New Life Church Calls for Resignations of Two Pastors

New Life Church in Colorado Springs has requested two more pastors to resign, linked to their management of allegations involving former Gateway Church Rev. Robert Morris and accuser Cindi Cremicia. After a recent service, the church’s Elders Committee provided a document detailing that executive pastors Lance Coles and Brian Newberg had been asked to step down.

This was prompted by the resignation of senior pastor Brady Boyd, who misled the church about his knowledge of the allegations against Morris.

Coles and Newberg were part of the nine-member committee that selected Boyd as a finalist for the senior pastor position in 2007.

They had expressed concerns about Morris’s involvement, but Boyd dismissed these worries and appointed him as a supervisor. The two pastors were responsible for voicing their concerns but failed to act at the time or afterward, leading to their demand for resignation.

Formation of the Elders Committee

The Elders Committee was created in 2008, with all members either chosen by Boyd or appointed in 2011.

According to the elders, both Coles and Newberg have shown sincere regret and humility since being approached last week. They have accepted the authority of the church and acknowledged the need for a transition in their roles.

Both expressed deep remorse for not doing more to prevent Morris’s involvement with the church.

The elders are hopeful they will remain with the church for years ahead and welcome their ongoing support and prayers.

Cindi Cremicia’s Allegations Against Morris

Last June, Kremisher, now 55, accused Morris of sexual abuse occurring in the 1980s and subsequently filed a lawsuit against Gateway Church and Morris for over $1 million.

In March, Morris was indicted on five charges of indecent behavior towards a child relating to his actions involving Kremisher. If convicted, he could face up to 100 years in prison, with a court appearance scheduled for September.

Congregational Reactions to Leadership Changes

The indictment followed the conclusion of a four-month survey which revealed that most of the church elders were aware of the allegations against Morris and had not taken appropriate action.

As the church undergoes this leadership transition, Daniel Gross has been tapped to possibly take over Boyd’s position as senior pastor. While some members stand in support of Boyd, protests occurred outside the church in late June. Supporters wore T-shirts expressing their backing for him.

Brianna Martinez, a member of the congregation, shared her disbelief about the allegations against Boyd, emphasizing his lengthy service and significant contributions.

Another congregant, Dick Archer, noted that he was troubled by the process surrounding the recent changes and affirmed his support for Boyd, hoping the situation will improve.

“There’s a lot of confusion,” Archer commented. “We’ll continue to support [Boyd] and hope for a resolution soon.”

A Facebook group supporting Boyd has emerged, gathering over 400 members who admire his leadership and contributions to the community.

“We refuse to just watch this happen to someone who has done so much good,” the group stated.