Texas Megachurch Accepts Senior Pastor's Resignation After Allegations of 'Inappropriate Relationship' with a Minor

Robert Morris, the senior pastor of the Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has resigned following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The church announced the acceptance of Morris's resignation on June 17, 2024, in a statement posted to its website. The statement acknowledged that the church became aware of the allegations against Morris and that they were "deeply troubling." It also stated that an independent, third-party investigation was launched to review the allegations. The investigation is still ongoing. The church did not disclose the nature of the alleged relationship or the identity of the minor involved. However, in a separate statement, Morris himself admitted to having "a relationship" with a person who was a minor at the time. He expressed "deep regret" for his actions and acknowledged that they were "wrong" and "a violation of the trust placed in me." Morris's resignation comes after a long and successful career at Gateway Church. He co-founded the church in 1990 and served as its senior pastor for over three decades. The church is a large and influential one in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Morris's departure is likely to have a significant impact on the church and its community. The statement from Gateway Church also mentions that the church is committed to providing support to any individuals who may have been affected by Morris's actions. It encourages anyone who needs help to reach out to the church's counseling services or to contact the authorities. The news of Morris's resignation has sent shockwaves through the Christian community. Some have expressed outrage and disappointment, while others have expressed concern for the alleged victim and the church's response to the allegations. The situation is still developing, and it remains to be seen what the full consequences of Morris's actions will be. The independent investigation is expected to provide further details about the allegations and Morris's involvement.

Summary

"Robert Morris, senior pastor of the Gateway Church in Texas, has resigned following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The church has initiated an independent investigation into the matter while expressing deep concern and commitment to supporting those affected. The investigation's findings and the impact of the situation on the church and community are yet to be fully understood."