You do the crime u should do the time.there are men in prison for what you done to a 12year old .I was raped as a child myself.Sir you belong in prison for your crime.yes God forgives but you reap what you sow.
Your definitely not a leader nor a preacher of the gospel. Knowing what the Bible says is important to do that and it's obvious your more activist than Bible believing Christian. You attack men of God (who have repented) and show no remorse for your own shortcomings apparently.
I had first-hand knowledge of our badly the Pentecostal church in Australia handled child sexual abuse This kind of cover up brings disgrace to the whole Pentecostal movement. My question is where is the discernment. Where are the anointed men and women of God who can call out such situations before the victims have to speak up. What are the gifts of the Spirit for. Judgement is beginning at the House of God
@@SpontaneousOracle You are definitely not a victim of sexual abuse or a follower of the gospel. Finally someone is calling the truth the truth and isn't afraid to follow the Lord's principles for a man who professes to teach and preach the gospel. He didn't make a "moral failure", because he kept repeating it for 4 years and told her not to tell anyone. His actions were deliberate and repetitive. Every single person that knew and supported his work for the church is complicit in the incident and cover up. After two years, he was "restored to full ministry" yet not a mention of how many years she has had to work to be restored to her own life. As a person that suffered in silence at the hands of a man that should have protected me, I have absolutely NO sympathy for Robert Morris or his actions and his absolute lack of repenting of the enormity of what he subjected her to. (Remember Achan? hiding wasn't profitable for him; David lost his son for his sexual deviation and trying to cover it up--He did have genuine repentance but not until Nathan pointed out his sin). Don't excuse this sin in any way. Do I believe he can genuinely repent? Absolutely, but it needs to more than a letter excusing his age and justifying the process he went through and telling the lie that her family/father supported his return to ministry. Will the Lord forgive if he truly repents. Absolutely. Would the Lord place him in close proximity to children that would likely be a stumbling block for the "walking in purity" that he professes. Not if you read the scriptures about what will happen to those that don't care for the children--millstone around the neck is pretty clear. People can change, God is able to do exceedingly above all we can ask or think--but everything the Lord offers is conditional on obedience. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh--we can believe every word that proceeds from His mouth...man, not so much. Satan is a liar and the father of lies.
It is both a moral failure and a crime. The parents were too trusting of pastors. And honestly, if you were to tell many people that they trust too much in their religious leaders, many would deny it. This is actually how so many end up with the sin of unlawful contention and are not fit to be teachers nor claim such authority.
35 years ago tho. Dont let the wicked one use you to be like him, an accuser of the brethren, unless u are one of his. If u are one of Christ's, then keep this man and his family in prayer as he has to endure a sin from his past that is now resurfacing. Satan is at work, overtime because time is short. I pray the Lord opens all of our eyes to see and ears to hear, a mind to understand and a heart to obey in these last and evil days!
@@tone210texas Don't let the wicked one bring you into collusion with the evil that that Pastor manifested and subjected that young girl to. Stop making excuses for this horrific crime.
@tone210texaThe Bible says what is done in secret will be revealed. How long ago this happened has no bearing. It happened. This isn't Satan attacking or accusing the brethren. Morris is the one who has caused this. I feel terrible for the child, now a Grandmother. She has had a lifetime of dealing with this emotionally.
all sin is moral failure, and God will forgive and wont remember your sin if you repent. this is what the Word of God says. you can cry about what sin is worse, and if a person really repented or not. but remember what Jesus said about judging people...
@@craigstevens9351 judging people? I remember what Jesus said. Read all of Matthew 7 not just the first verse. Not only that, there are consequences for sin. Yes, forgiveness is available but there are consequences.
@@dhblue431 it sounds like you people are getting out the pitchforks and torches, claiming this guy didnt really repent, he cant repent, or Jesus didnt forgive him. id say thats EXACTLY what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 7. if you want to crucify this guy then be prepared to be crucified for your own past sins. id rather have mercy on people and forgive them like Jesus did.
@@craigstevens9351 obviously you didn’t read the post. Jesus must have had a pitchfork, according to your logic, when he said it is better for them to have a large millstone hung around his neck.
@@dhblue431 got it, you think Jesus only died for certain sins and wont forgive that man if he truly repented. everyone who sins and rejects Christ as their savior is going to hell, Jesus died for every sin. prepare to be judged.
I am now 80 yrs old, and when I was approximately 5 yrs old, an uncle, my mother's brother-in-law, began molesting me. I did not tell anyone in my family until I told my cousin in anger because I wanted to hurt her because I thought that she had told a family member that my husband was a drug addict , when I finished talking, she said to me, " Bsrb, I'm sorry that my daddy did that to you!" I expected her to defend him, several years later, the day of my mother's funeral, I said to her, " when you made that statement to me about being sorry for what was done to me, it felt like someone had poured warm oil all over me and that's when I felt like I had closure. I am still effected by that!
@laurykristensen6239 It's so sad, really, and probably more prevalent than we'll ever know since such things are done in secret, but The Lord says what's done in secret will be shouted from the rooftops. Exposure is on the way!!
I was abused by my fifth grade teacher. I was 12. He made me feel special by telling me he wished he could find someone as special as me. Having an alcoholic absentee father I understood that this was what love was I never thought of it as abuse or criminal. The bottom line is I became very promiscuous looking for what I thought love was. I am now 78 years old and still in confusion how this has affected my life. He had the audacity to come to my home and tell my parents that he wanted to buy my first pair of glasses that I needed. He portrayed himself as my savior in his own eyes.
Was a member at GW for almost 20 years. This is heartbreaking. Appalling. Disgusting. There are some sins that permanently disqualify someone for ministry. This is it.
Just make me sick and sad, I can’t imagine what you and the rest of the congregation is going through… and that poor woman and her family. We do forgive, but he should have never been allowed back in the pulpit. He should never have been allowed to not pay for his crimes before the law. That was wrong and so very frustrating to see happen once again. I’m greatly saddened that this happened and am praying for all involved.
@@donnaleveron5711 I think that’s why he used the verbiage young lady to try and cover it up and make it seem not as bad as it truly is probably trying to make people think oh she was older but still younger than him but old enough to be able to make those decisions for herself
I feel like it kind of hits close to home because my boyfriend and his family go to one of the locations and it said that especially at these mega churches, the people the minister/pastor whatever word you wanna call the abuse that power to manipulate people it’s same with televangelist too. They use scripture to manipulate people into doing stuff and giving them moneyto line their own pockets with
My issue with all of this is how could elders restore him to leadership. This was NOT adultery (notice the word Adult in Adultery). This was child molestation. This should be grounds for PERMANENT removal from ministry. The police should have been contacted.
You saying permanent removal from ministry is going too far, I bet you don't understand how compassion from God works or His forgiveness. Even David didn't stop ministering to God after all he did, which can seen as equal or worse on some eyes (and just in case, I'm not not condoning the sin)
I agree with all of your sentences, except the one that included "child molestation." It was rape by instrumentation (his finger). "Rape by instrumentation is an act in which any inanimate object or any part of the human body, not amounting to sexual intercourse is used.
@@josuest7762 I for one and it is not a small number, that have been raped by someone in the family or was known by the family. People this just does not happen once, it happens more and more to other victims. They go from sister to cousin to acquaintances of the family to teachers to uncles, to colleagues. I could go on and on and on. It is so prevalent in our society that it is totally sickening. I was abused at the age of two and a half years of age by my paternal grandfather. He told me not to tell, of course I thought it was just a game we were playing and I thought it was delightful that he and I had a secret all our own. It was horrendous is what it was. He was an adult and I just a mere toddler. That was just the beginning, in later years at 11 years old I was raped by someone in my household and went on for 5 to 6 years. I finally married and got out of the situation. Do they deserve to be incarcerated, you bet. They took away my whole life, I have seen about 6 counselors depending on the particular subject that arose I needed to deal with at the time. This is no laughing matter, it's real and it needs to be dealt with, with some serious consequences. God help us all who have suffered from these habits of filthy men. My heart goes out to anyone who has suffered through this disgusting situation. If it were not for Jesus in my life, I would not have made it through all the trauma this behavior caused throughout my entire life. He is my true Savior. The perpetrators have no boundaries whatsoever.
Spot on with your opening lines. An adult male of the clergy takes advantage of a 12 year old girl for four years and we're supposed to treat it as an oopsie!? A mistake or slip up a momentary lapse? No, he should have been on an offender registry not behind the pulpit.
The fact that he only admitted to “moral failure” is absurd. What he did was sinful, but also violated a 12 year old girl, he sexually molesting her then said “don’t tell anyone or it ruin everything” is arrogance! And evil! What’s sadly happening in the church is that the elders and leaders are doing more to protect the pastor, the reputation of the pastor and their church, and money it brings in. This is not the church where Jesus is the Head! It’s not how the church is supposed to be!
Ideally the woman should wait till at least 15 or 16 depending on her maturity level. I've met 13 year old girls who look 17 or 19 and are well put together. An 8 year age gap is not immoral. 12 and 20 is perfectly fine ethically speaking. It's just not legal. And it is Adultery
@@kylias7971That is not the only issue here! Of course he committed adultery. He also sexually molested a 12 year old girl. Forget about the age gap. Are you kidding me? Age gap matters after you become an adult. Not an innocent 12 year old girl and 21 year old man who knew better. Back in the 80’s girls/women never spoke up about this kind of stuff because they were always blamed for it. Just as she was. Saying she was the one flirting. Please. The 12 year old girls of from the 80’s are nothing like the 12 year old girls you see today Adultery is not the issue of this story. That’s part of it, yes, but not the “issue”.
@@kylias7971 no- the issue is that she was a child and he molested her! Moreover, he was a pastor and was allowed to return ministry after this. You totally missed the point!
@@kylias7971adultery is how he violated/wronged his wife, molestation/pedophilia is how he violated the kid/child. PS: Are you American? A 12 year old IS ABSOLUTELY NOT in the same maturity range physically, mentally, socially, sexually, spiritually as a grown 21 year old adult!!!! I’m blown away that you don’t know that & that 2 people hit the like button.
I am so sorry for what you endured. How sad and reprehensible that these things happen and harm the true Gospel of Jesus. Moral failure is a ridiculous description. He should have gone to jail and NEVER qualified to be in ministry ever again.
In 1989, my 8 year old daughter was molested at church two separate times by a visitor. After the second time, she told us and we went to the police. The man was arrested and spent four years in prison before being deported. This experience pretty much destroyed my daughter's life, and she was in and out of psychiatric institutions until she passed away in 2022. Those church elders may think that Morris' "restoration" took only 2 years, but this will affect his victim for the rest of her life.
I am so very sorry for your daughter and for your family. Today the world wants to make this legal--lowering the age of consent for children to be molested by adults. I know Jesus knows and the scars last a lifetime. He will be with her as she sleeps and may she rise to be with Him for eternity. Only He can understand clearly and His compassion is mixed with mercy.
Absolutely agree!! If he lied about her being a “young lady” when in fact she was a child, and he lied about her father giving his blessing to return to ministry, and he lied about the reason he stepped down from ministry for two years, saying it was pride when it was molestation, can we believe him when he says he hasn’t had any other “moral failures”. Usually this is a pattern. He needs to truly repent and step down.
He's a pervert. Molesting doesn't stop when caught. There are others I am sure of it. What is Wrong with his wife to stand by him all these years. Oh, I forgot, he's a master at his game. He should be in prison.
