Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church has resigned amid allegations of sexually abusing Cindy Clemishire as a child in the 1980s, prompting the church to initiate an independent review and express sympathy for the victim.

The allegations against Morris date back to his early 20s when he was a traveling preacher from 1982 to 1987. The alleged victim, Cindy Clemishire, has publicly accused Morris of abusing her starting at age 12 and criticized his previous characterization of the incidents as an extramarital affair. In response, Gateway Church's board of elders has expressed deep regret and has commissioned an independent investigation to uncover the full scope of the allegations. The case has drawn significant attention, partly due to Morris's influential role in evangelical circles and past involvement in political advisory positions.

According to Clemishire, the abuse began when she was only 12 years old and continued through 1987, totaling five years of alleged incidents. These allegations have been particularly damning, considering the level of responsibility and trust placed in Morris as a religious leader at the time.

Gateway Church's board of elders accepted Morris’s resignation and released a statement expressing their remorse and sympathy for Clemishire and her family. The church leadership emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability moving forward.

In an effort to ensure an unbiased investigation, Gateway Church has hired a law firm to conduct an independent review of the allegations against Morris. This review aims to gather all pertinent information and provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Before the allegations surfaced, Morris had described his actions as having an extramarital relationship with a 'young lady' during his early 20s. Crucially, he omitted the victim’s age and specific details regarding the nature of the abuse. Clemishire publicly criticized this characterization, challenging its accuracy and expressing doubts about Morris’s repentance.

When Clemishire publicly shared her allegations on a religious watchdog blog called The Wartburg Watch, the claims quickly gained traction. This exposure placed additional pressure on Gateway Church and its leadership to address the situation more directly.

Despite Clemishire's efforts to bring Morris to justice over the years, including attempting to file a lawsuit in 2005, substantial legal action had previously not been taken. Her persistence in raising awareness highlights the challenges that victims of abuse often face in seeking accountability.

In a revealing statement, the church elders admitted that they initially lacked complete information about Morris’s relationship with Clemishire, including her age at the time. This acknowledgment has stirred concern among the church's congregation and broader community regarding institutional oversight and protection mechanisms.

Morris's resignation and the surrounding allegations have undeniably impacted Gateway Church, which has grown into one of the largest megachurches in the United States, boasting over 100,000 attendees each weekend. The church must now navigate the fallout from these serious accusations while addressing the needs and concerns of its members.

Further complicating matters is Morris's notable political involvement, including his service on former President Donald Trump’s evangelical advisory board. This aspect of his career brought additional scrutiny and public interest to the case, given the significant platform and influence he held.

As the independent review proceeds, the church's actions and findings will be closely monitored by both the public and legal entities. The outcome of this investigation will likely carry widespread implications for Morris, the church, and the broader evangelical community.