Robert Morris, founding pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and former spiritual adviser to Donald Trump, has confessed to sexually assaulting a young girl in the 1980s. An Oklahoma woman accused Morris of abusing her from ages 12 to 16.

Admission and Reaction
Morris, in his early 20s during the abuse, confirmed the allegations to the Christian Post. He stated, “When I was in my early 20s, I was involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying.”

The victim, now in her 50s, was angered by being called a “young lady” and described the long-term impact of the abuse. Her family had threatened Morris with police action and considered legal action.

Church’s Awareness and Actions
Morris admitted that other churches, including Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie, were aware of his past but allowed him to continue after counseling. Shady Grove Church became a Gateway Church campus in 2013.

“In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented of,” Morris told the Christian Post. “I submitted myself to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the young lady’s father. They asked me to step out of ministry and receive counseling, which I did.”

Despite his admission, Morris remains a primary speaker at Gateway Church, with his son, James Morris, set to take over as senior pastor next year.

Legal and Church Response
Morris was never criminally charged, and the statute of limitations had expired by the time his accuser considered legal action. Gateway Church described the incident as a “35-year-old matter” that had been resolved, stating Morris underwent a two-year restoration process, including stepping out of ministry and receiving counseling.

Accuser’s Perspective
The victim stated that while she has forgiven Morris, she does not believe he should have returned to ministry.

Political Connections
Morris served on Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board during the 2016 presidential campaign. In a 2020 roundtable, Trump praised Morris and Gateway Church for their contributions.

Conclusion
Robert Morris’s confession highlights serious past misconduct and raises questions about accountability within religious institutions. The response from Gateway Church and the evangelical community will be closely watched.