Cindy Clemishire accused Robert Morris, the former founder and lead pastor of Gateway Church, of sexually abusing her when she was 12 years old. The alleged abuse began in 1982 and continued until 1987.
Clemishire has been a key figure in bringing these allegations to light. She declined a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in 2007 that would have prevented her from speaking about the alleged abuse. She later testified before a Texas House committee, advocating for a Bill to abolish NDAs (
Trey's Law) in cases involving sexual abuse and trafficking civil cases.
Clemishire and her father have filed a civil lawsuit against Morris, his wife, and the church, seeking over $1 million in damages, alleging that the defendants covered up the abuse and profited from it. A trial date has been set for June 15, 2026, in this civil case.
The controversy surrounding the allegations has led to Morris's resignation from Gateway Church and a criminal indictment in Oklahoma on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. The church has also faced internal investigations, removal of elders, and financial challenges in the wake of the scandal.
Clemishire has shared her story publicly, detailing the lasting impact the alleged abuse has had on her life, including challenges in relationships and her journey to accepting the label "sexual abuse" for her experience. She works as a Realtor and has used her experience to advocate for other survivors of sexual abuse.
