Southlake, TX — A woman has accused Robert Morris, founder and senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, of sexually abusing her when she was a child. The allegations, dating back to the 1980s, were detailed in an interview with The Christian Post and confirmed to FOX 4.
The woman, now 54, claims the abuse began when she was 12 years old and continued for four years, starting in 1982. At the time, Morris was preaching at a local church in Oklahoma and was a guest at her family’s home.
In a statement to The Christian Post, Pastor Morris admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior,” describing it as “kissing and petting” without intercourse. However, the woman’s account suggests the abuse was more severe.
“Most survivors come forward between the ages of 50 and 70,” said Melanie Sakoda, a Survivors Support Coordinator with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). Sakoda emphasized the importance of reporting such allegations to law enforcement rather than internal church authorities.
The woman’s attorney provided a statement on her behalf, expressing her hope that other victims of sexual abuse will feel empowered to come forward.
“For decades, churches have ignored her disclosures while embracing, promoting, and endorsing this reported sexual offender as a man of God. She is encouraged that this darkness is finally finding light,” the statement reads.
Gateway Church, which has grown to include nine campuses in Texas, one in Wyoming, and another in Missouri, declined to comment further or provide additional statements. The church, founded in 2000, now sees approximately 100,000 worshipers attend its services every Sunday.