It was criminal. He should have been tried and if convicted, jailed, registered sex offender, etc. Of course the sin is forgivable, but it disqualifies him from future ministry.
There just now letting the information out now because the American church is getting exposed by the devil. God approves of this exposure because God is about to do a new thing in the earth and use people like you and me. The everyday people 🎉 the ones who love like Jesus🎉
I know right you would’ve thought after a few minutes of them being gone somebody would’ve went looking and could’ve stopped it before it went any further but again when you eat somebody you trust it’s hard, but he took advantage of her and the fact that back in 2005 when she tried to get with him and have her her lawyer meet with his trying to say it was her fault You gonna tell me 12 year old little girl is gonna do things to make you that’s what gets under my skin or people saying oh because I lusted after her because she was wearing revealing clothes or this or that it’s like just take responsible responsibility for your own actionsand if you’re truly a man of God, you would do the right thing authorities, but he got more and more popular and that’s why I think he used young woman to try and make it not a serious serious as it really is
I completely agree. Our neighbor and friend did the same thing and it was brought to our church. And the leaders and pastor said he not a pastor just a member of the church needed to confess and we should forgive. It wasn't talked about again. But it ruined so much. He was still welcome there and !after went on to do the same thing and finally was arrested and put in prison for at least a few years. The way the church handled it though still hurts and the damage irreversible. I thank God for his grace and love that sustains me.
I want to throw up whenever I here phrases like "he has properly confessed everything to the elders." This is IHop all over again. It is NOT biblical to say its okay that he just told everything to the elders. He never repented to this girl in front of the church. And those who claimed to be restoring him in the past had a duty to go to the cops. Those people are culpable in covering a crime. It's sickening to keep hearing about these pastors being exposed and vowing that they are going to be restored to the pulpit in the same day. That is NOT remorse and true repentence. Narcissists!
Yes narcissism! It also incredible I never listened to him much but heard a sermon or two in particular about the spirit of Jezebel and the whole time he’s the one possessed by it!
And if those elders did what the bible said, they'd have had him EXECUTED. Forgiveness comes after proof of repentance and punishment is never skipped regardless.
This has been an ongoing problem in our churches for far too long. Leaders need to be alert and skilled at identifying predators. We must protect our children at all costs.
This is exactly how it should be viewed. They seem more concerned that they might look bad if it occurs? They need to be aware that the profession, much like teaching is attractive to predators. This in no way should effect our views on the profession itself.
Two to three weeks ago, a sermon on presbytery was taught. Along with that, this pastor stated how the Holy Spirit chose this pastor. Man picked this pastor and now he is resigning, and running. The whole world knows. The Lord is beginning to clean HIS house and will expose all of the corruption in HIS house. Many have used the gospel for financial profit. News like this is what causes people to lose faith in God. If you are out there and reading this comment, know that God is still in control and spring cleaning HIS house.
Makes me love God even more! He cares about healing the innocent. He definitely cares when scriptures are abused for profit by the unfaithful who serve only themselves. Cindy said she wasn't ready until recently to be public about this. I think God waited for her. 🧹🧹🧹
@@djcl4967 exactly. They told a 12 year old girl her being molested by this 21 year old adult was not THAT important as his career ‼️‼️‼️. They all failed miserably who ever knew about this ‼️‼️‼️. Her own daddy‼️‼️‼️
He should have gone to jail. If someone did this to His son there would be a different story. I've watch pastor Morris for a few years and always felt he was one of the good guys. So sad. As Christians we need to be careful what we hear from pastors and not get taken by personality.
Thank You brother. Unfortunately this has been happening to young girls and boys for generations in different areas of ministries and we need more Real Godly Men like yourself speaking truth. Blessings to you and your family 🙏
@@PreachandLead What Vivian has said shouldn't be ignored!!! "This HAS been happening to young girls & boys for generations ..." You are SO PASSIONATELY UPSET about one situation . . . & rightfully so . . . 35 years ago, when fathers found out, they confronted the offender, then involved the priest or pastor, "hail Mary full of grace" & confession, they didn't call the cops - what sin have you committed that you want to keep secret? " Don't ask, Don't tell!" What have we learned about in the past 35 years: Weinstein & Hollywood actresses & even young males, se_ual exploitation in movies, tv shows & even commercials, but they got cigarette commercials banned - Epstein Island & multiple locations . . . how many altar boys molested by Catholic priests, what has happened to the Boy Scouts of America organization, what is going on right now with child traf_icking, gen_er confusion, trans dr_gs & su_geries, CRT, DEI, WOKE, etc. I'm 61 years old, my kindergarten year was the 1st year after prayer & 10 Commandments were removed from public schools, previous generations had stopped teaching about founding fathers of our nation, started twisting the truth of this nations history, stopped teaching our children HOW to think, instead to just do as you are told type of teaching for obedient factory workers, mass production, dumbing down society so we would be more easily controlled, submissive by use of fear tactics . . . I grew up looking at faces of missing children on school milk cartons - resulted in helicopter parents & young adults living in their parents basements for 30 years, playing video games where 'sex, drugs, rock & roll' are just fantasy . . . what do you think they are going to do when they finally step out in the real world? Do you think I wasn't molested as a child growing up, babysitting jobs & the dad takes the babysitter home while mom puts the kids to bed - school bus trips with gang or_gies after dark - the magazine industry thrived because of 'outhouses' until toilet paper then magazines became po_rnographic! Look, I just want to know if you are this passionately determined about the 100,000 missing children NOW, the border crisis & the Biden family raking in the $ from the ca_tels, all the deaths in the past 3 years as a result, all just for power & greed. You are just encouraging that " I'm a victim !" mentality, instead of "LETS FIX THIS PROBLEM!!!" mentality. Do you passionately want to fix this? Get prayer & Bibles back in public schools & libraries & back in the federal budget for distribution around the world!!!
@@rnbham39 which he shouldn’t have given him a choice he should’ve immediately reported it because he broke their trust. They let him stay in their home and he abused that took advantage of that took advantage of their daughter, starting at the young age of 12.
I agree with you 100%!!! There are no words strong enough that could ever express the magnitude of disgust and anger I'm feeling towards Robert Morris and the heartbreak I feel for how this precious, innocent little 12 year old child had to be traumatized for all those years in secret and beyond.
You are spot on. At 83 years old I am totally sick of these flimsy excuses. As for this elder board they coulf not run a corporation. They have bo backbone let alone NO understanding of the word if God!!!!!!! He needs to serve time!!!!!!!!
I agree 💯 that Robert Morris should have been removed from ministry and turned over to the authorities. Shady Grove was very wrong in the way they handled everything. Now Shady Grove is Gateway Church .. The fact that Robert Morris says Cindy’s father gave his blessing for him to return to ministry tells me that Robert Morris is not delivered .the fact that he did not want to give 50 k for her counseling shows he did not care about her healing . It’s all about the money for the church . Robert Morris has not been 💯 percent truthful and has kept this out of the public and the church for all these years .. Look how a 12 yr old innocent girl was treated and now the woman that she is has been treated . Look how the people of Gateways church have been treated . Used for their money they give to the church . People leave from these churches and these pastors .. I pray God’s people flee this church immediately In JESUS name amen 🙏 Robert Morris needs to be removed from ministry period .. This is my opinion.. The church has to take a stand 📢
The Lord is exposing all these false teachers! Robert Morris is one of the big time false heretical teachers! He is a prosperity Gospel preacher. His fruits are finding him out word and deed!
100% agree. He lied about the girls father giving his blessing about returning to ministry, didn’t pay for her counseling, lied in his book. It seems he was more concerned with her signing an nda. Then him and his wife both blame the girl and somehow have made him a victim of her. . . These are not the actions of repentance.
that family actually went to churches anytime Robert Morris was preaching withing driving distance. Cindy and her family told what he did and what he was. She said last week that not a single of those churches intervened or stopped Morris from preaching there. He's got star power. She's been telling her story for a long time. it is just now that major networks picked up on the Wartburg Watch article.
I used to listen to him every now and then on t.v. with my elderly, home bound father who himself was a pastor himself for over sixty years. My father was a man of integrity with no "moral failings" during his ministry. When we sometimes listened to Robert Morris, as we would listen to others on Sundays, I would ask my Dad, who was a wonderful preacher, why is this guy so popular?" His messages aren't even deep or good?" That was several years before this scandal came out. I never thought he was "gifted".
Spot on. The exact perspectives i have shared with my wife about this. I am an ex-GW member, was involved in a ministry there - not leadership. The Lord began distancing me in my heart from GW about 6 months ago and I didn’t understand why. Now I do. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
@@BLACKMONGOOSE13 God is so faithful to tell us what's up. He's such a good father. Things are out of order right now for the church at large. The Lord told me years ago that he was going to bring down the man-made institutions that people worship and raise up those in the highways and byways .. the nobodies... that will not take the glory for themselves. Those whose only agenda is to see people come into relationship with Jesus - those who have nothing to lose and nothing to gain. Keep your eyes open and watch.
He should of been charged with first degree child molestation and sent to prison and then labeled as a sexoffender.and not to be allowed to be around children.
Before casting judges on a man who gave into sin 35 years ago, cast your stones, if you will,at the liberals trying to make minor attracted persons a normal thing. Yall people are quick to condemn.. but how u judge you will be judges as well. Tread carefully yall!
@@francisgovan3456, You need to check on the ages of southern girls who are having babys. Many of which are fathered by their own dads & uncles. 9-11 year olds. In the South theres a saying. " If theyre old enough to bleed theyre old enough to breed." And thoes girls bloom very young. Incest is also common as spit.
You are speaking the whole truth without compromise, my brother in Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must tell the whole truth or we are not worthy of Him.🙏🏻✝️💔
Being forgiven by God and others does not cancel out the consequences for that sin, specially something this serious! The young man that sins by having sex outside of marriage, gets the girl pregnant, asks God for forgiveness, is forgiven by God, but that baby will still be born and he has to now be responsible for his sexual actions.
I have YET to hear of any FORMER child predators, this evil man preyed upon and molested a child. When they decide to go down this road, they've sold their soul to satan himself. Now, HOW MANY MORE CHILDREN have suffered from this deviant? He needs prison.
So glad someone is saying this. The old “handling it internally” tactic is so dangerous. There’s no transparency or true repentance when there is a coverup.
I rejoice over your being morally indignant about Robert and this Sin. It is rampant in churches and rarely discussed so openly or honestly. I'm a 70 y.o. female retired mental-health therapist, and I'm beyond disgusted with the "moral sins" men in church leadership get away with, including narcissistic behavior toward women, who do most of the work in churches. Thank you! This episode/podcast gives me great hope. Change must come from today's youth in the Body of Christ.
Yep, look @ Ten Lies Church Tells Women and 10 Lies Men Believe by J. Lee Grady and Lies Men Believe etc. LOOK AT Toxic Parents and Incest, Molestation and it's Devistation by Susan Forward or Victoria Secunda Books, Herb Goldberg etc.
I go to Gateway Southlake, and this news breaks my heart. Tony Evans just stepped down from his church as well. I can't believe this man did this and never has gone to jail. We don't have a statute of limitations when it comes to this kind of crime, so I guess we will be seeing some charges coming in soon. wow! I'm just so shocked. It is time for my family and I to find another church.
before you join another church do a google search on them and look up the reviews people give about that church and see if that church gets any negative reviews and read what they say about the church when they give it negative reviews to protect yourself, if they get a lot of bad reviews I would avoid that church
You’re absolutely right - it was criminal. Saying it was a moral failure is an extreme understatement. The arrogance this pastor is displaying is sickening. The church is actually an accomplice in this. Restoration was not handled correctly.
