do any better now that that THE LORD exposed him. Let’s see how they do

[@rhondahart2416]

And the Elders, and his wife all of them covered it up.

[@lisaspencerlongoria943]

I agree that her parents definitely should have notified the authorities however is it possible that they thought the publicity of it all would be even more traumatic for their daughter?

[@CindyOsborne-TDWP]

@@lisaspencerlongoria943 That is a likely parental concern that, as a mom, would definitely factor into my decision to involve the law or not.

[@songsakai3421]

Thank you for clarifying that restoration does not include restoration to pastorate.

[@CLand-nl9mj]

His wife forgave her? His wife should have been outraged at him. She was 12.

[@autumnmariemu]

Why he is a cash grab for her

[@tammyvickers7779]

Maybe Cindy didn’t know she was 12

[@lisaspencerlongoria943]

I am certain that she knew she was 12. The other thing is I don’t understand the comment. Why is he a cash grab for her the way I’m taking that is someone’s trying to say that she was trying to get money for nothing. She went through hell and back her whole teenagers were ruined not to mention many years of her life with the triggers and the trauma that was living inside of her mind into her body , so I hope that’s not what you meant but if you did, how dare you?

[@evelynjoycebv]

Some women want to keep their marriage first. And they become stupid and part of the abuse. I've seen this before. It makes me sad and mad. They rather critize woman that divorce such beasts.

[@evelynjoycebv]

Be clear

[@elizabeththornhill2302]

Thank you Allie for your stand on this. This happens all too often….and it’s swept under the rug.

[@juliastyles6223]

We must continue to confess evil and not allow for this to ever be swept under the rug 🤮

[@pinkrubix]

Seeing people defend this heinous behavior is shocking.

[@sunnydayzie1202]

I'm appalled that people on social media are coming to his defense, after all "he repented". Huh? It's incredible what people will defend. If he were anyone else they would rake him over the coals!! They totally disregard what this girl went through mentally for years later. This wasn't THAT long ago that nobody knew about it. The elder board had to know, the counselor knew, the girls family knew. This was all covered up. Wait for more victims to come forth...because I bet she wasn't the only one.

[@jeng8000]

We were talking about this yesterday in my home. Are there other victims? Possibly so!

[@whimpypatrol5503]

You are correct, Paul stipulated the qualifications (aside that Timothy was young). You are also forgetting that John (actually Jesus Resurrected by John's pen) allowed church Sheppards (or Angels) to repent from grievious sins in Revelation. Nobody is defending either sin or defending rainbow churches that defend devients that groom children. Non-Christian psychologists claim few (meaning zero) child sex offenders ever change. As this story grows, we will see how many people come forth. If none do, it could indicate that Jesus, indeed, had granted Morris a true repentance. There are few openly modern devients who don't seek to keep their identities as child groomers camouflaged as something else than a child molester. So many use the rainbow cause to get positioned where they can groom children to believe they are not as they were born, and so on. Neither you nor I yet know the full truth about Morris, however. Is there sin in my life from 40 years ago that I didn't fully repent off? Do we need to have services and form a line to confess everything we have repented of? Certainly people offend other people, and such are not sins, at least not sins that the social groups such people identify with will not defend as "not a sin".

[@estherstrategicadvisor749]

​@@whimpypatrol5503 Read the article. There is ENOUGH INFO to know he has LIED about the incident for YEARS. That is a HUGE RED FLAG relative to REPENTANCE. By referring to this CHILD as a young lady, by the LAWYERS and his WIFE BLAMING HER as one who seduced him so should take part of the BLAME😮, those are INDICATORS his DELIVERANCE is INCOMPLETE. 🔹️ NOW we know WHY he never said ANYTHING about Trump's deviant behaviors.

[@NotEasyButSimple]

The lady who wrote that post about not blaming Morris because some 12 year old can be beautiful... she needs to be investigated!!

[@marynoonan6111]

There are some very sick individuals out there hey?! I agree, someone should look into her.

[@kathrynlayfield9599]

BACK OFF, MISS HOLIER THAN THOU! YOU MAY HAVE TO CONFESS ONE DAY!

[@NotEasyButSimple]

@@kathrynlayfield9599 😶...?

[@JuniperLynn789]

God is cleaning OUT! 🧹

[@tornay131]

Decades later?

[@4GSLmusic]

@@tornay131it seems that way…. But God’s wrath and justice toward evil perverts will be had. More than what any earthly court could do. I am glad this woman came forward.

[@tornay131]

@@4GSLmusic she could've used help when it mattered. Now she gets to live with it. Everyday.

[@DuvAngel1]

Yeah I’ve been asking God about that like why is it that men get away with so much evil, and if a woman even gives a look on her face she’s called a whore.

[@Deanna_mechael]

@@4GSLmusicHe asked God to forgive him long ago. He will be in heaven. You don’t like do you?

[@simply_miki]

This is what separates Allie from so many other popular podcasters…the Word of God. I loved how she read and expounded upon the Scriptures in the end. To that I say Amen! ❤️

[@jenairothnie8796]

And yet she's A-OK with MacArthur shaming and excommunicating Eileen Gray for keeping a protective order against her husband for his confessed physical abuse which the church knew about. The church wanted her to immediately lift the protective order even if it meant his abuse would continue and she could model 'suffering for Jesus' for the kids. And Allie thinks MacArthur is in the clear, despite never repenting or reconciling (the church even raised funds for his legal defense) even when the man was later found guilty in a court of law not just of the physical abuse, but child sexual abuse as well! (And MacArthur and his church *still* supported David and his prison ministry after that!) If she gives a leader a pass for not repenting if she's a fan, it doesn't mean much when she stands firm in an "obvious" case where the leader resigned. 🤷‍♀🤷‍♀🤷‍♀

[@gj5990]

😢. They usually don’t just have one victim. The average is 9 victims. False teachers can’t say they’ve truly repented of anything. They are still in their bondage.

