Pastor Robert Morris is stepping away as overseer at Church of the Highlands in Alabama.
In a statement obtained by The Roys Report, the Alabama megachurch said they did not know about Morris’ alleged sexual indiscretions.
Wade Burleson shared the megachurch’s statement with The Roys Report, which read:
After being made aware of the disturbing media reports, Highlands trustees and overseers immediately initiated a due diligence process that included reaching out to Gateway’s elders. Before the scheduled follow-up meeting to determine changes in our governance structure, Pastor Morris resigned as an overseer of Church of the Highlands.”
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Morris’ resignation follows his admission of “moral failure” after “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady.”
Cindy Clemishire, who has accused Morris of sexually abusing her from 1982 until 1987, says the assault began when she was only 12 years old.
Morris says he confessed and repented of his sins.
In March of 1987, this situation was brought to light, and it was confessed and repented. I submitted myself to the Elders of Shady Grove Church and the young lady’s father. They asked me to step out of ministry and receive counseling and freedom ministry, which I did. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area. Two years later, in March of 1989, I stepped back into ministry with the full blessing of the elders and her father. In October of 1989, Debbie and I met with her and her family, and I asked their forgiveness, and they graciously forgave me.”
Clemishire, however, denies that Morris received a blessing from her father to return to the pulpit. Clemishire told the Christian Post:
I am mortified that he is telling the world my dad gave his blessing. Of course, we forgive because we are called to biblically forgive those who sin against us. But that does not mean he is supposed to go on without repercussions.”
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