My thoughts are more will come out and say it happened to them too. This is horrible. He was also married while this was happening. Any of the leadership that went along with this, should all step down too.
The fact that he was married to me is not just that it’s adultery but the fact that he knows exactly what he was doing to a child. He’s married and had a child of his own and chose to go to a little girls room not an adult woman’s room because the girl was a target he could easily manipulate. That’s why it’s literally a type of rape. He’s trying to make it sound like he slipped and had an affair with a woman.
God is not playing with any of us. God is cleaning His house. My suggestion to all Christians: Ask God to show you yourself, your heart, and allow God to work on you. Take your feelings, words, and actions to God. Process them through the Word of God. Let God Have The Final Say!
I don’t think this is the time nor the place to use the “all” need to look within. We are processing as brother and sister’s in Christ the gravity of his sin on this woman when she was at such a vulnerable insecure age and how his church is handling it and to what extent is it Biblical if they are minimizing it. It’s important to talk through this and hold leadership to a level of how Paul handled these issues.
@dannyarendall5233 Paul said, "Turn his flesh over to Satan for the saving of his soul." The Bible tells us to work out our oun salvation. Judgment starts at the house of God. And obedience is better than sacrifice. When we don't obey God, we can sacrifice our peace, joy, marriage, children, homes, jobs, position in the Kingdom of God, etc...
I remember in the eighties, law enforcement was not always contacted. The church often tried to deal with this from within. It's sad and unfortunate, as many children have suffered, due to this practice. We had a song leader, who molested several girls at our church. He was fired and sent on his way. Unfortunately, I know girls who were molested by him after he was sent away. He should have been in prison already! I'm a pastors daughter and hsve been a pastor's wife for 35 years and there is no one who would get away with this sickening behavior on my watch.
Even though I realize we all have sinned... I feel it's so obvious that he should step down from being a pastor, whether he repented, was forgiven, or whatever. He openly confessed to being a sexual predator to a minor while he was married. He's lucky to not have faced prison time.
I agree with you 100% on this. He disqualified himself the first time he touched that little girl. I agree it should have been a police matter, embarrassment or not. Remember what Jesus said that it would be better to have a millstone tied around your neck and thrown into the sea than to harm one of His little ones.
I have been involved in, and seen, similar issues in the church and fought hard to have them dealt with but it's always the same - the abuser is protected, the victim called a liar and revictimised. So... You are 100% correct.
It's time for Robert . Morris to make restitution and deal with whatever comes to him. However, we have no place to gossip or condemn him. It's up to God and our justice system. It's all so sad. Remember Satan is looking for those he can devour. I pray for both in this situation.
I haven’t heard much in the reaction community about Mrs. Morris’s responsibility or position. What did she know? Is she just as guilty? How much has she witnessed over the years if anything? They had a handful of grandchildren, were there any signs or coverups by the children? Hindsight is truly 20/20. As a member of Gateway for 5+ years I routinely mentioned to my spouse that Debbie always seemed detached from the church with her appearances at women conferences, holiday celebrations, new campus building growth, a large hunting ground ranch, an immaculately landscaped modern home with a lake in the wealthier section community, and the constant family additions with grandchildren. Even though everything appeared to be perfectly blessed in their life, she just seemed to have a “below average” kind of response to all praiseworthy church and personal accomplishments. I watched it grow from 3 campuses to 10 campus and a couple of televised State prison broadcast spots they had. Who wouldn’t be excited about such growth as a First Lady? If I could say one thing about her, she always seemed grieved OR mentally preoccupied. I know I’d want mercy for wrongdoing, however as mentioned, PEDO is a totally different demonic illness. Prisoners deeply hate them. If you did the crime you must do the time. What man covers up the Lord will expose. 2024 is the year of disclosures of ALL those we’ve come to admire.
Truth! Exactly how I see it. I was a member at Gateway and also worked there at the Frisco location. My dad was on staff for 9 years. Many issues… won’t go into all. This is so sad. I’m not super shocked, but it is a blow. I knew he had messed up in his marriage, but never said what it was. It’s such a sad situation. I’m super disturbed by how they’re handling right now. Still not admitting the full truth.
Whenever there's a father in the home he's the provider and protector of the family. He, shouldn't have allowed Morris to get away with the heinous crime committed against his daughter and he should call the police. The fault lies with Morris and shouldn't gone on any further than it did.😮
Yeah I want to know why he didn't call the cops? He said he's lucky he didn't k*ll him, but only getting the cops involved would have stopped him from doing it again.
Having had 2 granddaughters who were sexually abused by their father who is finally in prison, I couldn’t agree more with where it should have gone & where it needs to go now. I am also a former member of Gateway. I know the devastation this type of thing cause forever!
I so very much appreciate everything you have said. Truly it’s a blessing to hear a Christian man boldly, confidently speak truth about a common problem with men in ministry. Certainly God is cleaning house. As the Bible says, judgment comes to the household of faith first. The Lord cannot judge the corruption in the world/government until he deals with such sin in the church. One thing I would add that you did not comment on that is also of extreme importance. Not only did Robert Morris abuse a child sexually, his behavior was, in effect, committing adultery thus abusing his wife emotionally and psychologically whether she knew it or not, depriving her of the appropriate attention that belongs to a wife, giving it to a child who didn’t want it. This whole thing is so evil and as has been stated, it was absolutely evil of the elders to gloss over this criminal behavior.
@@trulyso734 they are not on trail and it would be difficult to uphold the law if lawyers can't defend their clients within that law. However morally rejectable such a comment is. I don't think it helps his client either, so hopefully others might learn to not say that stuff.
Maybe for a 12 year old today. They look and act older than they really are. But, back then, it was different. I doubt a 12 year old knew all about flirting with an adult. 35 years ago, I was also 12. I was riding my bike and climbing trees. I wasn't even thinking of flirting with any guy. Especially not a grown man.
You are right on base. Even if someone is truly repentant, that does not negate the consequences. When David repented for his sin with Bathsheba, he still was held accountable by God. He lost that child that he bore with Bathsheba and another son, Adonijah, tried to steal his David's concubines and his kingdom and continued to try to steal the kingdom even after it passed to Solomon. For Morris's part, it is difficult to see him as repentant given that he has continued to cover up his actions with lies for decades and, if he is not repentant, we really cannot even be certain that this was his only victim.
I just listened to a prophecy that MANY prominent pastors, leaders, singers etc. will be exposed soon through God's judgement because of their vile, disgusting and unrepentant sins. This is just the beginning. People will be SHOCKED and dismayed.
soon?? No no. It's already happening. It's been happening for so long now, that more are on the way. It's not shocking. God isnt mocked nor fooled either
I’m disgusted that they decided to not AT LEAST pay out the $50,000 to cover Cindy’s counselling costs but offered $25,000 and required signing of a NDA! I can attest as a mother of a girl who was SA for years at the hand of a “trusted” family member; that it has not been cheap to pay for the necessary counselling to deal with the aftermath. Disgusting.
Church leaders should be mandated reporters and be held criminally responsible for not reporting these crimes. And if they think the restoration is valid, make it public to the congregation and see if they want to continue being part of the church. It probably didn't happen with only one person. And I must say, shame on her parents for not reporting it to the police as well. Currently reading the book Pivot, the sequel to A Church Called Tov.
I agree 100% and I am saddened because I have very much enjoyed his teachings. We need to protect the gospel first and foremost and those that have been harmed. He needs to step away from any pastoral or church service. I pray for the victim in the family, both families.
Really!?!?? Just another over the top prosperity preacher. That isnt exactly the gospel of salvation according to the bible. No loss, no need to go "protect the gospel" mode. God watches over His flock as the best truer greater shepherd there is. What better hands to be left in the care of. Might be a blessing in disguise. Turnarounds are the fruit of true revival/restoration.
Lisa, I hope you will research the dangerous false teaching of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Gateway Church, a NAR church, is also promoter of the unbiblical Word of Faith / Prosperity Gospel, which only means the pastor and elders get wealthy, on the backs of the unsuspecting congregation. I knew Robert Morris was a disgraceful false teacher long before finding out that he was also a child molester. ✝️🙏✝️
I’m sad. My 91 year old mom and I like to watch Robert Morris and are convicted and encouraged by his sermons. When I break this to my mom she will be broken.
Hopefully it's only the 1 case of youth stupidity (yet criminal indeed) and not a case of serial offending of more child victims than that one. The fact he was already married would make it child sex abuse + adultery. None of it can be played down but general child protection/safety should have been prioritized above the impacts on the wife's feelings or on his marriage, from a more objective outsiders' perspective.
I'm almost in the same position. Although I'm instantly done with him, he is one of the most capable people in explaining scripture I've ever heard. My 89 year old mother is presently in the hospital with what is going to be end-of-life cancer. I've not been able to get this off my mind since I learned of this yesterday and I can't imagine what it would do to my dear mother and she prepares to meet her beloved Jesus. No need to tell her, she will know more about it than I, very shortly. But I am devastated by this news. It would have been better to never have heard Morris preach, than to deal with this. I faithfully go forward.
I learned a valuable painful lesson years ago. Leaders feet are made of clay and they may stand on a rusty platform but eventually it comes too light. What’s so sad is the lives and trust that they are responsible for. Yes GOD forgives but we have to be honest and walk in truth. I think the institutional church calls sin moral failure may sound better but it is sin and I know the pain and struggle this lady has carried and probably affected her other relationships.
Preparing for much criticism here, but I do not understand why people’s faith is being shaken by the sin of this man? What do you expect from a sinner? Remember King David? He was guilty of murder as well as adultery. According to the Law he should have been killed; but God had mercy. Yes, there were consequences for his sin. My point is that people should be looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, and not be surprised when sinful man falls. Even Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (l Corinthians 11:1) And he even called himself the chief of sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) I don’t know about you, but I could give Paul some pretty stiff competition. Thankful that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. I need Him desperately.
This is a big deal, it's sick! Good on you, we're ment to protect children from child sex offenders, not enable them. I agree with you. Thanks for your post.
@@valerieirvin249 Chris Hodges. Founder of ARC, Lead Pastor of Church of the Highlands. Breaker of chains, king of the Andals, the Unburnt, rightful ruler of the 7 kingdoms. Just the first two. The rest is me being silly.
He was slapped in the hand and they all turn there backs on that little girl . How do they sleep at night knowing they destroyed her life , a child’s life .
How is he restored if he allows his lawyer to victim-blame, then lies in his book about why he left the ministry for 2 years, then claims ‘moral failure’ when it was paedophilia, then claims he had the victim’s father’s blessing when he didn’t? That is not restoration. This is criminal.
Praise God you have the moral aptitude to call a child molester a criminal. I have three daughters and four granddaughters. If they had been molested at age 12 I would NOT have hesitated to call the sheriff!!!
I agree and makes me wonder if the elders aren't hiding behind sin in their lives. I can't imagine any elders thinking this is ok and should go unpunished. Having to step down from ministry for two years is nothing. He should have never been allowed back in a pulpit. Obviously the elders had no children of their own to accept such as this. Unbelievable.
I agree with you-my testimony below. I'm praying God remove those who are lying to the sheep /or teaching false doctrine or committing sexual sin and not removing themselves from the ministry-repentance,even if real-cannot remove all consequences for failing God and especially His people. I also know but for the grace of GOd go I-and fear the Lord.
