(Photo: Gateway Church)
Following his release from an Oklahoma jail on Tuesday, Gateway Church founder Robert Morris has publicly sought forgiveness from Cindy Clemishire, whom he admitted to sexually abusing as a child in the 1980s. Morris, who has completed a six-month sentence, issued a heartfelt apology acknowledging the gravity of his past actions.
In a statement provided by his attorney, William B. Mateja, Morris expressed that his time in jail intensified his understanding of the harm he caused. “I want to speak directly to Cindy Clemishire and her family. What I did to Cindy decades ago was wrong. There is no other word for it, and there is no excuse for it. I am deeply sorry,” Morris stated, expressing his gratitude for the Clemishires’ bravery in bringing the issue to light.
Reflecting on the journey towards healing, Morris emphasized the importance of addressing issues openly. He had previously sought Clemishire’s forgiveness privately, a gesture acknowledged by her father. “I ask again, publicly, and sincerely, for the forgiveness of Cindy and her entire family,” Morris added, hoping for their healing.
Clemishire, in her response, reiterated that she forgave Morris long ago but noted that forgiveness does not erase the impact of his actions. “His words today are, in many ways, what any victim would hope to hear. But it is still deeply disheartening that those words were not spoken directly to me and my family on October 2nd, when he stood before the court and pleaded guilty,” she stated.
She emphasized the lasting effects of the abuse, which began on December 25, 1982, when she was 12, and continued for several years. “What happened to me on December 25, 1982, when I was 12 years old, was not a relationship — it was a crime,” Clemishire remarked.
In March 2025, Morris was indicted on multiple counts related to his abuse of Clemishire. His guilty plea last October was his acknowledgment of responsibility, according to his attorney. Morris was also ordered to pay $270,000 in restitution.
Currently, Morris and Gateway Church face an ongoing defamation lawsuit from Clemishire. The lawsuit, seeking over $1 million in damages, accuses Morris and church leaders of mischaracterizing the abuse as a consensual relationship.
The case is temporarily halted pending a mandamus review, following a petition by Gateway Church attorneys. The lawsuit’s progress was initially stalled after a Dallas County judge refused to dismiss it, despite arguments citing the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine.
Clemishire continues to call for accountability and truth. She thanked those involved in the legal process for their commitment to justice. “Their commitment ensured that what was hidden for so long was finally brought into the light,” she said, hoping for broader recognition of survivors’ experiences.
Morris, in addition to seeking forgiveness from Clemishire, apologized to the broader Christian community for the harm his actions caused. “I am sorry for the pain, the confusion and the damage that has come upon so many believers because of my actions,” he wrote, acknowledging the need for accountability.
He expressed gratitude towards those who supported him, especially his wife, Debbie, and the staff at Osage County Jail for their professionalism. Morris concluded by reflecting on his future, emphasizing a commitment to living quietly and with integrity, underpinned by faith and grace.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
