Ex-Pastor at Gateway Church Responds to Robert Morris Scandal
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- Опубліковано 23 гру 2024
- A former pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, is speaking out in the wake of the Robert Morris scandal to share what he believes are helpful steps to address and prevent abuse in Christian circles. Bob Hamp worked as executive pastor of pastoral care at Gateway Church from 2005-2014, developing the house of worship's Freedom Ministry.
Hamp told CBN News the allegations that Morris molested a 12-year-old girl in the 1980s were not known to him before hearing accuser Cindy Clemishire's harrowing account. Hamp said he joined the church well after these purported events took place and had no involvement; he now runs Think Differently Academy, helping people heal and find spiritual fulfillment in Christ. "I'm heartbroken," Hamp told CBN News.
Hamp helps people who have been sexually abused. He spoke compassionately about the tragedy of Clemishire being forced to deal with what unfolded as a child and then carry it throughout her life. He also said something else noteworthy surrounding the Morris saga: the specific allegations surrounding the pastor were not in line with what he had been told in the past. "The first thing: my heart just went out to her," he said. "And I think, secondly, I felt a sense of, 'This is not the story that I was told.' So ... a sense of betrayal, and anger about that, and sadness."
Hamp said church leadership at his level at Gateway and the public were seemingly both given the "same information" about Morris' past sin issue. "That information is that there was an inappropriate relationship with a young woman," Hamp said. "And, in that, I think there's a language there that leads to a certain conclusion." He spoke about the ways in which language can sometimes be used in these circumstances to "fog the actual truth."
"So, I, along with, I think, the general public, had heard the same story, which is, at some point in his life, there was a period of, or an experience of, immorality," Hamp said. "Or an inappropriate relationship with... 'a young woman.' I had no idea that it was a 12-year-old little girl." As CBN News previously reported, Morris, 62, who resigned from Gateway Tuesday, offered a recent statement on the allegations against him in which he again used the term "young lady."
As for Hamp, he is speaking out in an effort to try and help people navigate the complex feelings and emotions surrounding this case and church abuse more generally, especially as moral failings, sin issues, and overt instances of abuse continue to unfold within Christian environments. He recently published a post on X explaining, in detail, how he hopes people will react to the situation.
"The purpose of that post was to say, listen, we ought to deal with whatever happened at Gateway Church and ... the years prior. We ought to deal with that in spirit and in truth," he said. "But, if we don't have the bigger conversation, this will happen again, and this will happen again, and this will happen again." Watch the interview to hear Hamp's advice for churches.
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Thank you for addressing this issue. I am the granddaughter of a pastor who sexually abused me from age 4-14. When I told my mother at age 14, she believed me but decided not to address this with her mother or step-father because she didnt "Want it to affect the ministry." So, as a 14-year-old, it was my job to protect Jesus' reputation? What a horrible message to send to the victim! Unfortunately, it was never dealt with, and as an adult, I discovered that he also abused at least 5 other girls in the family. If only it had been dealt with! This happens far too often!
Omg. This must stop! PEOPLE ARE SO SELFISH
I am so sorry this happened to you
Never to late
Abuse by man or woman is not Gods fault, don’t turn from him , turn to him
My prayers to you my dear that continues to strengthen you and heal you.
How about using the Billy Graham rule … don’t be alone in a room with a woman who isn’t your wife. I think President Truman observed this also Keep it simple.
Mike Pence did as well.
@yvonnemccastle1455
And, Joel Osteen too.
That's why I'm confused as to why was she alone with him so many times over 4 years? Did any adult not see anything wrong with this?
Former president trump has been found guilty of rape in a civil law suit! He’s a person that definitely does not to be alone with anyone period!
@@sjg5994 Her parents failed her !! Apparently they trusted him because he was clergy. He also claimed to be “counseling” her when they had private meetings. He basically threatened her not to tell but she told a friend and it all came out. Her parents trusted a “man of God” like sheep to the slaughter
It’s a criminal felony offense, not a scandal.