Can anybody answer these questions: 1) Where was her mom during alllllll those times? 2)Where was her dad? 3) Where was Morris wife when these bedroom things and backseat things happened? 4) Where was her sister during all those times? 5) Why didn't her parents press charges? 6) How was this man able to do all this for over a FOUR YEAR PERIOD and no one saw anything?! B.S.! The whole thing is disgustingly ridiculous! Now it's 35 years later and this man has beeeeeeeen in ministry. I really don't know what to think about that EXCEPT her parents allowed him to get where he is today...including his wife and the other leaders around him. I have no doubt that that woman likely fell in love with him...and the bitterness sits to this day. He awakened her sexually as a child and it lasted through her formative years as an older teen. The time where she could have been looking at other boys, her mind was likely consumed with him. As a young 12 year old girl growing up to see the "cute" young ministry leader she really thought he probably loved her. Then imagine, everything comes to a halt and he doesn't even give her a real apology. Instead his wife calls to make her feel like everything was her fault and like she was trash. She went from this older man whispering "sweet" things in her ear and awakening her sexuality to being dropped dead cold to seeing him blossoming in ministry with the same wife that called her to make her feel terrible. Talk about abuse! All the way around.
You have to think back to the 80’s. Back then, girls/women didn’t come out about these things because they were always blamed for it. The church is always the worst. They want to keep things secret, unfortunately. And they did tell her it was her fault for flirting. And that was what, in 2005? It’s not easy for a young girl to come out about it. And he lied and said he was counseling her. But you know, as a wife, his wife had to have known or felt something off about that.
See my comment. Her parents failed her then. They chose to not go to the authorities. When you feel so strongly about something, you dont leave it for 35 years. Finacial gain comes to mind.
She will have to suffer for the rest of her life knowing this man violated her. God bless her as I know this has caused her much pain and suffering all these years. Morris should have to answer for his crime and restitution should be paid to this Woman. How many more young girls did he “council?” Shame on Gateway Church for sweeping this under the rug for all these years. I pray for full recovery for this Woman.🙏🏻
It's always nice how everyone is quick to theologize because their own sins have no come to light yet. And am talking to you, yes you reading this comment.
I agree with you and how this entire situation was handled. I will add that I am disappointed in the parents of this 12 to girl at the time this happened. As a parent and now grandparent, I would have promptly gone to the police and filed charges. What happened to this sweet girl's loving parents.
Thank you. What a blessing to hear a warrior for the Lord call sin by it's right name. Healing happens for those of us that are much like her in experiences....some of us never had anyone stand for us. Praise the Lord for a voice of encouragement and hope. And I completely agree, EVERYONE should be held accountable that knew about it--including his wife and anyone else. They all failed her--pride is a very destructive thing.
Her father (parents) failed her, as well. SO many, who knew, are complicit…. they share in the crime against Cindy. Shame on Robert Morris … his wife, the parents, the elders, the church, and all who knew. Horrible! I’m stunned and sick to my stomach.
So Morris gets so- called help but what did he do for his victim? It’s sounds like he downplayed how he ruined the 12 year old and got help for himself but basically figured that is good enough? You ruined a girls life!
Thank you for your boldness is speaking the truth. You are the first person I have seen actually call out the criminality of what went of for over 4 years to a child. It is obvious that he has not repented of this sin, because repentance would require him to confess what actually happened 40 years ago and accept the consequences of his actions. He clearly decided to continue to cover up his sin in calling it a pride issue and insinuating that he stepped out of ministry for a little while of his own accord. The elders of the church at the time this first came to light (if any are still living) need to realize that they are complicit in the covering up of criminal behavior (pedophilia, abuse of a minor). If (when) others become to come forward through the courageousness of Cindy Clemshire, they will know that their protection of a man caused more harm. I agree with you completely that Morris must step down, permanently, from any form of ministry. If he will not do so voluntarily, Gateway Church must fire him. This situation is intolerable.
@@thornbird4400 nothing in forgiveness commands anyone to endorse/promote fallen leaders into leadership and damn the victims God forgives a contrite heart. Best leave the ultimate hand of forgiveness and restoration btw God and the perpetrator eh?
⚠️ Being a pastor's son and having been molester myself starting at 6 y.o. by a family "friend", AND having seen sexual immorality freely reigning in Christianity, I can say first hand from the Word of God that the behavior is supposed to result in DEATH! My prayers are with all who have dealt with abuse...especially in the religion! No one is asking for His life, because yes, we are to forgive. However, let's not twist Scripture. THE MAN IS UNQUALIFIED TO LEAD IN THE BODY AND...PERIOD!! Aside from this egregious activity, his teachings have always been unbiblical in various ways. Whoever "discerned" that he was called to ministry was either a minister(s) of satan or they were religious people who are just that...religious people. WHOEVER REINSTATED HIM KNOWING THE ACCUSATIONS SHOULD ALSO BE EXCOMMUNICATED. This is the problem with the religion. There is NO FULL BIBLICAL AUTHORITY. Folk are following doctrines and leadership of sinful people and demons, just as the Holy Spirit forewarned. It is only by God's grace, that I didn't die from what happened to me. Just like her, I was told, "don't tell anyone or they will think..." It is Yeshua who called Christianity the Mother of Harlots, and said many claiming Him will see Hell for their lawlessness. He warned to come out of the religion before what is about to happen. The Bride will be persecuted by the Mother of Harlots, and satan has deceived the elect, just as was warned by King Yeshua. Seriously, the Lord said/shouted, "Come out of her, My people...!" ❤️
LOCK HIM UP!! I don’t care how long ago it was. I lived the life of that little girl and they all got away with it. Problem is, he wouldn’t have gotten locked up. They would have blamed the child as very very often happens. One man blamed me for being so pretty, I was 7. This man should NEVER been put behind a pulpit or anywhere near a child! This sickens me. My family have watched this man preach and teach for a long time. This crushes me that we can’t trust anyone! The church leaders are to blame for covering this up!!! Her family is also to blame ! They all should have called the police. There should be no statute of limitations on this crime!
@@janhaag3540 I understand mercy more than most. My first child was murdered at the age of 20 1/2 months old so yes I know mercy and grace and forgiveness. Because I ended up forgiven the murderer does not at all negate that it was a horrific crime, as is being molested as a child which I also know all too well. These crimes should require prison time, PERIOD!
I don't normaly do this but I have one more thing to say to the members of this church. Get out of it as fast as fast as you can. The elders don't care about righteousness.
I would agree, but it may not be the same elders as it was when this all happened 35 years ago. It could be that the current elders we’re unaware and totally uninvolved.
@@Skiis44 His son should not be in charge. What a proud moment that would be for his dad! Robert Morris does not deserve proud moments. He deserves jail time not business as usual! SMH...
UPDATE: Robert Morris Resigns, Gateway Elders Claim Ignorance, Lawyer Up (Lessons for Christians & Leaders) th-cam.com/video/WQMo_YSyMXI/w-d-xo.html
You do the crime u should do the time.there are men in prison for what you done to a 12year old .I was raped as a child myself.Sir you belong in prison for your crime.yes God forgives but you reap what you sow.
I need the t-shirt. Very nice!!
Your definitely not a leader nor a preacher of the gospel. Knowing what the Bible says is important to do that and it's obvious your more activist than Bible believing Christian. You attack men of God (who have repented) and show no remorse for your own shortcomings apparently.
I had first-hand knowledge of our badly the Pentecostal church in Australia handled child sexual abuse This kind of cover up brings disgrace to the whole Pentecostal movement. My question is where is the discernment. Where are the anointed men and women of God who can call out such situations before the victims have to speak up. What are the gifts of the Spirit for. Judgement is beginning at the House of God
@@SpontaneousOracle You are definitely not a victim of sexual abuse or a follower of the gospel. Finally someone is calling the truth the truth and isn't afraid to follow the Lord's principles for a man who professes to teach and preach the gospel. He didn't make a "moral failure", because he kept repeating it for 4 years and told her not to tell anyone. His actions were deliberate and repetitive. Every single person that knew and supported his work for the church is complicit in the incident and cover up. After two years, he was "restored to full ministry" yet not a mention of how many years she has had to work to be restored to her own life. As a person that suffered in silence at the hands of a man that should have protected me, I have absolutely NO sympathy for Robert Morris or his actions and his absolute lack of repenting of the enormity of what he subjected her to. (Remember Achan? hiding wasn't profitable for him; David lost his son for his sexual deviation and trying to cover it up--He did have genuine repentance but not until Nathan pointed out his sin). Don't excuse this sin in any way. Do I believe he can genuinely repent? Absolutely, but it needs to more than a letter excusing his age and justifying the process he went through and telling the lie that her family/father supported his return to ministry. Will the Lord forgive if he truly repents. Absolutely. Would the Lord place him in close proximity to children that would likely be a stumbling block for the "walking in purity" that he professes. Not if you read the scriptures about what will happen to those that don't care for the children--millstone around the neck is pretty clear. People can change, God is able to do exceedingly above all we can ask or think--but everything the Lord offers is conditional on obedience. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh--we can believe every word that proceeds from His mouth...man, not so much. Satan is a liar and the father of lies.
Molesting a child of 12 yrs old for 4 years is not a moral failure, its a crime. And he can stop with the semantics to minimize.
His attorney is pulling her hair because he should have said nothing.
It is both a moral failure and a crime. The parents were too trusting of pastors. And honestly, if you were to tell many people that they trust too much in their religious leaders, many would deny it. This is actually how so many end up with the sin of unlawful contention and are not fit to be teachers nor claim such authority.
Agreed….
Amen!
Pastors are getting away with lots of things nowadays.
Why is he not in jail ? Can somebody tell me ?
Finally a Christian TH-cam channel that’s calling out this dumpster fire of sin !! This is a felony against a minor.
Against a child.
Multiple felonies.
35 years ago tho. Dont let the wicked one use you to be like him, an accuser of the brethren, unless u are one of his. If u are one of Christ's, then keep this man and his family in prayer as he has to endure a sin from his past that is now resurfacing. Satan is at work, overtime because time is short. I pray the Lord opens all of our eyes to see and ears to hear, a mind to understand and a heart to obey in these last and evil days!
@@tone210texas Don't let the wicked one bring you into collusion with the evil that that Pastor manifested and subjected that young girl to. Stop making excuses for this horrific crime.
@tone210texaThe Bible says what is done in secret will be revealed. How long ago this happened has no bearing. It happened. This isn't Satan attacking or accusing the brethren. Morris is the one who has caused this. I feel terrible for the child, now a Grandmother. She has had a lifetime of dealing with this emotionally.
Excellent point. Moral failure is not the same as abusing a child.
all sin is moral failure, and God will forgive and wont remember your sin if you repent. this is what the Word of God says. you can cry about what sin is worse, and if a person really repented or not. but remember what Jesus said about judging people...
@@craigstevens9351 judging people? I remember what Jesus said. Read all of Matthew 7 not just the first verse. Not only that, there are consequences for sin. Yes, forgiveness is available but there are consequences.
@@dhblue431 it sounds like you people are getting out the pitchforks and torches, claiming this guy didnt really repent, he cant repent, or Jesus didnt forgive him. id say thats EXACTLY what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 7. if you want to crucify this guy then be prepared to be crucified for your own past sins. id rather have mercy on people and forgive them like Jesus did.
@@craigstevens9351 obviously you didn’t read the post. Jesus must have had a pitchfork, according to your logic, when he said it is better for them to have a large millstone hung around his neck.