[@Laura-Dawn]

Qualified to speak on this topic. I was a victim at age 5 years old by a Vietnam vet at our home where my parents hosted a party for him. The vet showed his gratitude by inappropriately touching me. Then, I was raped at age 17 and FORCED to "get rid of" the end result. My dad did NOT protect me as he was/is an atheist, MISOGYNISTIC, NARCISSIST. I was still an intact teenager who sought my Heavenly Father and Savior from a very young age. But, history repeated itself with men in all my 61 years of life. No, I do not instigate, nor does any innocent person little girl filled with life that men misinterpret. I have a daughter and 6-year old grand-daughter, God help the man if that baby is ever hurt like this! So I can speak with some authority here. For years I've been a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate in TX & CA. And happen to LOVE the LORD God with all my being! A serious student of the Word 25 + years. GW church is 15 mins from me. The man is guilty of SEXUAL CHILD ABUSE! (as he admitted), but called her a "young lady." She was a child, not even a teenager. He is an adulterer ... he was married, a father, and he admits to an affair, BUT ONLY when accused. Then, like Adam, he tried to BLAME her! (Genesis 3:12). Who was the adult fully aware of sex based on age alone? (Ephesians 6:11-12)! He has NO RIGHT to be in the lead of anything that has to do with the Word of God ... but, he's in millions of homes trying to teach the Word. 35 years ago matters MUCH! My 1st abuser was 55 years ago, it still effects me, and I'm angry about this! And yet he had this little DARK SECRET that he told at 21 years old, a 12-year-old girl, again, she's not even a teenager, she's a little girl, "Don't tell anyone or it'll ruin everything." Well, that says he knew he was making a morally wrong choice; a choice that would land him in prison because it's ILLEGAL TO ABUSE ANYONE, especially a child, and he was taught the Bible so he knew/knows how God feels about sexual abuse! He was a guest in a home, but he "repaid good with evil." (Proverbs 17:13). That God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, not only wrote about it IMMORALITY and EVIL in the Genesis account, hence He wiped off mankind from the earth except Noah (Genesis 6), but thru Moses, a Holy God had to speak extensively on how men are NOT to touch little girls and women in the book of (Leviticus 18 +). He scarred her for the rest of her life and he tried to hide it as he counseled and married people, and buried people, and taught in between, of the Lord Jesus Christ / Yahushua the Messiah. He has NO RIGHT to be standing at the pulpit and he knows it, thus he stepped down. It is written, "There is there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, nothing secret that will not be made known." (Luke 8:17). If this man had the fear of the Lord in him that verse would terrify him knowing he had his dark dirty secret he tried to pay off with hush money for $25,000 - an insulting amount, as if that would cover the damage he did to a woman from the age of 12 to now, 54 years old. He needs to be charged and arrested for child molestation / child sexual abuse and rape. And that categorizes him as a pedophile and a rapist as well as the fact he admits he is an adulterer. His moral code is obviously off course and justice MUST to be served. (Micha 6:8). As he's going to stand before a Holy God, whom he preaches on every week and give an account of his life, and why he CHOSE to DECEIVE people as he asked for their money, and apparent utter lack of the fear of the LORD and did NOT BELIEVE that He is All Knowing, All Seeing, All Hearing, Almighty God. (Jeremiah 16:17). (Psalm 139:1-6), (1 Corinthians 6:18), he's a "whitewashed tomb." (Matthew 23:25-28, 33). This is why I don't attend church. Most leaders are hypocrites! I could discern a few, a very small few in my years, to teach beyond bullets to fit in 50 minutes. I prefer depth. But he certainly proved we're in the last days. Just like "the days of Noah" [evil, violence, abuse, marrying, engagement, ignoring God's signs] as seen all over the megas lately. (Matthew 24:37-39). They turned themselves into IDOLS that are applauded for walking on stages; dressed down, lacking reverence! No humility. "LOVERS OF SELF" (1 Timothy 3:1-5). Their all about stadiums. Feel good messages, "itching ears." How many books they've NOT written, someone else was a ghostwriter for him and the like. I've published a book, it takes much time to write. Pastors joking of golf courses, and getting injections in faces. This licensed esthetician can recognize it when I see it. Also, licensed in massage therapist, owned 2 spas before anyone else. Instant hit. That was stated as this is a pride / status thing and greed. Pastors let their "mega" go to their head and have a sense of "ENTITLEMENT." Status mean 0 to me. The level of TRUST between my clients and myself was huge; there was only a sheet between us. We're all the same under our skin. People paid me for peace. My clients came from all over the D/FW area. One must drop pride when blessed with a servant's heart massaging the feet of others, or popping teens with ache who are picked on by a BULLY! Such as you GW's ex-pastor! Everything I said is truth. I am not a judge, this is a call for DISCERNMENT. I've been on the receiving end of man; some like this one, who take advantage of little girls and women despite their marital status and their age. It's called ABUSE and OPPRESSION! If one holds a high title and position preaching, it is written, "An OVERSEER [aka or ELDER or PREACHER] is to be ABOVE REPROACH." (1 Timothy 3:2). Lest one goes AGAINST the Word of God. I wouldn't want to be responsible for misleading a single person; esp a child, away from Christ. "Be better if a millstone were hung around his neck." (Matthew 18:6). Most church's don't even keep the Sabbath as it's written to do. But only give God an hour on the first day of the week as the Roman Catholic Church ordered. (Exodus 16:28-30, 20:8). "When the Son of Man comes will He find any with faith?" (Matthew 18:8). At 60 ... 60-years old ... my ex-narcissistic, abusive husband of 6 years, was told by an elder, "I'm having lustful thoughts of your wife." (Me). The man was smart to move out of town with his wife; my ex is a former combat vet with an anger problem and jealous streak. I quit the church. I believe every word of her testimony. I lived it. ABUSERS DO NOT CHANGE! It's only by God's grace I'm still alive due to sexual, physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, mental abuse ... perhaps ... "For such a time as this." (Esther 4:14). Based on that clip at 40 or so minutes of him saying, "the kind of women in his church I "looked for" ... THAT is a PREDATOR. (John 10:10). This rape victim knows that attitude, that arrogance, that stalking behavior VERY well ... sadly. "... Unless you all REPENT, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5) For those who defend the abuser, it is written... "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil." (Isaiah 5:20) ".. A man of a violence, the LORD hates with all His soul." (Psalm 11:5) & (55:20, 21). "Behold, I AM coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to repay each according to his deeds." (Revelation 22:12, 15; 21:8).

