Former Texas megachurch pastor indicted on 5 counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child; SNAP is grateful for the victim’s persistence

For immediate release: March 13, 2025

Robert Morris, founding pastor of a megachurch in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child yesterday. The indictment stems from accusations of child sexual abuse from the 1980s. Pastor Morris resigned from Gateway Church after the allegations became public last year.

SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is grateful for the persistence of the victim, Cindy Clemishire. We believe that her courageous actions will help to protect today’s children. This indictment shows that no one is beyond the law, not even a powerful, wealthy church leader.

Sadly, we also believe that there may be more victims. We want survivors to know that we believe them, and that they are not alone. We commend Cindy for bravely stepping forward, and we encourage anyone who may have been abused by Pastor Morris or any other faith leader not to suffer alone and in silence.

While SNAP originated with Catholic victims, our resources are open to those who experienced abuse in other religious settings. Survivors from any faith community are welcome to contact SNAP Leaders for an understanding ear, and to participate in our peer-led support meetings.

Remember, you are not alone. There are people who will believe you and support you.

CONTACT: Melanie Sakoda, SNAP Survivor Support Director ([email protected], 925-708-6175), Shaun Dougherty, SNAP Interim Executive Director ([email protected], 814- 341-8386) 

(SNAP, the Survivors Network, has been providing support for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings for more than 35 years. We have more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)