@@dhblue431 got it, you think Jesus only died for certain sins and wont forgive that man if he truly repented. everyone who sins and rejects Christ as their savior is going to hell, Jesus died for every sin. prepare to be judged.
I am now 80 yrs old, and when I was approximately 5 yrs old, an uncle, my mother's brother-in-law, began molesting me. I did not tell anyone in my family until I told my cousin in anger because I wanted to hurt her because I thought that she had told a family member that my husband was a drug addict
, when I finished talking, she said to me, " Bsrb, I'm sorry that my daddy did that to you!" I expected her to defend him, several years later, the day of my mother's funeral, I said to her, " when you made that statement to me about being sorry for what was done to me, it felt like someone had poured warm oil all over me and that's when I felt like I had closure. I am still effected by that!
He probably did it to her too.
That's lovely!
@@jacquelynking2184Yes, it's a sickness with often many victims. She immediately believed her, very telling. 💔
@laurykristensen6239 It's so sad, really, and probably more prevalent than we'll ever know since such things are done in secret, but The Lord says what's done in secret will be shouted from the rooftops. Exposure is on the way!!
I was abused by my fifth grade teacher. I was 12. He made me feel special by telling me he wished he could find someone as special as me. Having an alcoholic absentee father I understood that this was what love was I never thought of it as abuse or criminal. The bottom line is I became very promiscuous looking for what I thought love was. I am now 78 years old and still in confusion how this has affected my life. He had the audacity to come to my home and tell my parents that he wanted to buy my first pair of glasses that I needed. He portrayed himself as my savior in his own eyes.
Was a member at GW for almost 20 years. This is heartbreaking. Appalling. Disgusting. There are some sins that permanently disqualify someone for ministry. This is it.
Agree. And he lied about it to cover his sin/crime, disgusting!
Just make me sick and sad, I can’t imagine what you and the rest of the congregation is going through… and that poor woman and her family.
We do forgive, but he should have never been allowed back in the pulpit. He should never have been allowed to not pay for his crimes before the law. That was wrong and so very frustrating to see happen once again.
I’m greatly saddened that this happened and am praying for all involved.
@@donnaleveron5711 I think that’s why he used the verbiage young lady to try and cover it up and make it seem not as bad as it truly is probably trying to make people think oh she was older but still younger than him but old enough to be able to make those decisions for herself
I feel like it kind of hits close to home because my boyfriend and his family go to one of the locations and it said that especially at these mega churches, the people the minister/pastor whatever word you wanna call the abuse that power to manipulate people it’s same with televangelist too. They use scripture to manipulate people into doing stuff and giving them moneyto line their own pockets with
So True...So Very, Very True.
My issue with all of this is how could elders restore him to leadership. This was NOT adultery (notice the word Adult in Adultery). This was child molestation. This should be grounds for PERMANENT removal from ministry. The police should have been contacted.
Ted Haggard comes to mind here.
You saying permanent removal from ministry is going too far, I bet you don't understand how compassion from God works or His forgiveness. Even David didn't stop ministering to God after all he did, which can seen as equal or worse on some eyes (and just in case, I'm not not condoning the sin)
I agree with all of your sentences, except the one that included "child molestation." It was rape by instrumentation (his finger). "Rape by instrumentation is an act in which any inanimate object or any part of the human body, not amounting to sexual intercourse is used.
@@josuest7762 I for one and it is not a small number, that have been raped by someone in the family or was known by the family. People this just does not happen once, it happens more and more to other victims. They go from sister to cousin to acquaintances of the family to teachers to uncles, to colleagues. I could go on and on and on. It is so prevalent in our society that it is totally sickening. I was abused at the age of two and a half years of age by my paternal grandfather. He told me not to tell, of course I thought it was just a game we were playing and I thought it was delightful that he and I had a secret all our own. It was horrendous is what it was. He was an adult and I just a mere toddler. That was just the beginning, in later years at 11 years old I was raped by someone in my household and went on for 5 to 6 years. I finally married and got out of the situation.
Do they deserve to be incarcerated, you bet. They took away my whole life, I have seen about 6 counselors depending on the particular subject that arose I needed to deal with at the time.
This is no laughing matter, it's real and it needs to be dealt with, with some serious consequences. God help us all who have suffered from these habits of filthy men. My heart goes out to anyone who has suffered through this disgusting situation. If it were not for Jesus in my life, I would not have made it through all the trauma this behavior caused throughout my entire life. He is my true Savior.
The perpetrators have no boundaries whatsoever.
Spot on with your opening lines. An adult male of the clergy takes advantage of a 12 year old girl for four years and we're supposed to treat it as an oopsie!? A mistake or slip up a momentary lapse? No, he should have been on an offender registry not behind the pulpit.
Agreed100
💯
I agree, totally.
Not "take advantage" it's called child molestation, rape, pedophilia.
The fact that he only admitted to “moral failure” is absurd. What he did was sinful, but also violated a 12 year old girl, he sexually molesting her then said “don’t tell anyone or it ruin everything” is arrogance! And evil!
What’s sadly happening in the church is that the elders and leaders are doing more to protect the pastor, the reputation of the pastor and their church, and money it brings in. This is not the church where Jesus is the Head! It’s not how the church is supposed to be!
The issue is he was married. It's adultery
Ideally the woman should wait till at least 15 or 16 depending on her maturity level. I've met 13 year old girls who look 17 or 19 and are well put together. An 8 year age gap is not immoral. 12 and 20 is perfectly fine ethically speaking. It's just not legal. And it is Adultery
@@kylias7971That is not the only issue here! Of course he committed adultery. He also sexually molested a 12 year old girl. Forget about the age gap. Are you kidding me? Age gap matters after you become an adult. Not an innocent 12 year old girl and 21 year old man who knew better. Back in the 80’s girls/women never spoke up about this kind of stuff because they were always blamed for it. Just as she was. Saying she was the one flirting. Please. The 12 year old girls of from the 80’s are nothing like the 12 year old girls you see today Adultery is not the issue of this story. That’s part of it, yes, but not the “issue”.
@@kylias7971 no- the issue is that she was a child and he molested her! Moreover, he was a pastor and was allowed to return ministry after this. You totally missed the point!
@@kylias7971adultery is how he violated/wronged his wife, molestation/pedophilia is how he violated the kid/child. PS: Are you American? A 12 year old IS ABSOLUTELY NOT in the same maturity range physically, mentally, socially, sexually, spiritually as a grown 21 year old adult!!!! I’m blown away that you don’t know that & that 2 people hit the like button.
I agree with every point you made. Molestation destroys a child's life. They are never the same again. I personally know.
I too personally know. I'm 58 and think about it a couple times a month. It never goes away.😢
I am so sorry for what you endured. How sad and reprehensible that these things happen and harm the true Gospel of Jesus. Moral failure is a ridiculous description. He should have gone to jail and NEVER qualified to be in ministry ever again.
Never the same because the molester is always building himself up by tearing the victim down.
In 1989, my 8 year old daughter was molested at church two separate times by a visitor. After the second time, she told us and we went to the police. The man was arrested and spent four years in prison before being deported. This experience pretty much destroyed my daughter's life, and she was in and out of psychiatric institutions until she passed away in 2022. Those church elders may think that Morris' "restoration" took only 2 years, but this will affect his victim for the rest of her life.
I'm so sorry for what you went through. May the Lord comfort you.
Heartbreaking to hear. I'm sorry this happened to your daughter and you as well.
I'm so sorry.
I am so very sorry for your daughter and for your family. Today the world wants to make this legal--lowering the age of consent for children to be molested by adults. I know Jesus knows and the scars last a lifetime. He will be with her as she sleeps and may she rise to be with Him for eternity. Only He can understand clearly and His compassion is mixed with mercy.
That is so sad what happened to your daughter and I am so sorry for your loss.😢
Absolutely agree!! If he lied about her being a “young lady” when in fact she was a child, and he lied about her father giving his blessing to return to ministry, and he lied about the reason he stepped down from ministry for two years, saying it was pride when it was molestation, can we believe him when he says he hasn’t had any other “moral failures”. Usually this is a pattern. He needs to truly repent and step down.
True. And at the time her father supposedly gave that blessing, it wasn't his to give. She was an adult by then I believe.
Totally agree. Sin is sin. A crime is a crime.
Twelve years old is exactly the age that is called a young lady!
@carolwhiWHERE..WHERE..😮te8320
He's a pervert. Molesting doesn't stop when caught. There are others I am sure of it. What is Wrong with his wife to stand by him all these years. Oh, I forgot, he's a master at his game. He should be in prison.
It was criminal. He should have been tried and if convicted, jailed, registered sex offender, etc. Of course the sin is forgivable, but it disqualifies him from future ministry.
Exactly!
I agree. Many people reject Christ because of people like this
yes & King David should of been dethroned & executed 😮oh wait that’s not what GOD did my bad
Essentially true!
😢too Easy to minister on Utube. Gifts & callings without repentance. I believe he will make to Heaven
4 years of abuse is far more than a “one” time lack of judgement. My goodness - how did this cover up go on for 35 years.
There just now letting the information out now because the American church is getting exposed by the devil. God approves of this exposure because God is about to do a new thing in the earth and use people like you and me. The everyday people 🎉 the ones who love like Jesus🎉
Where were her parents; where was his wife?
I’m so sad for the young lady who has been crying out for someone to listen for 30 years 😢😢😢😢😢
I know right you would’ve thought after a few minutes of them being gone somebody would’ve went looking and could’ve stopped it before it went any further but again when you eat somebody you trust it’s hard, but he took advantage of her and the fact that back in 2005 when she tried to get with him and have her her lawyer meet with his trying to say it was her fault You gonna tell me 12 year old little girl is gonna do things to make you that’s what gets under my skin or people saying oh because I lusted after her because she was wearing revealing clothes or this or that it’s like just take responsible responsibility for your own actionsand if you’re truly a man of God, you would do the right thing authorities, but he got more and more popular and that’s why I think he used young woman to try and make it not a serious serious as it really is
I completely agree. Our neighbor and friend did the same thing and it was brought to our church. And the leaders and pastor said he not a pastor just a member of the church needed to confess and we should forgive. It wasn't talked about again. But it ruined so much. He was still welcome there and !after went on to do the same thing and finally was arrested and put in prison for at least a few years. The way the church handled it though still hurts and the damage irreversible. I thank God for his grace and love that sustains me.
Thank you. I’m 68 yrs old & have seen things like this covered up over & over. You are spot on!
I want to throw up whenever I here phrases like "he has properly confessed everything to the elders." This is IHop all over again. It is NOT biblical to say its okay that he just told everything to the elders. He never repented to this girl in front of the church. And those who claimed to be restoring him in the past had a duty to go to the cops. Those people are culpable in covering a crime. It's sickening to keep hearing about these pastors being exposed and vowing that they are going to be restored to the pulpit in the same day. That is NOT remorse and true repentence. Narcissists!
Very well said!! Thank you!
The feds needs to get involved 😮
Yes narcissism! It also incredible I never listened to him much but heard a sermon or two in particular about the spirit of Jezebel and the whole time he’s the one possessed by it!
So true. Thank you for saying all that you said.
You would make a great righteous judge. You should consider it. 🙏🏽
And if those elders did what the bible said, they'd have had him EXECUTED. Forgiveness comes after proof of repentance and punishment is never skipped regardless.
