Jimmy Evans, Brady Boyd Knew of Abuse Despite Public Denials
Court documents filed in Texas last Friday reveal that prominent church leaders, including Bible teacher Jimmy Evans and Pastor Brady Boyd of Colorado’s New Life Church, were aware that Gateway Church founder Robert Morris had sexually abused Cindy Clemishire when she was 12. These revelations contradict public statements by Evans and Boyd, who expressed shock when the abuse became public in 2024.
Morris Admitted to Elders, Still Paid Millions
Morris acknowledged the abuse in the newly released filings and claims he informed Gateway elders in 2005, 2007, and 2011. Despite this, the church kept him on staff and committed to paying him millions in retirement benefits. Evans and Boyd were Gateway elders during these disclosures. In 2007, Boyd moved to lead New Life Church, which had just weathered a separate sex scandal.
Victim’s Sister Warned Church, Was Ignored
Clemishire’s sister, Karen Black, confirmed she warned New Life’s pastoral search committee in 2007 about Morris’s abuse. At the time, she was a church member and expressed concern that hiring Boyd could increase Morris’s influence. The church ignored her warnings and not only hired Boyd but also appointed Morris as an overseer.
Internal Emails, Meetings Point to Coordinated Cover-Up
Documents include a 2007 letter outlining a plan to keep the abuse hidden. A 2011 anonymous email naming Clemishire and detailing the abuse was sent to multiple Gateway and New Life leaders. The churches responded with legal threats instead of action. Still, Evans and others later claimed to have no prior knowledge.
Supporters Cite Repentance, Critics Decry Deceit
Supporters of Morris argue that he underwent a process of repentance and restoration. Critics, including Clemishire and Black, say church leaders prioritized protecting reputations over protecting victims. Gateway now claims it has removed all elders who failed to act, but questions remain about the knowledge of current leaders.
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Documents: Jimmy Evans and New Life Elders Knew Robert Morris Abused a 12-Year-Old Decades Ago
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