[@victoriarotter]

🙏🏻🕊💙

[@rhondahart2416]

Sorry this happened to you honey

[@Laura-Dawn]

@rhondahart2416 Thank you. I'm quite familiar with long suffering for sure. But I stand on (Romans 8:28), "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called." And I really feel I am called. I've been doing it with my clients in my spas; ministering to them, unaware it was ministry. I had once a month free services to abused women; so that's been my heart all of my life really, and it's very rewarding to be a voice for the oppressed that are in a very fearful place. 1 in 3 women are abused. So my anger (and we're allowed to be angry) "righteous indignation" is the result of what I see and hear after living it. He needs to be jailed. He's not above the law. Lot of passion in all of this on this subject for sure! Thank you for your kind words and empathy ... they were well-received. A big hug back to you. ⚘️🫂💥

[@Laura-Dawn]

@@rhondahart2416 Do you need help?

[@FemiNelson-sb1em]

Bless you for all you've gone through. We pray that you continue receiving faith based psychotherapy. Its so important to remain focused & TRY not allow the enemy to decieve you into anger & frustration. Bless you again for surviving the years of abuse you sadly endured. Peace be with us all 🙏. "Isa"

[@DrMamaHart]

The church at large need to REPENT of all sins and especially sexually sin.

[@NeanderthalWoman-ou8ev]

The people who do the sins are the ones who need to repent.

[@Nottoooldmama]

Oh my gosh! Not the first time a Church has blamed child for being flirtatious!! What!! Are you kidding me.

[@daelowe5680]

Yes, that is an absolutely sick and detestable accusation. Anyone accuses a child of that should be ashamed of themselves.

[@MrGuitarman8000]

Horrible beyond horrible to blame a child

[@MrsBarhelm]

It's the most absurd and angering thing. Grown men steeped in pornography addiction projecting their fantasies on onto young innocent children who have absolutely no idea. I don't know what's worse, that or wives being convinced by their perverted husband that a little girl could somehow be at fault.

[@marylandgirl9246]

It's a really stupid lie and excuse. Cause even if it was true, he's still the adult and 100% responsible for his own actions. Trying to blame his choices on a 12 year old is pathetic. 100% not qualified for ministry. He should've gone to prison.

[@FromDrea]

I was a pastors wife for 15yrs from 19yrs old until my 30s and I have experienced so many hurtful corrupt experiences that as a 40yr old and now no longer in ministry because of our choice not to serve any more after the last horrible experience, I can’t even walk into church today without anti anxiety meds. It’s extremely hard for me…. I have very little faith in the church any more :( but love Jesus and want my boys to hear his word / so we go - mostly my husband takes them - but it is hard for me. Sadly there is not proper accountability within the church even large ones. We served at one church with around 1,500 and it was unbelievable what the staff was willing to overlook just to save their jobs.

[@flowergirl-pp7vz]

I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. I wonder if small churches would be better? Maybe that’s a stupid question. What is the answer? I’m Catholic, and I kind of go to Mass and then go home. There are definitely “weeds” mixed in with the wheat! At the same time, I do get a great deal out of Mass. … Paul in the New Testament says not to forsake the gathering together, as some do. Thank you for sharing. 💔

[@megan7792]

May I suggest you look into the Catholic Church. Do some honest research with as little bias as possible. I have a lot of church trauma and going home to the Catholic Church has been life changing.

[@Momofukudoodoowindu]

@@megan7792 Ugh.

[@RUAChristian]

Sorry you’ve had such difficult experiences in church. For context, I’ve been in church for the past 50 years, about 30 of those as a pastor, and though some I had to deal with some early experiences of heavy-handed leadership and controlling authority, I have always loved the church (the people - Jesus’ bride) and enjoy worshiping together every Sunday.

[@eurekahope5310]

I am very sorry for your experience! Being a pastor's wife can be isolating and difficult. Please do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together. We have friends who attend a home church with about 10 families. Our small/medium church only has four paid staff (two part-time, two full). None makes enough to hide a crime to keep their jobs. I do hope you find a church family to practice the "one anothers" again.

[@doloressanchez9335]

Wolves in sheep’s clothing 😡, God is exposing all of them. Prayers for the victims and their families 🙏🏼.

[@kimkretzsinger5670]

Prayer for all involved 🙏🙏 So heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹

[@amypositan2111]

As a member of Gateway I am heartbroken over what has happened and am praying for our church.

[@Artcore103]

imo you are deeply asleep if you think you're a serious Christian and attend a mega church like this, this is not christianity. wake up.

