An Oklahoma City woman has spoken out about a traveling evangelist who visited her family’s church in Osage County over four decades ago. The preacher, along with his family, developed a close relationship with hers, even staying in their home. It was during this time, she asserts, that he began sexually abusing her in 1982, when she was just 12 years old.
On Monday, former pastor of a prominent Texas megachurch, Robert Preston Morris, 63, turned himself into Osage County authorities following an indictment accusing him of child sexual abuse. This development has reignited interest in the case and the long-standing accusations.
Cindy Clemishire, who has publicly accused Morris, told authorities that the abuse began during Christmas 1982 in her family’s home and persisted for four years. Now 55 years old, Clemishire has chosen to waive her anonymity to bring attention to her allegations. In a recent statement, she expressed relief that after nearly 43 years, Morris is finally facing legal consequences for his actions during her childhood.
Morris, who has not publicly responded to numerous messages seeking comment, is represented by attorney Mack Martin. Martin, speaking on his behalf, indicated that Morris intends to plead not guilty. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Morris admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior” involving a young woman when he was in his early 20s, but insisted it involved only kissing and petting, not intercourse.
The charges against Morris were filed last week by Oklahoma’s multi-county grand jury, which operates in secrecy and is guided by the state Attorney General’s Office. The grand jury has charged Morris with five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, each carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence. Notably, due to Morris not being an Oklahoma resident, the statute of limitations for prosecution does not apply.
Robert Morris was a key figure at Gateway Church, a large and influential megachurch in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Southlake, which he founded in 2000. Under his leadership, the church has grown to multiple locations and attracts a significant weekly congregation. Morris resigned last year following Clemishire’s allegations becoming public. He has also held a prominent role in evangelical circles, serving on former President Donald Trump’s advisory board and hosting Trump at Gateway Church for a 2020 discussion.
In response, Gateway Church released a statement expressing their prayers for Clemishire and others affected by the situation, endorsing the efforts of legal authorities in Oklahoma for holding abusers accountable. The statement underlined the church’s commitment to addressing the impacts of such allegations and supporting all those involved.
