Plea to Dismiss Abuse Lawsuit Denied by Dallas County Judge
Dallas County Judge Emily Tobolowsky has rejected an attempt by Gateway Church founder Robert Morris to dismiss a civil lawsuit brought by sexual abuse survivor Cindy Clemishire. The judge also denied motions from Morris’s wife, Deborah, and several church elders. The Morris legal team cited First Amendment protections and the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine, arguing the court lacked jurisdiction. However, Tobolowsky did not explain her decision.
Trial Moves Forward Despite Religious Freedom Defense
With the dismissal motions denied, the $1 million defamation and abuse case is set for trial next summer. Morris, who pleaded guilty in October to sexually abusing Cindy Clemishire when she was 12 in the 1980s, is currently serving six months in jail. His sentence includes nearly a decade of probation, sex offender registration, and $270,000 in restitution.
Morris Argues Claims Invade Church Autonomy
In court filings, Morris’s attorneys argued the lawsuit forces courts to interpret spiritual issues. These include “walking in purity,” “restoration,” and whether the Clemishires forgave Morris. They claim evaluating such matters would improperly intrude on religious doctrine and church governance, violating First Amendment protections. The defense maintained that the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine shields these spiritual concepts.
Survivors Applaud Decision to Proceed
Supporters of Cindy Clemishire welcomed the ruling as a victory for accountability and justice. Her attorney, Texas Rep. Jeff Leach, called it a landmark moment for survivors. “This is a great day for justice . . . and for countless survivors,” Leach told CBS Texas. He emphasized the ruling signals abuse victims can pursue justice, even against powerful church institutions.
Gateway Church Faces Broader Legal Fallout
Beyond the Clemishire case, Robert Morris is also suing Gateway Church over a disputed multimillion-dollar pension. Meanwhile, a separate lawsuit filed by members accuses the church of falsely claiming it donates 15% of tithes to global missions. The Robert Morris lawsuit is drawing national attention as a test of how far religious freedom can shield misconduct claims.
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Texas Judge Denies Robert Morris’ Attempt to Drop Clemishire Defamation Lawsuit
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