Clearly molestation.
sorry it happened back in the 1980s not today . This girl had the chance to do something ,but never did anything . She now she is trying to put the squeeze on Morris
@@nathanzabernot true. The victim has been trying, since it was originally exposed to church authorities including James Robinson, to have this brought to the higher church accountability.
The church leaders who are mandatory reporters covered up for Morris, and did not report the abuse to legal authorities.
Originally, she only asked for $50,000 to cover her therapy, but, Morris and the church countered offering $25,000, but, only if the victim would sign a non disclosure agreement which would have silenced her.
Fast forward, what is $2 million for therapy when the abuser is worth $117 million. He was already planning on turning over his ministry to his son. He will still sell millions in CDs, books, personal appearances.
Additionally, those involved who said Morris stepped down for 2 years to submit himself to repentance and restoration are lying.
Newspaper clipping have emerged that clearly indicate Morris was still being paid to preach in many meetings at that time.
Do pedophiles change their stripes? Morris's wife blamed the victim for the grooming and abuse.
A 12 yr old, accused by a scorned wife for a 21 yr old male of being a Jezebel spirit.
No wonder people stay away from church.
@@nathanzaberWow! SA enabler.
Boy…it’s getting ugly out there. 117 million. Whoaaaaa
A Pastor is held to a HIGHER ACCOUNTABILITY. PERIOD!!..
BY God, not man.
By God and the church, according to the Bible.
@@marahvaldez4414Yes, by the Church, too. He never should’ve been in a position of authority, according to Scripture.
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Titus 1:6-16
Oh… so he was a pastor at the age of 20?!??
@@Boldaslion Married and with a son by 21. A travelling evangelical. Gift of the gab! He was apparently very charismatic. As a teenager he slept around a lot! (he tells this in his sermons) After 4 1/2 years of abusing the 12 - 16 year old, (all the while married), she told her dad. He was always a great manipulator, a witness who had been a friend from the early church, had said. She would be easy prey! When the church was informed, they required he step down for 2 years to take counseling and reparations. He only stopped preaching for 2 months and a church elder got him back in, going against what they promised the dad. He was a moneymaker with his charm. The ex friend believes him to be a psychopath. There is an interview where he describes his character. The guy's past is a real $hit show!
This is why we have to keep our eyes on JESUS & not hold up any man. Heart broken for the victim💔
Amen my Sister
100 percent truth.
Ministers like Mike Bickle, Ravi, TD Jakes, Tony Evans, Robert Morris all getting exposed… recent ones are in the state of TX
I can’t agree more,
Robert kept his eye on the “young lady”…4 years…preaching salvation while engaging in heinous behavior. Is that a born again Christian?
Absolutely 💯
If people walk away from the faith because a man commits a sin within the church, they need to keep their eyes on Jesus and not on man!
Amen
Amen
Such a manipulated answer. It's chilling.
People in the church still sin. No one is perfect and Christians aren't either. Doesn't make it okay. Don't blame the church for something done by a human
Excellent point!
Never leave your children alone with anyone
Especially not people who work in schools, teachers, counselors, coaches.
@@Unhappy_Nomad_ClientOr people in the church.
Trust no man,only God
I agree 💯 with you big love ❤
Agree
Being bullied by the pastor is also a form of abuse
She wasn't a young woman or a young lady she was a CHILD!!!
12 might seem like an innocent child to you, but half the girls in my 1970s class were experimenting sexually at that age. it was hard to find friends with morals.
that was the abuser's attempt at making it sound lesser of a crime, right
He states that in the video
He’s talking about the story he was first told years ago, which was different than what the real truth of the story is now. Regardless he should have been terminated after what he was first told.
Robert wasn't an old man, he was barely over 18, if this thing happened some 50 yrs ago....Gawd, well we know now how Christians will do you when ya make a mistake.🤮🤮🤮🤮 I can't stand religious people.
