Former Trump spiritual adviser Robert Morris faces five counts of child sex abuse; Gateway Church reels financially.
Gateway Church, a Dallas-based megachurch once led by former Trump spiritual adviser Robert Morris, is facing financial crisis and looming layoffs as donations plunge in the wake of a child sex abuse scandal.
Morris, who founded Gateway 25 years ago, stepped down last June. In March, he was indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. The alleged abuse dates back to 1982, when survivor Cindy Clemishire was just 12.
“Every few months there have been some announcements regarding financial issues,” said Amy Smith, founder of WatchKeep. “They can’t go on with business as usual.”
Clemishire is suing Morris for $1 million, citing defamation and emotional distress. While Morris admitted to past “sexual immorality,” he has publicly framed the abuse as an “extramarital affair.”
Gateway members were recently informed that tithes no longer match attendance, prompting urgent financial restructuring.
An arbitration hearing next month will decide if Morris can claim millions in deferred compensation—a demand Gateway disputes, citing his criminal charges.