Evil and disgusting. He should be in Jail. The families and Church should be charged for hiding him and not reporting to the police.
I pray total restoration for Cindy in Jesus name. I’m glad she still loves her Saviour and doesn’t let Satan use this against God, as to blame him.
This has been an ongoing problem in our churches for far too long. Leaders need to be alert and skilled at identifying predators. We must protect our children at all costs.
He needs to repent of his sins to God , ask for forgiveness for these sins apologize I. Agre he should step away for good
This is exactly how it should be viewed. They seem more concerned that they might look bad if it occurs? They need to be aware that the profession, much like teaching is attractive to predators. This in no way should effect our views on the profession itself.
Two to three weeks ago, a sermon on presbytery was taught. Along with that, this pastor stated how the Holy Spirit chose this pastor. Man picked this pastor and now he is resigning, and running. The whole world knows. The Lord is beginning to clean HIS house and will expose all of the corruption in HIS house. Many have used the gospel for financial profit. News like this is what causes people to lose faith in God. If you are out there and reading this comment, know that God is still in control and spring cleaning HIS house.
Makes me love God even more! He cares about healing the innocent. He definitely cares when scriptures are abused for profit by the unfaithful who serve only themselves. Cindy said she wasn't ready until recently to be public about this. I think God waited for her. 🧹🧹🧹
He should have gone to jail
He should have been SENT to jail.
@@djcl4967 exactly. They told a 12 year old girl her being molested by this 21 year old adult was not THAT important as his career ‼️‼️‼️. They all failed miserably who ever knew about this ‼️‼️‼️. Her own daddy‼️‼️‼️
He should have gone to jail. If someone did this to His son there would be a different story. I've watch pastor Morris for a few years and always felt he was one of the good guys. So sad. As Christians we need to be careful what we hear from pastors and not get taken by personality.
Yes, if in jail/prison he can receive the " laying on of hands"... The elders beyond sketchy🗑️
@@judithdoonan6749 absolutely. Men don’t really take care of women or girls. There own daughters
Thank You brother. Unfortunately this has been happening to young girls and boys for generations in different areas of ministries and we need more Real Godly Men like yourself speaking truth. Blessings to you and your family 🙏
Blessings to you as well. 🙏🏼
@@PreachandLead What Vivian has said shouldn't be ignored!!!
"This HAS been happening to young girls & boys for generations ..."
You are SO PASSIONATELY UPSET about one situation . . . & rightfully so . . . 35 years ago, when fathers found out, they confronted the offender, then involved the priest or pastor, "hail Mary full of grace" & confession, they didn't call the cops - what sin have you committed that you want to keep secret? " Don't ask, Don't tell!"
What have we learned about in the past 35 years: Weinstein & Hollywood actresses & even young males, se_ual exploitation in movies, tv shows & even commercials, but they got cigarette commercials banned - Epstein Island & multiple locations . . . how many altar boys molested by Catholic priests, what has happened to the Boy Scouts of America organization, what is going on right now with child traf_icking, gen_er confusion, trans dr_gs & su_geries, CRT, DEI, WOKE, etc.
I'm 61 years old, my kindergarten year was the 1st year after prayer & 10 Commandments were removed from public schools, previous generations had stopped teaching about founding fathers of our nation, started twisting the truth of this nations history, stopped teaching our children HOW to think, instead to just do as you are told type of teaching for obedient factory workers, mass production, dumbing down society so we would be more easily controlled, submissive by use of fear tactics . . . I grew up looking at faces of missing children on school milk cartons - resulted in helicopter parents & young adults living in their parents basements for 30 years, playing video games where 'sex, drugs, rock & roll' are just fantasy . . . what do you think they are going to do when they finally step out in the real world?
Do you think I wasn't molested as a child growing up, babysitting jobs & the dad takes the babysitter home while mom puts the kids to bed - school bus trips with gang or_gies after dark - the magazine industry thrived because of 'outhouses' until toilet paper then magazines became po_rnographic!
Look, I just want to know if you are this passionately determined about the 100,000 missing children NOW, the border crisis & the Biden family raking in the $ from the ca_tels, all the deaths in the past 3 years as a result, all just for power & greed.
You are just encouraging that " I'm a victim !" mentality, instead of "LETS FIX THIS PROBLEM!!!" mentality.
Do you passionately want to fix this?
Get prayer & Bibles back in public schools & libraries & back in the federal budget for distribution around the world!!!
You are exactly right and under Florida law if anyone has knowledge of a child being harmed and doesn't report it, they are also committing a crime.
TRUTH!
Which her own father did... He never reported it and only threatened Morris to step down.
@@rnbham39 which he shouldn’t have given him a choice he should’ve immediately reported it because he broke their trust. They let him stay in their home and he abused that took advantage of that took advantage of their daughter, starting at the young age of 12.
Parents are ABSOLUTELY culpable!!!!!! How could they not be????
I agree with you 100%!!! There are no words strong enough that could ever express the magnitude of disgust and anger I'm feeling towards Robert Morris and the heartbreak I feel for how this precious, innocent little 12 year old child had to be traumatized for all those years in secret and beyond.
You are spot on. At 83 years old I am totally sick of these flimsy excuses. As for this elder board they coulf not run a corporation. They have bo backbone let alone NO understanding of the word if God!!!!!!! He needs to serve time!!!!!!!!
Absolutely!!!!!!No understanding of the Word of God.
I agree 💯 that Robert Morris should have been removed from ministry and turned over to the authorities. Shady Grove was very wrong in the way they handled everything. Now Shady Grove is Gateway Church .. The fact that Robert Morris says Cindy’s father gave his blessing for him to return to ministry tells me that Robert Morris is not delivered .the fact that he did not want to give 50 k for her counseling shows he did not care about her healing .
It’s all about the money for the church .
Robert Morris has not been 💯 percent truthful and has kept this out of the public and the church for all these years ..
Look how a 12 yr old innocent girl was treated and now the woman that she is has been treated . Look how the people of Gateways church have been treated . Used for their money they give to the church . People leave from these churches and these pastors ..
I pray God’s people flee this church immediately In JESUS name amen 🙏
Robert Morris needs to be removed from ministry period ..
This is my opinion..
The church has to take a stand 📢
The Lord is exposing all these false teachers! Robert Morris is one of the big time false heretical teachers! He is a prosperity Gospel preacher. His fruits are finding him out word and deed!
Step down.
Lifetime ban.
Shady 😢
100% agree. He lied about the girls father giving his blessing about returning to ministry, didn’t pay for her counseling, lied in his book. It seems he was more concerned with her signing an nda. Then him and his wife both blame the girl and somehow have made him a victim of her. . . These are not the actions of repentance.
She consented.you know she did
I can’t believe the child’s parents not reporting him to the authorities
That's what religious brainwashing will do to a person's judgement.
Money
Robert Morris was married while he was abusing the little girl? Oh my gosh😢 how did his wife stay married to him after that??? 😩 🙏🙏🙏👑👑👑✝️✝️✝️ 👧 👧 👧
I would, I don't care if I knew something was beginning to happen I would inform the police.
You don't have a pastors heart either.
You are 💯. Think about how many other young children have been hurt because this family allowed this to be swept under the rug.
A church leadership team as well.
that family actually went to churches anytime Robert Morris was preaching withing driving distance. Cindy and her family told what he did and what he was. She said last week that not a single of those churches intervened or stopped Morris from preaching there. He's got star power. She's been telling her story for a long time. it is just now that major networks picked up on the Wartburg Watch article.
I used to listen to him every now and then on t.v. with my elderly, home bound father who himself was a pastor himself for over sixty years. My father was a man of integrity with no "moral failings" during his ministry.
When we sometimes listened to Robert Morris, as we would listen to others on Sundays, I would ask my Dad, who was a wonderful preacher, why is this guy so popular?" His messages aren't even deep or good?" That was several years before this scandal came out. I never thought he was "gifted".
Should have been barred from ministry, period
Spot on. The exact perspectives i have shared with my wife about this. I am an ex-GW member, was involved in a ministry there - not leadership. The Lord began distancing me in my heart from GW about 6 months ago and I didn’t understand why. Now I do. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Wow! That still small voice!
God is so good. Divine protection at work. Brother, I pray the Lord leads to to bible believing church where HE is the head.
Same for me. Started several years ago. Left 4 weeks prior to this news breaking.
@@lilmisscy Thank you so much. The Lord bless you always.
@@BLACKMONGOOSE13 God is so faithful to tell us what's up. He's such a good father. Things are out of order right now for the church at large. The Lord told me years ago that he was going to bring down the man-made institutions that people worship and raise up those in the highways and byways .. the nobodies... that will not take the glory for themselves. Those whose only agenda is to see people come into relationship with Jesus - those who have nothing to lose and nothing to gain. Keep your eyes open and watch.
He should of been charged with first degree child molestation and sent to prison and then labeled as a sexoffender.and not to be allowed to be around children.
Robert Morris should not be allowed to be on the pulpit. He is an apostate in sheep’s clothing.
Child Molestation not moral failure
Well, it's one of the worst kinds of moral failure....and he should have gone to prison.
Right. A moral failure is cheating on your spouse with someone of age or getting hooked on adult pornography.
Before casting judges on a man who gave into sin 35 years ago, cast your stones, if you will,at the liberals trying to make minor attracted persons a normal thing. Yall people are quick to condemn.. but how u judge you will be judges as well. Tread carefully yall!
Exactly. And from a legal perspective this 35 year old sin is statutory rape.
@@francisgovan3456, You need to check on the ages of southern girls who are having babys. Many of which are fathered by their own dads & uncles. 9-11 year olds. In the South theres a saying. " If theyre old enough to bleed theyre old enough to breed." And thoes girls bloom very young. Incest is also common as spit.
I agree with you completely Robert Morris should have gone to jail period.
You are speaking the whole
truth without compromise,
my brother in Christ. Jesus is
the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must tell the whole
truth or we are not worthy of
Him.🙏🏻✝️💔
Being forgiven by God and others does not cancel out the consequences for that sin, specially something this serious!
The young man that sins by having sex outside of marriage, gets the girl pregnant, asks God for forgiveness, is forgiven by God, but that baby will still be born and he has to now be responsible for his sexual actions.
Great point!
Hope your son doesn’t come out too.
I have YET to hear of any FORMER child predators, this evil man preyed upon and molested a child. When they decide to go down this road, they've sold their soul to satan himself. Now, HOW MANY MORE CHILDREN have suffered from this deviant? He needs prison.
How about other sins like cheating, borrowing money and never return, bullying, etc? Is it forgiven by God and the people?
@@sootuckchoong7077 All sin is forgiven if one repents, asks for forgiveness. Thing is, pedos never stop, or repent.
If he hadn't been caught, he'd have kept in doing it. Situations like this make you wonder how many other victims will come forward.
So glad someone is saying this. The old “handling it internally” tactic is so dangerous. There’s no transparency or true repentance when there is a coverup.
I rejoice over your being morally indignant about Robert and this Sin. It is rampant in churches and rarely discussed so openly or honestly. I'm a 70 y.o. female retired mental-health therapist, and I'm beyond disgusted with the "moral sins" men in church leadership get away with, including narcissistic behavior toward women, who do most of the work in churches. Thank you! This episode/podcast gives me great hope. Change must come from today's youth in the Body of Christ.
Yep, look @ Ten Lies Church Tells Women and 10 Lies Men Believe by J. Lee Grady and Lies Men Believe etc. LOOK AT Toxic Parents and Incest, Molestation and it's Devistation by Susan Forward or Victoria Secunda Books, Herb Goldberg etc.