My former church had a rule that a pastor could not counsil a woman alone, but had to have another person there. Good policy.
Same at my church
Great policy I agree, but how sad that we have to have it in place? Because people are so sick
What's it say about pedophiles pastors and children? I know what jesus said.
She was 12 guys!!
He was a family friend that stayed at their house. He's a pedophile.
A 12 year old child is not a young woman. This child's innocence was stolen by a sick adult man.
Correct. And got away with it for so many years.
For some reason this triggered my memory about a sermon on losing his sense of smell. It was about spiritual warfare and Jezebel and Python. But my mother was an actual raging narcissist but in the sermon it sounded like he was "struggling with a woman hitting on him in church" and he "almost lost his ministry" financially. Remember? So that was like in his 50s at least.
I am not at all making excuses for him or on the situation but as someone that is from Texas young lady is just a term that is used much like ma'am or sir and maybe taken out of context so please thank of that before judging
Total correct i hope this dog of a man gets twenty years end of story
@@justfndirty2067 I don't understand. What's not to judge. The kid was 12 years old. What's out of context? What's your point? Who cares if the girl was called "young woman" or not.. You're really sidetracked here.
The pain NEVER ENDS and affects my marriage still today and I’m 60 years old!!!! Stop harming and injuring the children!!!!! And Jesus give this victim strength to fight this battle ❤
Exactly! Amen!
Yes. Amen.
❤
DITTO
I'm 40 years old and it also affects me to this day and in my marriage.
It’s not a “scandal”. It’s a CRIME, and he needs to be prosecuted.
It's a crime today, but was it a crime when it occurred?
@@JewandGreekyes, it was. And in Texas (where at least some of the incidents occurred) there is no statute of limitations for sexual crimes against a minor.
Unfortunately, the statute of limitations laws (making it unlimited) were changed in 2007 and don’t apply to cases that happened before then. It appears Morris will get away with it due to technicality. Thats the best of my understanding.
It's not possible in Texas to prosecute now. Statue of limitations is up.
I don't understand people who are overly concerned with man's laws. Like, that's not the outrage. That's minuscule in comparison to the actual outrage of much higher, much more transcendent "laws"
His heart broke for a little girl in pink Pjs well he didn’t say anything about the woman is accusing him. This is how wrong information gets spread when the so called “right” acts ahead of the facts, we should wait for facts before passing judgment. Those who are willing to judge early, are as biblically ignorant a part of this story (and sinful) as anyone else. Sun is sun regardless of what “side” your on. there’s only one truth
Trust NO man, but keep your eyes on Jesus. We must trust Him, rely & cling to Him.
@mindykorink Psalm 118:8 confirms your words
Amen.
Why didn't Jesus keep the girl from harm in the first place? Thought he was all knowing (so he knew it would happen), all powerful (he could have stopped it) and all loving. God/Jesus let his 12 year old child be used for the sexual gratification of an adult male.
Where I live, Child Protective Services would have taken his child away and his almighty self would go to jail. Who is worse? The abuser or the conspirator? Or those who make excuses for them?
you christians must have a degree in abject STUPIDITY. When was the last or your first time, when you witnessed jesus apprehend a criminal?
Absolutely!❤
He should have NEVER BEEN ALLOWED IN THE PULPIT AFTER THE STATUTORY RAPE OF THE MINOR CHILD.
James Robison secured the entry of Morris into pastoring. James then...is a co-conspirator. Also a big marketer and sales pitcher. Marketing in the church is the absolute destruction of any real ministry. People were enjoying the marketing and the pomp of elite worship. No different than Hollyweirdos. There is no relationship with your fancy coffee table books. No life in marketing. Ask Hillsong.