[@buggabuggaboy]

Keep sending them your money!

[@racquelhudson7243]

Yes, I attend a church in Plano but have airways thought highly of Pastor Morris. The entire situation is heart breaking and I'm praying for the local body at GW and the Body of Christ as a whole.

[@bjt5080]

Praying for you too. Social media and msm do not help the situation. I would hate to have dealt with sin, be publicly highlighted decades later. If the accusations are completely true, it was a horrible thing. But I also have to question why a Christian victim would think they are handling this right by telling a reporter. I have huge questions with that. Something is not right here with this story. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Whether it’s a little girl’s life or a ministry that has positively influenced millions to Christ. My job as a Christian influencer would not be to help the devil out with that destruction. There are incredible Christian’s doing great kingdom work out of that church. There is good fruit. This show will have launched another big destructive bomb that will have damaged parts of the congregation. If there are weaker believers there, how will this episode have drawn them towards Christ? We just can’t go public with an opinion as an observing, from a very big distance, party. The devil is trying to take down ministries that are effective. GW is large because it was and is a fantastic church. The Bible is being taught. They don’t act religious but deny the power of God. And they don’t just rely on signs and wonders and not know scripture. I have always appreciated that Pastor Robert knew his theology and Word and expected Jesus to be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He expected the power of God and the Word to still be relevant today. I’m praying for GW and believers around the world. I’m praying for the Morris’s. And I’m praying for the victim and specifically to why she chose to bring this up the way she did. And I’m praying for Allie - for wisdom and discernment as to when and why she exposes and adds further harm to the sins of others. Maybe we could highlight hers one day. But that would actually be cruel. Even if they were true.

[@krazylila]

Praying for your church!

[@mnieder5300]

A certain pastor who fell in public disgrace was asked when he quit loving Jesus, to which he answered, "I never stopped loving Jesus, i just quit fearing God." I find it amazing Morris's second chance at life after his near death experience in 2018 did not have him rectifying this in his life. I am seeing the wheat and chaff being shaken and it makes me more aware of how I live daily. The sheer fact that he continued on as everything was still ok freaks me out as he was the pastor who led others. My take: not everyone who gets a second chance gets a second chance, he should of taken it while he could. I'm deeply saddened by what is being allowed to come to light for all to see, but with a greater appreciation of what The Word says sbout our daily walk and how we should live.

[@lancethefilmguy9392]

How do we know this is true?

[@mnieder5300]

@@lancethefilmguy9392 Know what is true?

[@amandataylor4085]

This was so encouraging to me, especially the verses you shared at the end. God bless you in your ministry! ❤

[@vicwei4302]

Why now! As a 68 year old due to severe emotional distress, I was forced to face all the secrets tucked deep away in my soul. I was sexually abused by my drunken father at age 5. He committed suicide shortly after and I NEVER told anyone until my life feel apart at age 68 due to an accumulation of lifetime abuses. I am still in counseling and well on the road to healing. NO ONE CAN UNDERSTAND UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS! My counselor is a wonderful woman of God, who, herself is healed from a similar background.

[@squeeks40]

I'm so sorry that this happened to you. Glad that you are on the road to healing. I've been lately meditating on the words "by His stripes we are healed," and trying to understand more of the implications and truth in that. Peace to you.

[@christineolexa5116]

This man should be in jail.

[@annchovey2089]

My understanding is the statute of limitations in Texas for something like this never expires but I don’t know if this happened in Texas.

[@robertfox5596]

@@annchovey2089 he is hoping.

[@garylewis4938]

@@annchovey2089 Texas statue of limitations has long past. Currently it is 15 years after the person's 18th birthday, which is double what it was 35 years ago.

[@annchovey2089]

@@garylewis4938 I relooked it up and there are s.o.l. that don’t expire and sexual acts with minors is one of them.

[@garylewis4938]

If there are no statute of limitations, then why has he not been charged and arrested? What I stated I saw as clear as day.

[@VP-bx2jj]

You're such a blessing, Allie! You handled this topic with strength yet grace. Velvet-covered steel.

[@barbhynek218]

The Bible says that judgement begins in the house of God. It seems we are seeing this right now. God have mercy on us. Cleanse your beloved church from all sin and unrighteousness.😢😭

[@joannafoster3423]

It is important to remember that for every one pastor that falls, there are dozens more walking in righteousness and doing the work.

[@tornay131]

And it's easy to say that when it's not your child. Or when it doesn't happen to you or someone you care about.

[@ritabrandow1318]

Amen we must not forget that 😮😮😮

[@tornay131]

Pain is easy to talk about when it's not yours.

[@ritabrandow1318]

@@tornay131 so true I had people yell me to just get over it. I was only 5 when it started. But it totally mess up my life I didn't know how to set my boundaries. It was only because of Jesus I was healed and stilling being healed. I didn't think I was worth anything. I couldn't get rid of the nightmares. I thought it was my fault and some people said it was. I was only 5

[@GinnyNorton-r6d]

So sorry that happened to you - when you are 5 it is the adult who is responsible for setting boundaries not the child. You were and are precious.

[@charryrogers7609]

Repentance would have been turning your ownself into the police.

