Former megachurch pastor Robert Morris was indicted this week on child sex abuse charges after being accused by Cindy Clemishire of molesting her as a child in the 1980s. Morris, a prominent figure in the American evangelical movement, was charged with five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, leading to his resignation from Gateway Church in Texas. The indictment was made possible by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s decision to pursue a criminal investigation under an archaic state law tolled the statute of limitations because Morris fled the state.
Clemishire’s refusal to give up on seeking justice, her public accusation against Morris, and Drummond’s past representation of her all played a role in the case being brought to light. The charges have sparked a broader conversation about handling abuse allegations within churches, leading to the dismissal of elders and employees at Gateway Church who were aware of the accusations.
Texas state Rep. Jeff Leach has introduced legislation in response to Clemishire’s story, aiming to extend the time period for filing lawsuits in childhood sexual abuse cases. Meanwhile, Drummond has expressed support for eliminating the criminal statute of limitations in rape cases and hopes Morris’ indictment encourages more survivors to come forward.
In light of this case, Drummond urges victims of child abuse to come forward and seek justice, emphasizing the importance of reporting abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused, it is essential to contact the appropriate authorities or helpline immediately.
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