Get the facts together before judging
Walmart does marketing and we do not stop visiting and buying
No rape allegations yet
@@miriamhernandez8716 Yes there was ... Evidently, you don't know What child sexual assault is.... He committed aggravated child sexual assault... Because he digitally penetrated her... With a minor that's considered rape. 🙄
Robert Morris should be in jail no excuse for sexually abusing a child period!!!!!! Stop the abuse of children period!!!!!! Judgement day is coming!
So many abused girls and boys never come forward!!! Years pass! Statute of limitations must best changed!! Look at trials where rape charges barely get long sentences! We are in Sodom and Gomorrah times. Days of Noah! Come Lord Jesus!
So....Morris is beyond forgiveness? Glad you aren't God.
Statute of limitations . . . saved by the bell.
@@518hsa murderer can be forgiven too. But they still go to jail. Unless you are saying once they have asked for forgiveness we must not imprison them, yes?
Yes he absolutely belongs in PRISON. Pedophiles belong in prison
I got abused at age 11 by my uncle.. nobody believed me ,,I carried this in destructive immoral behavior until my adult years , I am praying for Cindy , hoping the Lord touch her as he did me in hope and worth.. God Bless much Love to this young woman ❤❤❤
Similar story here. Same prayer for all the millions of women and men who've been abused by men/women who think little of their actions and the consequences caused by them.
I am so sorry for what evil was inflicted on you. I was abused at four myself however thankfully it was not a blood relation. One never truly gets over it. However, with Gods help, I have learned to live with it without the use of drugs to numb the pain.
Hugs.
❤❤❤
People don’t realize the effects of SA can last a lifetime and destroy a person if they don’t find a way to cope with the violation (because triggers will always be there).
She is NOT A YOUNG WOMAN!!! GET YOUR STORY STRAIGHT!!! SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL!!!
Yea, 40 years ago and it was addressed by the parents and the elders, not yesterday
But she was a young woman when the story broke, and when the wife told her that she forgives her, you know, he claimed that the Jezebel spirit in the child seduced him 😮
A young woman is of age from a girl when she starts her menstrual cycle. That begins usually at age 10-16. She was a young woman at the time.
@@mranderson191 that is absolutely not the case.
I think these things were hidden even more.
I think they did make that clarification, that she was a little girl.
A 12 year old girl is not a young woman.
And he lied about that !!!!!
Oh yes she is. I was always referred as such at 12 years old.
It was in Marys’ day. It is believed she was between 12 and 14 years of age when she conceived. God never changes but boy culture sure does. Culture is also one of Christians biggest downfalls. Becoming masters of the one foot in and one foot out way of faith. Its called Hokey Pokey Christianity.
@@CarolynClemens Lol just because you’re referred to as something that does not mean you are. Hopefully you’re hanging in there God bless
@@CarolynClemens I know a pastor who married his wife she was 14 in Mississippi. Her parents gave consent. They were married over 70 years built, a big church, and they were happily in love until they both passed many children grandchildren, and a wonderful ministry together.
If Bob Hamp new of Robert Morris’s predatory mindset, he has no choice but to bring it to light. Robert Morris must be held accountable and given the opportunity for full disclosure. This kind of abuse should never be tolerated in any church.
I agree with your comment. I would just modify it in one way. I'd put a period at the end of tolerate and strike "This kind of" Very simply, Abuse should never be tolerated! So sad.
I went to the church in Grand Prairie don't remember Robert Morris or the girl.
My sister says the same as of now not knowing what he looked like in the mid 80s
@@drgloriareading good point-thank you!🙏
I don't believe that it was tolerated in the church it is just that this type of sin can't be forgiven and if you forgive, you would be looked at as weak love and forgiveness is to be tolerated' if we are Christian's'
Typical abuser, blaming the victim to exonerate himself.
Trump's friend.
Yep 100% It's called spiritual bypassing on steroids makes me so sick
Facts!!!
He did NOT blame the victim!
@@cyh4031does it really matter if the preacher did or didn't? It doesn't make the charge of pedophile abuse any less with the pastor. Right?