[@susantaylor4617]

Too many people are eager to quote the “judge not” part of His statement as a blanket prohibition on all evaluation, criticism, or confrontation. Seldom is the entire context of Christ’s words taken into account. “Judge not” doesn’t mean judge nothing. Actions are among the few things that can be judged. Evil should be called evil. Sin must be identified as sin. Good actions can be judged as good. We should want these matters pointed out in our lives and may need to graciously point them out in the lives of others. But judgment must be guarded wisely and with the gift of discernment. Authentic Christ-followers learn when and how to judge. Here are some matters we shouldn’t judge: 1) Don’t judge motives. We don’t know why people do what they do. God alone knows the intentions of our hearts and can respond as only He can. When we presume to grasp motives, we are stepping dangerously into His area of responsibility. 2) Don’t judge appearance. The color of a person’s skin, their clothes, their possessions, and environmental factors are not a basis for judgment. Appearance-based verdicts are notoriously off the mark because they ignore the person-someone God loves. 3) Don’t judge harshly. When we do have to make a judgment call, we must season it with grace, as we know we would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. The Lord’s words as a whole caution us to always consider how we want to be judged and measured before we apply our standards to anyone else. Exempting ourselves from the standards by which we measure others is blatant hypocrisy. His summary teaching was, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus used the “speck in the eye” example in Matthew 7:3 to make the point that we choose to be authentic by judging ourselves. Too often we deflect or avoid significant problems of our own by pointing out the shortcomings of others. The Lord was clear: first we must deal with our own issues honestly before Him. Only then can we rightly reflect His truth and grace when we speak to others about issues in their lives. The world does take notice when followers of Jesus act authentically. Our generation needs to see real Christ-followers as badly as any other time in history. But the world has little patience with people who claim to be Christians but act in hypocritical ways. Ask the Lord to banish any tendency to hold others to a different standard than you hold yourself. Ask for a clearer perspective on your own shortfalls. And seek His help and power to become one of those in this generation who are authentically His.

[@Breatheintomeandmakemereal]

The only thing I disagree on is judging motives. If we are praying, paying attention and letting God speak, He will absolutely help us and reveal someone’s motives. The problem is, it’s being revealed that churches haven’t prayed over Leadership in decades. You can’t just pray and then speak for God. You have to wait, be still and listen. They “hire” people whom they like.

[@SamuelBenjamin477]

He needs to be held accountable.

[@DistinctiveThinking]

It is completely unacceptable for any pastor to not give account of his sin against any one. The fact Tony Evans refuses to state the truth to the millions who have supported him, or been an actual part of his church proves his pride is still controlling his behavior and not repentance. Confession requires telling the truth, the whole truth. It seems these men are dropping like flies! Thank God!

[@melindamercier6811]

Sick, just absolutely SICK that churches allow this to happen!!! It’s my opinion that every single person who knew and kept this pastor in leadership rather than reporting to authorities should be jailed. Thank the Lord for His sovereign judgement and justice and restoration where humanity fails us. That poor girl!

[@ritabrandow1318]

Agree 100 percent

[@lancethefilmguy9392]

Do you really believe this?

[@luv2travel2000]

Any kind of abuse to a minor a Pastor needs to be removed from his postion of power and NEVER be allowed into the ministry again. Children and vunerable people need to be protected. SHAME ON THE PASTORS WHO ALLOWED THIS MAN TO CONTINUE AS A PASTOR. SHAME ON YOU!!!

[@eloiza2535]

Let them be exposed! Too many leaders are taking advantage of their positions. Victims voices matter.

[@giovannanapolitano817]

How sad... Seems like God is starting to divide wheat from the chaff....Prayers for the Body Of Christ....We need repentance and be watchful😭🤮🙏🙏🙏

[@ken33tg]

God has been at it from day one, right

[@shanenoel1270]

Whatever has been done in the dark is coming to light....over and over again.

[@Atrarian]

This was 40 years ago. Obviously it’s horrible. But this had already been addressed. Is there no forgiveness for something repented of 35-40 years ago?

[@timchambers9775]

Prison time

[@nildameers3772]

It's a lack of the fear of God by too many

[@silvergoddess3362]

Stepping Down, Stepping Down 🤬🤬🤬How about prison for this creep 🤮🤮🤮

[@joshuadriscoll9671]

Can't agree with Allie more. It's so sad to see churches failing to report crimes to the police and thinking that they can handle these things "in house". As an SBC pastor, I am thankful to see the SBC taking steps to help churches to do the right thing in these situations.

[@jaord530]

Unfortunately the machine that is the SBC has dragged their feet and prioritized finance over follow through again and again. Creating and earnestly maintaining the registry they said they would that prevents pastors and leaders of smaller churches from hopping around and adding to their victim list would be a great start.

[@azzialearnold856]

N mNM​@@jaord530

[@lubbock59]

