Church founder's initial court appearance postponed, initial hearing scheduled for next month following the pastor's decision to forgo a preliminary hearing.

In a recent development, four former elders and the Robert Morris Evangelistic Association have filed motions to be dismissed from a lawsuit involving allegations of child sexual abuse against Robert Morris, the founding pastor of Southlake-based Gateway Church.

The lawsuit, which was filed in June 2024, also includes Gateway Church, Morris' wife, and the Robert Morris Evangelistic Association as defendants. Cindy Clemishire, a former church member and donor, has accused Morris of sexually abusing her in the 1980s, starting when she was just 12 years old. Morris pleaded not guilty to five charges of lewd or indecent acts with a child in March.

In a court filing, leaders of the megachurch have argued that they are not legally responsible for Morris' actions. They claim they had no knowledge that Morris' alleged victim was Cindy Clemishire or that she was a child at the time of the abuse. Gateway Church also argues that its statement cannot defame Cindy Clemishire because it did not mention her name.

The church denies covering up the allegations or defaming Cindy Clemishire. Church elders Dane Minor, Kenneth Fambro, and Tra Willbanks included their own written statements in Friday's filing. They have also requested to be dismissed from the lawsuit.

Robert Morris resigned from the church shortly after admitting to an "inappropriate relationship" with Cindy Clemishire. The arraignment for Morris is scheduled for Oct. 2 in Osage County. KERA News reached out to Clemishire's attorney and will update this story with any response.

The suit claims that the defendants knew about the abuse for years but covered it up. Clemishire and her father are suing Gateway Church, its elders, Robert Morris, his wife, and the Robert Morris Evangelistic Association.

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In June 2024, a lawsuit was also filed against Robert Morris, his wife, Gateway Church, and the Robert Morris Evangelistic Association by other former church members and donors. The alleged abuse lasted more than four years according to Cindy Clemishire.

Robert Morris waived his right to a preliminary hearing in his criminal child sex abuse case last month. The church has also asked to be dismissed from the lawsuit last week, claiming the suit is barred by the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Church founder's initial court appearance postponed, initial hearing scheduled for next month following the pastor's decision to forgo a preliminary hearing.