Former Texas Megachurch Pastor Robert Morris Indicted for Child Sexual Abuse

Former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris indicted for child sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s. Learn more about the charges.

Former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris has been indicted on child sexual abuse charges dating back to the 1980s in Oklahoma.

 

Hominy, Oklahoma | Robert Preston Morris, 63, the founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and former spiritual adviser to President Trump, was indicted Wednesday in Oklahoma on charges of child sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s.

 

According to the indictment, Morris faces five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. Prosecutors allege he abused a girl between the ages of 12 and 14, beginning in December 1982 while visiting her family in Hominy, Oklahoma, as a traveling evangelist. The abuse allegedly continued for the next four years.

 

Morris, who resigned as senior pastor of Gateway Church in June 2023 following similar allegations, has not publicly commented on the charges. His attorney declined to speak to local media.

 

Founded in 2000, Gateway Church now has an estimated 100,000 attendees. Morris was appointed to Trump’s evangelical advisory committee in 2016 and hosted the former president at a church roundtable event in 2020. A spokesperson for Trump clarified that Morris had no involvement in his 2024 re-election campaign.

 

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond condemned the alleged crimes, stating, "There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children. This case is all the more despicable because the alleged perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his position."

 

Gateway Church released a statement acknowledging the legal actions in Oklahoma and expressing gratitude for the justice system's efforts in holding abusers accountable. The church also stated it was praying for Morris’ accuser, her family, church members, and all affected by the situation.