It will only progress when SBC leadership sets aside the idolatry of thinking it must protect God or the church. God does not need the SBC leadership's protection. The Church belongs to God, not the SBC (or any other entity, denomination, council, etc.). The Church and its witness get hammered, and unbelievers are further reinforced in their negative views of the Church when this leadership nonsense occurs! The SBC will convince victims, its membership, and unbelievers to believe it is credible when it immediately reports pedophiles and others guilty of sexual assault to law enforcement authorities - letting authorities AND God choose to determine what the outcomes will be. The consequences may be handled unfairly in some cases. Yes, they might. Guess what? If I/we are concerned about the fairness of the potential consequences, I/we demonstrate that I/we have not genuinely repented. Rather, I/we are still trying to minimize sinful, selfish choices. I am not sorry. I do not want healing and wholeness yet. I want the consequences to be mitigated! My opinion. No. The counsel of God in His Word and of godly, wise, humble men in my own life following infidelity. They said hard things to me. They accepted no excuses. They said we cannot make you change. Your marriage may die because of your choices. God will allow that. However, if you will submit yourself to Him with no conditions, He can begin to change you. I have lived to see the truth of God's love as they said I would. However, it was ONLY after I dropped the crap and quit looking for ways to diminish the pain I had caused by my choices. That is what I could own. MY CHOICES. The law has a phrase, "but for," as with me, or in here, but Morris' choices, all the secrets and now butt-covering crap would be completely unnecessary! STOP. Those who were and are complicit in this covering-up stop! Accept and confess your being complicit. Begin, with no strings attached to pray the final verses of Psalms 139 and mean them. Yes. Yes. Yes. They are scary. Why? Because God has shown me and will show you, He will test my/your heart and continue to show me each dark place there - with great clarity. Praise God for those revelations of areas I still must submit to Him. Could we please stop with the nonsense about forgiveness? YES. YES. YES. Forgiveness is biblical. Yes. Yes. Yes. I/we are to forgive. Yes. Yes. Yes. God forgives. However, genuine repentance is demonstrated in heart and action. Repentance first begins in me/we if I/we are the offender, being willing to accept whatever consequences occur as a result of my sinful, selfish choices - period. If others choose to forgive me they do. If they do not, I do not spend ONE SECOND lecturing or churching up critical theological notions such as forgiveness - to divert attention from what I have done. Talk about walking in purity and accountability is false when an individual and those covering up his sin-which his heart and conduct right now suggest he has little genuine remorse for-have kept this type of sin, not a mistake, not a moral failure, a sin for three or more decades, leaving the victim and those who love her to live with the damage. Please, let's set aside the questions about why the victim came out years later. Also, let's step back from the stupidity of asserting the victim she flirtatious. Are we/they nuts? She was twelve! To take even the silliest route. What if she was flirtatious? She was twelve and he was in his 20. That anything happened says something about him and his enablers not her. How did HE respond? He was dealing with a preteen. How HE responded was HIS choice. Finally, the minimizing and excuse-making because he did not have sexual intercourse is insanity. This was both pedophilia and adultery. Please don't take my word for it. Consider Jesus' comments about lust and adultery in Matthew. This was easily within that definition. As young adults say, this was, and in many ways continues to be an epic fall! Mr. Morris, please, I hope you find in some obscure place a community of godly, wise, humble men who will walk with you by helping you see the exact nature of your wrongs, and the freedom in Christ that setting aside these self-serving, self-deceiving excuses about the past. Some will forgive you. Some will not. God will account for both. Accept those who forgive and love those who don't. YOU put yourself in this spot. Leaders then and now, take this and any situations like this you encounter seriously. Let God protect Himself. He is more than capable. Let God protect His church. Elders, Boards, denominations, councils, popes, and attorneys they are are incapable of doing so - and we keep proving it over and over and over. Thanks, Allie and others for calling this out this and other situations like it for what they are.

[@juliastyles6223]

We have to walk closely with God in honesty and confess evil.

[@joshuadriscoll9671]

@@jaord530 Ultimately I believe the responsibility lies at the local church level and I blame the individual churches for not reporting these types of abuse to the authorities. If they did that, then these pastors wouldn’t be able to bounce around. I think it’s crazy to expect the SBC to patrol that when it only exists 2 days of the year. Personally, I’m thankful for any effort and help that they give to our autonomous churches.

[@emiliesophietafong838]

The boldness to abuse somebody’s child who opened wide their house to you under their own house. What a disgusting man , and his wife….

[@richardaguirre3719]

I've seen this exact story play out before at a smaller church with different characters. The exact same excuses were given and it was implied for no one to say anything. I've always questioned whether I made the right choice by saying nothing. Hindsight is always 20/20 and if I could go back I would have contacted authorities. Us as the body of Christ cannot let these sheep in wolf's clothing go unchecked in the church.

[@celebratecreatingwithkathr9353]

How can one truly repent of something they won't own? If he denies the truth, he hasn't repented and where is the restitution to the victim and family?

[@Loveyamuch1996]

I hope he goes to jail. That is a CRIME. Unacceptable and shocked over how this was dealt with it :(

[@FriendlyEvangelist]

It is. A total crime. He even admits to it. He needs to face consequences.

[@lancethefilmguy9392]

​@@FriendlyEvangelistWho determines consequences

[@alyssagraham202]

The law definitely should have been involved. I went to a church where someone in a leadership role was only texting sexually inappropriate things with a minor and he was held to the law by the church. That is how it should be.

[@michelleretan]

Ali thankyou for covering this story. You covered it very WELL when you said Pastor's are not above reproach.

[@rosemarietolentino3218]

Ecclesiastes 8:11-13. If a evil is not swiftly punished there feet will rush back into evil.

[@luv2travel2000]

👏👏👏Thank you Allie Beth. This is a CRIME and needed to be reported to the police.

[@bnato8209]

You don't blame the victim when you are truly repentant. Her Father failed her, Church leaders failed her, including elders. Just sickening. Also, there is no state statue of limitation on child rape in TX. Going to prison as a child molester and a pastor would be a death sentence.

[@kellydougherty83]

We should always seek and pray for all truth to be revealed!!! 🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻

[@racheljane_]

This is horrendous and completely inexcusable.

[@RandomStuff-i4i]

Just like abortion

[@whoohoo7]

​@@RandomStuff-i4iYou can't compare this with an abortion... Geeze!

[@makeitcount179]

"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

[@jaymkz3225]

What does this verse have to do with anything?

[@makeitcount179]

@@jaymkz3225 um, everything.

[@vigil4Jesus]

Regarding the 35years too late comments: I have faced near abuse situations from well liked relatives when I was a minor around 30years ago. It was only very recently that I was able to open up about it to my loving supporting sister and that too incompletely. Why? multiple factors like self blame, fear, confusion, lack of knowledge, family background and upbringing, false responsibility to others, misplaced love, feelings of failure, trauma responses including mental health issues....AND the false understanding of forgiveness among Christians. Dear brothers and sisters, let's pray for these women who are coming forward. The Lord is cleaning His Church.