I was a Sunday school teacher at a church, of the high school kids. Two of the students came to to ask for help that they were molested by the Youth Pastor. I listened to the two young girls asked a few questions and immediately reported the offense and crime to the senior pastor. We cannot protect the perpetrators and for the sake of the victim we must take action.
The senior pastor is not the police. Was the police notified?
Did you go to the police?
@@embassysweets8607 Sadly a lot of the time Police turn a deaf ear also
I am 87 and abused. All confusion.
He
The fact that he went to the church and said it was an inappropriate relationship with a woman shows he will not take responsibility for the fact that it was a child. He continued to be deceitful. People who's sexually abused children don't stop! And it wasn't like this was a one-time thing. He continued to sexually molested her for years!! How disgusting and shameful
It was happen in 1980' right? Or ???
He said “with a young lady.” Cmon give me a break. Shows the level of denial that he had initially and continued to hide for years. No repentance whatsoever
@@RiybaaSilvanayes 80s he continues to lie
This is shameful many pastors in church looked up this man who molested a 12 years girl... this is sad what going on in the church.....Christians need to address these behaviors in the church... this is unacceptable in the eyes of God.
Where was the father during all these visits to home? What did father do after child told him the first time ???
As the mother of an abused child in the church, I can identify with everything you said. Thank you for saying it out loud! Say it louder!
❤ Love, blessings and healings to your child and you
There is no pastor who should be put on a pedestal no matter how much we love them. Pedestals are tall and thin and they tip over easily. Pray for your pastors!!!
100% my dad was a pastor (he's now with the Lord) and I currently go to a Holy Spirit filled church. My sister is a pastor. Our pastors should never be on a pedestal on God!
No, don't pray for, keep them under constant supervision.
@@bmsmythe421constant supervision? PRAY for pastors and follow them only as they follow Jesus Christ who is our perfect example.
Thank you for speaking up and telling the truth. This was not a civil act this was a crime against a 12 year old girl.
I think this is misplaced gratitude.
The leadership could've immediately discovered she was 12.
"How young of a woman is she?"
"Is she married too?"
That's it.
He knew about it all the time. They covered it up!!!!!
What about the parents! How could they not call the police!!!😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
Exactly! She was still a minor when they were told.
Sometimes they do, and lose their entire church and church family. The church gets in front of it and as long as there is ANY type of consequence, they see justice as satisfactory. The power dynamic was repeated over and over, on to deaf ears. I still have no church, decades later. Trust is broken. Thankfully my Saviour is faithful. The Church was not.
They knew…should they not be charged?
Any charges would be past any statutes of limitations now. I am a survivor of this type of abuse and trust me I know all about the frustrations that go with this
It is like a cult. They didn't call the police because they didn't think for themselves.
Thank you so much for your insight. I was abused by my husband and so much of what you said resonates. We were leaders in our church. I went to the pastors for help instead of the police to try to be a Proverbs wife. That was a huge mistake because there were no police reports. I had called pastors. I had hidden the abuse for so long it was difficult to get people to believe me. Still to this day I am revictimized by family and former friends who believe I am lying about what happened. The church needs to love on the abused and not cast them aside, just like you mentioned that Jesus did with the woman.
Thank you so much!
I am so sorry for you. I know this story too well and currently living it while grieving my son who was murdered. He abused me again 2 months after and I called police. Pastors, children, mother, church folk - ALL defending the abuser because of $$$.
Pray Jesus bring restoration of all you’ve lost and may you heal
And comfort others who are suffering. The stars are high on wife and child abuse and it’s in the church like you said.
This was a 12 year child. Not a woman!!! It is a child abuse. Sad😢
Yes….she was 12…but Robert was 21…..42 years of restoration. He knows what he did was wrong…..so if we don’t forgive him, will we need to forgive you of your sin? Forgiveness needs to happen here and us not grow with a bitter heart…..that is a sin as well.