You are right on all of your points❗ I would add that there can be no true forgiveness without true repentance from RM & Gateway Church Leaders❗
I go to Gateway Southlake, and this news breaks my heart. Tony Evans just stepped down from his church as well.
I can't believe this man did this and never has gone to jail. We don't have a statute of limitations when it comes to this kind of crime, so I guess we will be seeing some charges coming in soon.
wow! I'm just so shocked. It is time for my family and I to find another church.
Countryside Bible in Southlake ... if you're ready for an upgrade.
before you join another church do a google search on them and look up the reviews people give about that church and see if that church gets any negative reviews and read what they say about the church when they give it negative reviews to protect yourself, if they get a lot of bad reviews I would avoid that church
Why did Tony Evans step down???
Run. Don't walk
@@republicanrule he admitted to sinning without being specific. Pray for the man that God would have His way in his life.
You’re absolutely right - it was criminal. Saying it was a moral failure is an extreme understatement. The arrogance this pastor is displaying is sickening. The church is actually an accomplice in this. Restoration was not handled correctly.
My thoughts are more will come out and say it happened to them too. This is horrible. He was also married while this was happening. Any of the leadership that went along with this, should all step down too.
The fact that he was married to me is not just that it’s adultery but the fact that he knows exactly what he was doing to a child. He’s married and had a child of his own and chose to go to a little girls room not an adult woman’s room because the girl was a target he could easily manipulate. That’s why it’s literally a type of rape. He’s trying to make it sound like he slipped and had an affair with a woman.
Married and had a young son!
God is not playing with any of us. God is cleaning His house. My suggestion to all Christians: Ask God to show you yourself, your heart, and allow God to work on you. Take your feelings, words, and actions to God. Process them through the Word of God. Let God Have The Final Say!
I don’t think this is the time nor the place to use the “all” need to look within. We are processing as brother and sister’s in Christ the gravity of his sin on this woman when she was at such a vulnerable insecure age and how his church is handling it and to what extent is it Biblical if they are minimizing it. It’s important to talk through this and hold leadership to a level of how Paul handled these issues.
Your statement is religious talk u need to read what Paul said about the man living with his step mother
@dannyarendall5233 Paul said, "Turn his flesh over to Satan for the saving of his soul." The Bible tells us to work out our oun salvation. Judgment starts at the house of God. And obedience is better than sacrifice. When we don't obey God, we can sacrifice our peace, joy, marriage, children, homes, jobs, position in the Kingdom of God, etc...
I remember in the eighties, law enforcement was not always contacted. The church often tried to deal with this from within. It's sad and unfortunate, as many children have suffered, due to this practice. We had a song leader, who molested several girls at our church. He was fired and sent on his way. Unfortunately, I know girls who were molested by him after he was sent away. He should have been in prison already!
I'm a pastors daughter and hsve been a pastor's wife for 35 years and there is no one who would get away with this sickening behavior on my watch.
My daughter just started a new church and instead of telling her. I'm glad for her. I told her to beware pastors and to keep EYE out on her children.
Even though I realize we all have sinned... I feel it's so obvious that he should step down from being a pastor, whether he repented, was forgiven, or whatever. He openly confessed to being a sexual predator to a minor while he was married. He's lucky to not have faced prison time.
I agree with you 100% on this. He disqualified himself the first time he touched that little girl. I agree it should have been a police matter, embarrassment or not. Remember what Jesus said that it would be better to have a millstone tied around your neck and thrown into the sea than to harm one of His little ones.
I have been involved in, and seen, similar issues in the church and fought hard to have them dealt with but it's always the same - the abuser is protected, the victim called a liar and revictimised. So... You are 100% correct.
I hear you and am so sorry. I believe Jesus warned such people - and a Millstone floaty would be preferable to what awaits them.
It's time for Robert . Morris to make restitution and deal with whatever comes to him. However, we have no place to gossip or condemn him. It's up to God and our justice system. It's all so sad. Remember Satan is looking for those he can devour. I pray for both in this situation.
I haven’t heard much in the reaction community about Mrs. Morris’s responsibility or position. What did she know? Is she just as guilty? How much has she witnessed over the years if anything? They had a handful of grandchildren, were there any signs or coverups by the children?
Hindsight is truly 20/20. As a member of Gateway for 5+ years I routinely mentioned to my spouse that Debbie always seemed detached from the church with her appearances at women conferences, holiday celebrations, new campus building growth, a large hunting ground ranch, an immaculately landscaped modern home with a lake in the wealthier section community, and the constant family additions with grandchildren. Even though everything appeared to be perfectly blessed in their life, she just seemed to have a “below average” kind of response to all praiseworthy church and personal accomplishments. I watched it grow from 3 campuses to 10 campus and a couple of televised State prison broadcast spots they had. Who wouldn’t be excited about such growth as a First Lady? If I could say one thing about her, she always seemed grieved OR mentally preoccupied.
I know I’d want mercy for wrongdoing, however as mentioned, PEDO is a totally different demonic illness. Prisoners deeply hate them. If you did the crime you must do the time. What man covers up the Lord will expose. 2024 is the year of disclosures of ALL those we’ve come to admire.
The question I have is why the girl's father didn't go to the authorities,. No way I would've let him get away with that.
It sounds like a betrayal. Must be most difficult in cases when the perpetrator is known to the victim / victim's network.
Truth! Exactly how I see it. I was a member at Gateway and also worked there at the Frisco location. My dad was on staff for 9 years. Many issues… won’t go into all. This is so sad. I’m not super shocked, but it is a blow. I knew he had messed up in his marriage, but never said what it was. It’s such a sad situation. I’m super disturbed by how they’re handling right now. Still not admitting the full truth.
Whenever there's a father in the home he's the provider and protector of the family. He, shouldn't have allowed Morris to get away with the heinous crime committed against his daughter and he should call the police. The fault lies with Morris and shouldn't gone on any further than it did.😮
Yeah I want to know why he didn't call the cops? He said he's lucky he didn't k*ll him, but only getting the cops involved would have stopped him from doing it again.
Having had 2 granddaughters who were sexually abused by their father who is finally in prison, I couldn’t agree more with where it should have gone & where it needs to go now. I am also a former member of Gateway. I know the devastation this type of thing cause forever!
Your analysis and coverage of this situation is spot on in every respect. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the kind words.
I agree. They should have reported him. The adults failed the girl
I so very much appreciate everything you have said. Truly it’s a blessing to hear a Christian man boldly, confidently speak truth about a common problem with men in ministry. Certainly God is cleaning house. As the Bible says, judgment comes to the household of faith first. The Lord cannot judge the corruption in the world/government until he deals with such sin in the church. One thing I would add that you did not comment on that is also of extreme importance. Not only did Robert Morris abuse a child sexually, his behavior was, in effect, committing adultery thus abusing his wife emotionally and psychologically whether she knew it or not, depriving her of the appropriate attention that belongs to a wife, giving it to a child who didn’t want it. This whole thing is so evil and as has been stated, it was absolutely evil of the elders to gloss over this criminal behavior.
It wasn't adultery. The clue is in the name, Adult.
This was a child.
4 years is not a mistake it's a habit. I'm sure this child is not the only one indeed. And 'she was flirtacious?' That statement is sickening.
Sounds like a narcissist.
Outrageous and totally despicable
Defense lawyers who use such words.. knowing the law around child sex abuse.. should also lose his license or at least be disciplined
@@trulyso734 they are not on trail and it would be difficult to uphold the law if lawyers can't defend their clients within that law. However morally rejectable such a comment is. I don't think it helps his client either, so hopefully others might learn to not say that stuff.
Maybe for a 12 year old today. They look and act older than they really are.
But, back then, it was different.
I doubt a 12 year old knew all about flirting with an adult.
35 years ago, I was also 12.
I was riding my bike and climbing trees. I wasn't even thinking of flirting with any guy. Especially not a grown man.
You are right on base. Even if someone is truly repentant, that does not negate the consequences. When David repented for his sin with Bathsheba, he still was held accountable by God. He lost that child that he bore with Bathsheba and another son, Adonijah, tried to steal his David's concubines and his kingdom and continued to try to steal the kingdom even after it passed to Solomon. For Morris's part, it is difficult to see him as repentant given that he has continued to cover up his actions with lies for decades and, if he is not repentant, we really cannot even be certain that this was his only victim.
How many people went to prison for doing what Robert Morris did back in the 80s? The laws have changed significantly since then.
I just listened to a prophecy that MANY prominent pastors, leaders, singers etc. will be exposed soon through God's judgement because of their vile, disgusting and unrepentant sins. This is just the beginning. People will be SHOCKED and dismayed.
was it prophet Joseph Z ?
Nearing end times and apostasy is running rampant
Amen. Can't hide from our Father Abba
Why is it now exposed - not many years earlier?
soon?? No no. It's already happening. It's been happening for so long now, that more are on the way. It's not shocking. God isnt mocked nor fooled either
I’m disgusted that they decided to not AT LEAST pay out the $50,000 to cover Cindy’s counselling costs but offered $25,000 and required signing of a NDA!
I can attest as a mother of a girl who was SA for years at the hand of a “trusted” family member; that it has not been cheap to pay for the necessary counselling to deal with the aftermath. Disgusting.
You are spot on. Thanks for boldly calling these “leaders” to account biblically.
I believe the holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which remains in him.
How is this comment related to the content of this video. Are you saying Morris is holy in anyway? Maybe I just don't understand what you are saying.
Church leaders should be mandated reporters and be held criminally responsible for not reporting these crimes. And if they think the restoration is valid, make it public to the congregation and see if they want to continue being part of the church. It probably didn't happen with only one person. And I must say, shame on her parents for not reporting it to the police as well. Currently reading the book Pivot, the sequel to A Church Called Tov.
I am in shock! Always appreciated his messages. Breaks my heart
I agree 100% and I am saddened because I have very much enjoyed his teachings. We need to protect the gospel first and foremost and those that have been harmed. He needs to step away from any pastoral or church service. I pray for the victim in the family, both families.
Yes, he will likely step away.. but he had 35 years of lucrative success.. and the victim has 35 years of struggles..
Really!?!??
Just another over the top prosperity preacher. That isnt exactly the gospel of salvation according to the bible. No loss, no need to go "protect the gospel" mode. God watches over His flock as the best truer greater shepherd there is. What better hands to be left in the care of. Might be a blessing in disguise.
Turnarounds are the fruit of true revival/restoration.
Lisa, I hope you will research the dangerous false teaching of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Gateway Church, a NAR church, is also promoter of the unbiblical Word of Faith / Prosperity Gospel, which only means the pastor and elders get wealthy, on the backs of the unsuspecting congregation. I knew Robert Morris was a disgraceful false teacher long before finding out that he was also a child molester. ✝️🙏✝️
This Not abusing a child, it is Rape! That is a crime and there is no statute of limit on this crime
I’m sad. My 91 year old mom and I like to watch Robert Morris and are convicted and encouraged by his sermons. When I break this to my mom she will be broken.
Hopefully it's only the 1 case of youth stupidity (yet criminal indeed) and not a case of serial offending of more child victims than that one.
