Texas Megachurch Pastor Sued for Alleged Sexual Abuse

A former pastor of a Texas megachurch is facing a lawsuit from a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by him when she was just 12 years old.

This legal action was initiated in the Dallas County District Court and targets Gateway Church’s founder, Robert Morris. The lawsuit accuses Morris of various charges including defamation, civil conspiracy, and intentionally causing emotional distress. The plaintiff is seeking over $1 million in damages.

Cindy Kremisher, along with her father, filed the suit shortly after detailing her claims of abuse on a religious watchdog blog called Wartburg Watch. Cindy, now 53, recalls meeting Morris in 1981 when he visited her church in Oklahoma.

She contends that inappropriate touching began when he stayed at her home in 1982 and allegedly continued for approximately four and a half years. This case is set against the backdrop of a grand jury indictment in March, which included multiple counts of indecent behavior with minors against Morris.

In the new lawsuit, Cindy claims that Morris’s family and church members attempted to hide the alleged abuse for financial gain. The lawsuit was filed in Texas, while the incidents purportedly occurred in Oklahoma.

Interestingly, Morris resigned from his position in June 2024 and, shortly after, declared that his relationship with minors should not constitute a breach of contract. He is reportedly seeking financial restitution from Gateway Church.

As of now, the church has not provided any comments regarding the ongoing situation.