She is a woman now... Hope She gets justice❤
Why is she just now coming forward?
@user-uz6tj8uj8u yes, a 54 year old women???
Is Hemp comparing this to the Holocaust?????
It's still a 12 yr old girl being allowed to be alone with a 21 yr old young man that's scary. What were the parents thinking? I find that more reprehensible.
Absolutely! I do not get it😡
I'll admit, @ 12, I was looking for a male figure to love me & my mom was aware of what was going on, choosing alcohol to get through it, but I won't sue the men who touched me. It's a messed up coping skill when dad's leave. Maybe this is a wake up call to dad's - Pastor's or not, they're the leader, protector, provider. Or are they? Thank God God sticks around. 🙏
it's sad, but also it happened in the 80s. people were not as aware and skeptical as we are today. they only heard about these kinds of things if texto from people in their immediate circle and even then, it would be unlikely due to the stigma and discomfort of having to discuss it in person. so people were more oblivious and never thought it could happen right under their noses by people they knew & trusted. now the public is more aware, cautious and skeptical due to constant exposure to these crimes via movies, documentaries, youtube videos and social media. it doesn't excuse their ignorance or failure to report but makes it somewhat understandable, I guess.
80s maybe news of these type abuses wasn’t spreading as much as now. And he was married with a small child at that time so he seemed safer I guess.
I would think you would trust your male loved one - brother, father etc to be with your daughter for a bit while you run whatever important errands but these same close relatives are the ones that also abuse. It’s just tough to trust anyone.
100%%%%%
I think the appropriate response is he belongs in prison- and the people who allowed him to stay on should all be fired and charged with a felony
I don't think any of the church elders knew that he can committed a sexual crime against a child. They were told it was an inappropriate sexual encounter with a young woman. It was implied that it was consensual and not an underage child. If the elders did not know the truth, they should not have to endure a consequence. If there was a police report then there is no excuse for not doing their do diligence, but there was nothing.
@dana8208 Her parents definitely knew. And whatever ministry he was in at the time knew.
@@dana8208Justin Peters did an interview with a Pastor who knew Robert Morris and worked with him at the church, and knows for a fact, some of the people who knew what happened. This man is now a Pastor at a Bible Church in Sherman Texas. I highly recommend you watch the interview. 34:19
At least, yes. (This is in response to the original post, not the comment of if her parents were in on the abuse).
Agree 100%
This is a much needed conversation. This has to stop in the church.
Church must stop putting clergy on some pedestal. Stop worrying about “harming the ministry”. We serve a mighty God, holding leadership accountable will not stop God’s work. Ministers are just human beings.
Faith has nothing g to do with holding g a man accountable for sexual crimes against a 12 year old.
They use the same MO of the Catholic Church.
Now where does this situation go from here?
Accountability. How many more victims are going to come forward?
Absolutely.
Churchy folks, stop protecting a man who committed a heinous criminal act! Good grief!! 🤨😠
From what I read in the comments people want him to be prosecuted to the fullest extent. There may be a few who believed him but the vast majority that hear this want severe prosecution.
No one is protecting him that I see and who would in their right mind would ? People are people and don't lump everyone together just because you don't like the people.
If you believe Trump is a Christian, you will accept a pedophile preacher....
I don’t know any Christian or information indicating church people are protecting this former pastor nor any person committing sexual crimes on any child. I was molested as a 7 year old boy by a man in my neighborhood in 70s. While interested and saddened, I am not triggered by this terrible situation. What is your interest in it by your response? 🤔✝️🙏🏻
What do you think we should stone him? This is literally 40 years ago. If the man kept doing it to other people throughout the years I could understand. 40 years that's longer than my entire life. I don't know what the point of this is. Yes that's right I do know, if everyone acts offended then the church won't look as bad. That and clicks on social media.