The fact he was already married would make it child sex abuse + adultery. None of it can be played down but general child protection/safety should have been prioritized above the impacts on the wife's feelings or on his marriage, from a more objective outsiders' perspective.
don't send him money for your own good
I'm almost in the same position. Although I'm instantly done with him, he is one of the most capable people in explaining scripture I've ever heard. My 89 year old mother is presently in the hospital with what is going to be end-of-life cancer. I've not been able to get this off my mind since I learned of this yesterday and I can't imagine what it would do to my dear mother and she prepares to meet her beloved Jesus. No need to tell her, she will know more about it than I, very shortly. But I am devastated by this news. It would have been better to never have heard Morris preach, than to deal with this. I faithfully go forward.
I learned a valuable painful lesson years ago. Leaders feet are made of clay and they may stand on a rusty platform but eventually it comes too light. What’s so sad is the lives and trust that they are responsible for. Yes GOD forgives but we have to be honest and walk in truth. I think the institutional church calls sin moral failure may sound better but it is sin and I know the pain and struggle this lady has carried and probably affected her other relationships.
Preparing for much criticism here, but I do not understand why people’s faith is being shaken by the sin of this man? What do you expect from a sinner? Remember King David? He was guilty of murder as well as adultery. According to the Law he should have been killed; but God had mercy. Yes, there were consequences for his sin. My point is that people should be looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, and not be surprised when sinful man falls. Even Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (l Corinthians 11:1) And he even called himself the chief of sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) I don’t know about you, but I could give Paul some pretty stiff competition. Thankful that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. I need Him desperately.
This is a big deal, it's sick!
Good on you, we're ment to protect children from child sex offenders, not enable them.
I agree with you.
Thanks for your post.
Went on a 2 year vacation, came back to launch a successful church. Recharged his batteries. He and Hodges are cut from the same cloth. Disgusting.
Who is Hodges ?
@@valerieirvin249 Chris Hodges. Founder of ARC, Lead Pastor of Church of the Highlands. Breaker of chains, king of the Andals, the Unburnt, rightful ruler of the 7 kingdoms. Just the first two. The rest is me being silly.
Successful scam…he got rich, kids got raped, you got played
Morris book says he only stepped down for a month
@@reneemcmillan3865He worked as a security guard for a month and then went to answer phones at the phone ministry.
He was slapped in the hand and they all turn there backs on that little girl . How do they sleep at night knowing they destroyed her life , a child’s life .
Jesus knows and will call him to account when he stands before Him.
Yes, Sir! Speak the truth! You are so right!he got a pass to sin, and abuse more children!
How is he restored if he allows his lawyer to victim-blame, then lies in his book about why he left the ministry for 2 years, then claims ‘moral failure’ when it was paedophilia, then claims he had the victim’s father’s blessing when he didn’t? That is not restoration. This is criminal.
Praise God you have the moral aptitude to call a child molester a criminal. I have three daughters and four granddaughters. If they had been molested at age 12 I would NOT have hesitated to call the sheriff!!!
Your words are right on….. and how messy it gets when God cleans His Houses but PTLfor the cleaning🔺❗️🔺
I agree and makes me wonder if the elders aren't hiding behind sin in their lives. I can't imagine any elders thinking this is ok and should go unpunished. Having to step down from ministry for two years is nothing. He should have never been allowed back in a pulpit. Obviously the elders had no children of their own to accept such as this. Unbelievable.
As a sexual abuse/spiritual abuse survivor, thank you.
Yours is the first response I've landed on that is what people like me need to hear.
I agree with you-my testimony below. I'm praying God remove those who are lying to the sheep /or teaching false doctrine or committing sexual sin and not removing themselves from the ministry-repentance,even if real-cannot remove all consequences for failing God and especially His people. I also know but for the grace of GOd go I-and fear the Lord.
I pray that the young lady finds healing. I experienced sexual abuse at the age of six and it's something not easy to recover from.
They did the same things as the Catholic covering of the priest
agree
Can anybody answer these questions: 1) Where was her mom during alllllll those times? 2)Where was her dad? 3) Where was Morris wife when these bedroom things and backseat things happened? 4) Where was her sister during all those times? 5) Why didn't her parents press charges? 6) How was this man able to do all this for over a FOUR YEAR PERIOD and no one saw anything?! B.S.!
The whole thing is disgustingly ridiculous! Now it's 35 years later and this man has beeeeeeeen in ministry. I really don't know what to think about that EXCEPT her parents allowed him to get where he is today...including his wife and the other leaders around him. I have no doubt that that woman likely fell in love with him...and the bitterness sits to this day. He awakened her sexually as a child and it lasted through her formative years as an older teen. The time where she could have been looking at other boys, her mind was likely consumed with him. As a young 12 year old girl growing up to see the "cute" young ministry leader she really thought he probably loved her. Then imagine, everything comes to a halt and he doesn't even give her a real apology. Instead his wife calls to make her feel like everything was her fault and like she was trash. She went from this older man whispering "sweet" things in her ear and awakening her sexuality to being dropped dead cold to seeing him blossoming in ministry with the same wife that called her to make her feel terrible. Talk about abuse! All the way around.
Great questions!
Hes very wealthy 😮 know smh via tithes and offerings smh
Don't romantize the situation!!
You have to think back to the 80’s. Back then, girls/women didn’t come out about these things because they were always blamed for it. The church is always the worst. They want to keep things secret, unfortunately. And they did tell her it was her fault for flirting. And that was what, in 2005? It’s not easy for a young girl to come out about it. And he lied and said he was counseling her. But you know, as a wife, his wife had to have known or felt something off about that.
See my comment. Her parents failed her then. They chose to not go to the authorities. When you feel so strongly about something, you dont leave it for 35 years. Finacial gain comes to mind.
She will have to suffer for the rest of her life knowing this man violated her. God bless her as I know this has caused her much pain and suffering all these years. Morris should have to answer for his crime and restitution should be paid to this Woman. How many more young girls did he “council?” Shame on Gateway Church for sweeping this under the rug for all these years. I pray for full recovery for this Woman.🙏🏻
It's always nice how everyone is quick to theologize because their own sins have no come to light yet. And am talking to you, yes you reading this comment.
As a victim of sa myself...thank you for this.😢
I agree with you and how this entire situation was handled. I will add that I am disappointed in the parents of this 12 to girl at the time this happened. As a parent and now grandparent, I would have promptly gone to the police and filed charges. What happened to this sweet girl's loving parents.
Spot on. This is classic case of abuse. Churches often deal with this privately without reporting the abuse to legal authorities.
Thank you. What a blessing to hear a warrior for the Lord call sin by it's right name. Healing happens for those of us that are much like her in experiences....some of us never had anyone stand for us. Praise the Lord for a voice of encouragement and hope. And I completely agree, EVERYONE should be held accountable that knew about it--including his wife and anyone else. They all failed her--pride is a very destructive thing.
Her father (parents) failed her, as well. SO many, who knew, are complicit…. they share in the crime against Cindy. Shame on Robert Morris … his wife, the parents, the elders, the church, and all who knew.
Horrible! I’m stunned and sick to my stomach.
A pastor should be held above reproach. He should nolonger be up on the pulpit.😢I agree with you 💯 👍 GBU
So Morris gets so- called help but what did he do for his victim? It’s sounds like he downplayed how he ruined the 12 year old and got help for himself but basically figured that is good enough? You ruined a girls life!
Thank you for your boldness is speaking the truth. You are the first person I have seen actually call out the criminality of what went of for over 4 years to a child. It is obvious that he has not repented of this sin, because repentance would require him to confess what actually happened 40 years ago and accept the consequences of his actions. He clearly decided to continue to cover up his sin in calling it a pride issue and insinuating that he stepped out of ministry for a little while of his own accord. The elders of the church at the time this first came to light (if any are still living) need to realize that they are complicit in the covering up of criminal behavior (pedophilia, abuse of a minor). If (when) others become to come forward through the courageousness of Cindy Clemshire, they will know that their protection of a man caused more harm. I agree with you completely that Morris must step down, permanently, from any form of ministry. If he will not do so voluntarily, Gateway Church must fire him. This situation is intolerable.
Absolutely spot on, disgusted by some of comments blaming the innocent child. What does the Lord Jesus say to this precious woman.
To love your enemies- except if they molest you. Then you can hate on them all you want, eh? Sick.
@@thornbird4400 nothing in forgiveness commands anyone to endorse/promote fallen leaders into leadership and damn the victims
God forgives a contrite heart.
Best leave the ultimate hand of forgiveness and restoration btw God and the perpetrator eh?
⚠️ Being a pastor's son and having been molester myself starting at 6 y.o. by a family "friend", AND having seen sexual immorality freely reigning in Christianity, I can say first hand from the Word of God that the behavior is supposed to result in DEATH! My prayers are with all who have dealt with abuse...especially in the religion!
No one is asking for His life, because yes, we are to forgive. However, let's not twist Scripture. THE MAN IS UNQUALIFIED TO LEAD IN THE BODY AND...PERIOD!! Aside from this egregious activity, his teachings have always been unbiblical in various ways. Whoever "discerned" that he was called to ministry was either a minister(s) of satan or they were religious people who are just that...religious people. WHOEVER REINSTATED HIM KNOWING THE ACCUSATIONS SHOULD ALSO BE EXCOMMUNICATED.
This is the problem with the religion. There is NO FULL BIBLICAL AUTHORITY. Folk are following doctrines and leadership of sinful people and demons, just as the Holy Spirit forewarned.
It is only by God's grace, that I didn't die from what happened to me. Just like her, I was told, "don't tell anyone or they will think..." It is Yeshua who called Christianity the Mother of Harlots, and said many claiming Him will see Hell for their lawlessness. He warned to come out of the religion before what is about to happen. The Bride will be persecuted by the Mother of Harlots, and satan has deceived the elect, just as was warned by King Yeshua.
Seriously, the Lord said/shouted, "Come out of her, My people...!" ❤️
LOCK HIM UP!! I don’t care how long ago it was.
I lived the life of that little girl and they all got away with it.
Problem is, he wouldn’t have gotten locked up. They would have blamed the child as very very often happens.
One man blamed me for being so pretty, I was 7.
This man should NEVER been put behind a pulpit or anywhere near a child!
This sickens me. My family have watched this man preach and teach for a long time. This crushes me that we can’t trust anyone!
The church leaders are to blame for covering this up!!! Her family is also to blame ! They all should have called the police.
There should be no statute of limitations on this crime!
Please listen to Patricia King and her sermon on Mercy. There is healing in the arms if Jesus.
@@janhaag3540 I understand mercy more than most. My first child was murdered at the age of 20 1/2 months old so yes I know mercy and grace and forgiveness.
Because I ended up forgiven the murderer does not at all negate that it was a horrific crime, as is being molested as a child which I also know all too well. These crimes should require prison time, PERIOD!
I don't normaly do this but I have one more thing to say to the members of this church. Get out of it as fast as fast as you can. The elders don't care about righteousness.
I would agree, but it may not be the same elders as it was when this all happened 35 years ago. It could be that the current elders we’re unaware and totally uninvolved.
You're right!
The egos of church/assembly leaders are sometimes unspeakable. The arrogance can be very thick in many cases.
They are not allegations - Morris has admitted to it.
Partially. He’s not admitting the whole truth about it. Even lying about part of it.
Then HE needs to step down NOW!
@@caroletta451He did and was planning on turning the church over to his son next Spring.
@@Skiis44 His son should not be in charge. What a proud moment that would be for his dad! Robert Morris does not deserve proud moments. He deserves jail time not business as usual! SMH...
I used to go to Shady Grove Church. Im so sorry to hear this. I was molested as a child too.😢
I agree with you sir.
Thank you