The announcement comes in the wake of founding pastor Robert Morris’ alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in the 1980s.
DALLAS — Still dealing with the ramifications of a sexual abuse controversy involving its founding pastor, Robert Morris, Gateway Church will be reducing its services.
The mega-church announced that it would be cutting Saturday services at all campuses except its Southlake campus.
“As we continue to strengthen our relationship with the Gateway Church family and community, we’re making a shift at several of our DFW campuses by hosting our church services on Sundays only,” a church spokesperson said. “This adjustment will allow us to minister to and love our congregation well while prioritizing the needs of our individual campus communities. Throughout all our locations, our commitment to loving God and loving people remains unchanged.”
Last June, Cindy Clemishire accused Robert Morris of sexually abusing her across several years in the 1980s, starting when she was just 12.
Since that revelation, Gateway has been embroiled in controversy and litigation. Morris has since resigned from his position as senior pastor and been indicted in Oklahoma on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child.
Last month, Clemishire filed a lawsuit against Morris, his wife, and Gateway leadership for defamation, claiming they knowingly spread misinformation to cover up decades-old abuse and protect the church’s image.
Even Morris himself has added to the litigation against Gateway, suing the church for over $1 million in deferred compensation and intellectual rights to his books, sermons and social media accounts.
The church, which once had more than 100,000 active attendees across its network, announced layoffs last month, citing declining attendance and donations.