[@christopherarocha92]

When I was saved and gave my life to Jesus Christ I started going to that church for 2 years….. long story short I read The Bible for myself and knew something didn’t add up in their teaching 💯 left and stuck to a small group who just takes The Word at what it says! READ THE WORD FOR YOURSELF DONT LET MAN OR CULTURE LEAD YOUR INTERPRETATION INTO ERROR.

[@rrook9465]

My brother and his wife along with 2 other Gateway Church members were invited out to lunch with Robert Morris. He told them about church projects they were planning and hit them up for money. Money is what churches are about these days.

[@pamelalanno315]

The few times I saw him on TV I was turned off by his inordinate preaching on money.

[@NeanderthalWoman-ou8ev]

Everything about your comment is 👍 until the general statement at the end.

[@jpntributes5456]

Very well said… your take and interpretation on this subject is biblically spot on! The LORD bless you.

[@JimmyTBall]

Allie, not detailing every aspect of something is not a lie of any type. 29:55-30:15. It's clear there is bias and as a first amendment right to freedom of speech you can choose to say your opinion. My question is: If this happened 40 years ago, ALL parties involved (from parents, pastors, church leadership, wife, etc.) chose the course of action they chose then, what can be done about this now? At what point does Pastor Morris get to move on from that season? He was terminated from the church, spent 2 years working through this, was forth coming and didn't hide anything with those involved including his wife, the parents didn't pursue legal action, and life unfolded as it did for the next 40 years. Gateway had absolutely nothing to do with this. It was 15 + years prior to Gateway opening. Are the parents also accountable for not stepping in at 12 years old and taking further action (as they should have) then? What could be done now to further right this wrong?

[@kimthomas6708]

A pastor directed her to this publication. Obviously this pastor knew it would be game over once she told her story to this publication.

[@pinkrubix]

Not being fully honest about what he's done, using distancing and deceptive language when he talks about this, and lying about the girl's father giving his blessing for him to return to ministry, proves all by itself that he has not truly repented and he has not taken responsibility or accountability for the heinous things he did.

[@marylandgirl9246]

Also writing a book where he lies about taking a break from ministry to deal with his pride. How God orchestrated circumstances to allow him to temporarily leave ministry. Just straight up lying to everyone about the whole thing.

[@pinkrubix]

@@marylandgirl9246 Exactly. These are not signs of repentance.

[@Ashley6]

He never should have been a leader after that happened. It’s common sense. Disappointed!! We need to be above reproach and of course anyone who hates the church is seeming to love this. 😢

[@liannemarie2504]

Absolutely! That's why I don't believe he was repentant at all. He just tried to sweep it under the rug and move on like it didn't happen. Like he wasn't trying to have an affair with a child for 4 years.

[@lancethefilmguy9392]

​@@liannemarie2504Do we know if it's true

[@liannemarie2504]

@@lancethefilmguy9392 well, in the 2005 lawsuit where she sued him, his lawyers defense was that the relationship happened, their words, because she came on to him. So it's pretty hard to say that it didn't happen when even his lawyers are saying that it did

[@tamimoncrief2264]

A sabbatical?!? You mean ehat he does EVERY YEAR. He takes a 3 month sabbatical every year. Facts. He needs to not be allowed in a pulpit again.

[@123Annie]

This is a crime. Sin & moral failure, yes, but it's still a crime. Disgusting what this pastor got away with all those years.

[@deannanorby2131]

If he asked her for an NDA, I wonder how many others he has bribed to sign. Abusers rarely have 1 victim in their lifetime.

[@perrineobannon6165]

All of the money from the rest of his book sales should go to sexual abuse victims, and he should go to jail!

[@OnRoadsLessTraveled]

Imho all the offerings that the church received during those years should go to her.

[@lancethefilmguy9392]

🙄🙄

[@4newnewsiversen770]

Robert Morris is 62, almost 63. What in the world took so long, 40 years, to give this girl justice? Something isn't right!

[@erikawoods8975]

I was abused as a child and never said anything because it never occurred to me that other people were been hurt too. When I learned there had been many other victims I decided at 37 to press criminal charges. This was in MX. The case when no where but my hope is that a younger victim speaks up there will be a precedent and will be believed.

[@maxwellman8233]

More than one person in this whole thing needs to be in jail. I'm praying if there are more he did this to that they too would come forward.🙏

[@kimdavid4406]

As a 70 year old I can't believe how many Christian leaders I have watched fall to sexual misdeeds. 😢

[@tinifer]

I am 100% on the side of the victim here even though I was a member of Gateway Church for 8 years and I feel as though I am in a very surreal moment. PRM sermons and the church got me through some very difficult times in my life. Being a person who went through sexual abuse under a prominent church member, who was forced to move states to escape prosecution, I feel so many conflicted emotions. I am very rarely an angry person, but this is bringing up a great deal of what I hope is righteous anger. I hope that this was the totality of his egregious sin, however listening to his "impromptu" sermon at the latest Gateway Marriage Conference, along with a sermon I recall as being titled room 12 from years ago (how bizarre now) my gut is turning. If I am correct, I hope for him the same as I hoped for my own abuser, (which he did not) that he will come completely clean so that when his time comes to leave this life, he leaves it with a clear conscience. I am even more disgusted with those who covered this up, again a personal affliction, as was the case with my own abuse. People who are using the scripture of "not judging" are so scripturally far off that it makes my mind spin.

[@Billpeterson4785]

These mega pastors are all weirdos…you can tell just looking at their facial expressions. These tax free corporations always protect their own.

[@jkmsaturn]

These ‘pastors’ have a certain amount of charisma, and are highly persuasive, for better or worse.

