By Charles Switzer
2:54am PDT, Mar 14, 2025
Megachurch Pastor Indicted
Robert Morris, the influential Dallas-area megachurch pastor and former spiritual adviser to President
Donald Trump, has been indicted in Oklahoma on five counts of atrocious crimes.
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office announced the indictment on the evening of Wednesday, March 12, revealing that the charges stem from alleged abuse dating back to the 1980s.
Morris, who founded Gateway Church — one of the largest megachurches in the U.S. — resigned last year after the accusations first surfaced. His indictment marks a dramatic downfall for a religious leader who once wielded significant influence in political and evangelical circles.
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Survivor Speaks Out After 43-Year Fight for Justice
Cindy Clemishire, the woman whose allegations led to Robert Morris' resignation and eventual indictment, expressed relief that justice may finally be served.
"After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child," she said in a statement. "Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable."
Clemishire initially came forward last year, sparking a wave of scrutiny not only on Morris but on the broader Dallas-area religious community, where several churches and pastors have faced allegations of sexual misconduct.
A Political Force in Evangelical Circles
Robert Morris' influence extended beyond the pulpit and into politics. He played a key role in conservative religious activism, serving as an advisor to Donald Trump's evangelical board during the 2016 campaign and helping promote Texas' controversial "Bathroom Bill" in 2017.
His church, Gateway, regularly displayed slates of Republican-backed candidates on its massive screens before elections, blurring the lines between religious leadership and political campaigning.
His style of activism has since been emulated by other churches, such as Mercy Culture Church in Fort Worth, which has become a hub for local Republican organizing.
Calls for Reform and Accountability Grow Louder
In the wake of Robert Morris' indictment, state lawmakers and advocates are pushing for stronger legal protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Republican lawmakers like Rep. Jeff Leach of Dallas and Rep. Nate Schatzline of Fort Worth, who previously called for Morris' resignation, are now leading efforts to extend the civil statute of limitations for victims.
This would allow survivors like Cindy Clemishire to seek financial compensation for the long-term impact of their abuse. Advocates including Clemishire herself are expected to testify in support of these reforms as the legislative session progresses.
The Fallout for Morris and the Evangelical Movement
Robert Morris' legal troubles cast a shadow over the broader evangelical movement, particularly its deep ties to conservative politics. His indictment not only damages his own reputation but raises questions about the political influence of megachurch leaders and the accountability of religious institutions.
As the case unfolds, both his church and his former political allies may be forced to confront the consequences of his downfall. Meanwhile, Cindy Clemishire and other survivors continue their fight — not just for justice in the courtroom, but for systemic change to prevent future abuses within powerful religious institutions.