[@eddiearmendariz9755]

That is not true. Not all megachurch leaders are perverts

[@flograce8210]

He raped a child! The victims are affected forever!! The offender goes on with their lives. Sickening. He should have been stopped by the church immediately!!

[@Breatheintomeandmakemereal]

Before I say something, are you Pro-Life?

[@mcgtwarrior]

God is exposing those who need to be held accountable.

[@Libertygal74]

100% this should have been reported to law enforcement and he should have faced charges. And her own parents and church leadership are now complicit. Now, can there be forgiveness for this sin? Absolutely. But I don’t think he should ever have been allowed to be a pastor after this. I’m so sick of churches covering up crimes that should be handled by the authorities. Besides that, what did he do to show repentance toward the girl he hurt??

[@czstar]

Seems to me he already repented of this and I disagree that repentance means he needed to go to the police. Didn't see that in the Bible anywhere. He asked the victim, her family and God for forgiveness and then clearly says that God casts our sin as far as the east is from the west, and remembers it no more. I could see you were more reports of his actions with others, but so far there are not. Christians just Love to judge and are just enjoying way too much having the chance to denigrate him. I'm really just so sick of it! Thank God He has forgiven me for my past and pray that The Lord will cover Robert Morris through this as well as bring peace and healing to the victim.

[@barrycook8116]

This is tragic! For this lady to endure for her entire life. This happening to kids is terrible. I have two girls and I talk to them about this kind of stuff to keep them aware. As a Christian you first instinct is to crucify Robert Morris. What he did was terrible it’s a child. However, he is going to live with this the rest of his life. There is nothing man can do to him that will ever outweigh what he will face with God. He has a very long road ahead of him. I pray for this victim that she turns to God and keeps her faith through this all. I pray for Robert Morris that he repents and changes in his heart what he needs to change. For all those Christians that want to take his head off just remember that sin is sin. Gods wrath will be must worse. Only him and God will know if he is truly sorry. Just remember how bad we would condemn along David and what he did and also what Paul did when he killed and persecuted Christians. Sin is sin. To man some sin is worse but to God it’s all bad. Use discernment in your heart if you’re a Christian and pray for all. There are zero winners in this entire thing. We all have sinned and come short. Again this is TERRIBLE!!! Also, remember those in the world there are people that want to allow their own kids to get sex changes and give their kid hormones. For you to condemn this guy but agree with all this is just as bad. None of any of this is ok and we are to protect our kids at all cost. Bringing more awareness and educating your kids will help protect our kids even more.

[@dreamwavemermaid]

Amen this was beautifully stated God bless you!

[@nickolaus2016]

People, who are you, let them that is without sin cast the first stone. Forgiveness is the first thing that I can think about and restoration for anyone who lacks moral sense. Please pray for the Pastor and yourselves!

[@RationalistMH]

Pedophilia is a crime.

[@uofa82]

Where in the Bible does it talk about restoration of a fallen minister to their position of ministry?

[@cristen9350]

So glad we left Gateway years ago.

[@trishgoski4944]

I love what you do & these Pastors need to be held accountable. We also know of Pastors of conservative mega-churches whose feet need to be held to the fire, who need to publically ‘swear to their own hurt’, publically confess their sin & guilt, and step down from ministry. They are guilty covering up abuse of women and/or children in their congregation and, worse, backing up and even financially supporting the predator. I am not anti-Calvinism & not part of NAR or a mega-Church, but I do see where some Calvinists (not you, if you are Calvinist) need to stop pointing the finger outwards & need to start cleaning house.

[@tonimariebecker]

I attended that church when in the area more to listen to Kari Jobe leading worship. My initial impression of Morris is that his hair was stuck to his head like a helmet, which gave me the vibes of a greasy carnival barker, so I took everything he said with much eye-rolling. I do not require a human to deliver God's message to me, and I'm annoyed that most people do. This is a great lesson - one that has played out so many times in recent history that you'd think that people would stop being really gullible, but...they're still so dang gullible. Stop propping these creeps up. Problem solved.

[@harmonygordon6901]

Twelve ? That is a CHILD. Praying for the healing of the abused kid. Gateway Church 💔😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@MarkDouglass-dt9ky]

For centuries 12 year old girls married.

[@cpcrn7036]

@@MarkDouglass-dt9ky and??

[@robinross3183]

Question? Christmas? Where was his wife.. why were they not sharing a room?

[@melkadis]

Ive been thinking the same thing im not saying hes not guilty but i need to understand why was he not with his own family on Christmas day

[@squeeks40]

@@melkadis His family was living in her family's house. He was early 20s, with a baby or toddler. Supposedly, when the wife asked about him being in the room with Cindy, he said he was "counseling" her. Craziness!

[@Raschelle7]

I believe in forgiveness and I also believe he never should have been restored to a position where he was in authority over other women and/or young girls. He should have went to jail. My heart is with this young victim at the time. You should have been heard and cared for under the law and you were not. That was wrong. The fact that the church is still trying to spin the story disgusts me.

[@genemyersmyers6710]

Lock him up !

[@godistoogood4803]

Great Words Of Wisdom!! I'll be praying that Cindy gets justice! I'll be praying that Robert gets help and counseling while in his prison cell!! God will not be mocked and Judgement is on the way!! Everyone is getting hit!! God said judgement starts at the Church!! What you sow is what you reap Robert!!

[@melissapoole8580]

This absolutely makes me sick. I have no words.

[@desertshadow72]

horrified former member of Gateway here: he was one of my favorite pastors, I've lost all respect for him now. You have to think of it from the DADS perspective, he needs to donate all money earned from that book that mentions this period