Sad the "Elders/Ministers worked to restore him ,but not the 12 year old who grew up with feeling like her abuse was not important
Completely entirely agree!
😵😵😵😵
Only a couple? Of the old elders, not current ones
If she received counseling of her own a counselor would be bound to report. It's making me sick to think that's why she wasn't given this help?
He just said no one was told she was 12.
The crime goes beyond Morris , he had enablers .They helped him cover it up and kept it covered up . They need to be held accountable as well . And if you are wondering why it took her so long to come out .I could almost say she was threatened to be quite .
I imagine they are trying to locate the others because it must be more. Rush money, not because of Morris, but the others enables.
Too late…it’s retirement time for Morris and his elders. Serving time in a residential care home
it would not of been the Shady Grove Elders. It would be the womans father, the church in Tulsa and honestly, James Robinson.
Amen!
Yep. This dude is one of them. With the big words he needs to zip it. 🤐
So Sad! Now we need to find out who else was victimized. Pedophiles don't stop until they're caught, and even then, they're always conniving to find their next victim.
Exactly ! 😮
He said, his own words, "I sought out certain girls, with troubled father issues and broken families". There are others.
And I doubt it's just the catholic church that tries to hide it by moving the pastor to another congregation
@@mmeeks2844Where did he say that?
@mombythesea2426 in his confession, it is quoted in many reports on line.
This man's wisdom needs to be heard across the whole church . As a victim of abuse myself, I appreciate the affirmation of what I was feeling and seeing in these situations.
Me too
What about millions of underage children that are abused by their own fathers, and how that has been covered up for years by leadership.
@@stephanibetts4996like Biden showering with his daughter?
Excellent, excellent! The best overview and response to this issue I’ve ever heard. All church elders should listen to it.
Her parents did nothing - covered up for the Pastor and not their child. How many children are suffering like this - parents speak out
Her parents definitely had some fault in this.
the father spoke out that Morris lied. He says he never gave his approval for him to return to ministry. But, so much of this happens in the church and they use the bible to not report it to the police.
@@carlazinnrigger491 Going back to ministry shouldn’t have even been an option, her parents should’ve called the police!!
My dad is in his late 80's & still covers for the Jezebel mom I had. No repentance, no change in either parent.
It was the 1980s. Things were VERY different. Morris said she had a jezebel spirit and was a seductress. She was 12 and no way was that true. When she came forth at 16, she was probably terrified and would have been blamed. Her parents were NOT okay with what happened but probably wanted to spare her more shame as her name would have been dragged through the church and town. She has suffered enough. The 1980s were far far different than today. One of my friends was repeatedly hit on by our driving instructor at 16. Over and over. At the time we assumed this was how men behaved and honestly we had no clue that kind of behavior was illegal.
Scandal he ruined a young childs life thats a crime he is a child molester
Was a child not young women
@@CeceliaAnderson-x1d Yes ... 12 years old!!! He's a criminal and needs to be held accountable. I am waiting for others to come forward. Trust me, there will be more!
@@CeceliaAnderson-x1dShe wasn't even a teenager she was a kid.
She was 12
His wife, Debbie, knew also. She actually went to Cindy when Cindy turned 17, if my memory serves me, and told HER "I forgive you" because she swallowed the lie that her husband fed her that the little girl was "very flirtatious" and she had a Jezebel Spirit. A 12 YEAR OLD! Horrific! Law enforcement should throw the book at both of them!
Agreed. Criminal charges should have been brought.
🤮 … and the rapist playbook turns another page
Young girls can be very flirtatious. I was in high school, and in my great desire for attention from a man, I wouldn't have stopped because of a wife. Thankfully, God protected me from my own sinful desires, and I remained a virgin til I was married at 35 yrs old. That said, that doesn't mean ti's twelve year old was like that. I doubt she was. And regardless, as an adult man, it was still his responsibility to do the right thing and not molest her. Just saying, some young girls are desperate for attention and practically throw themselves at men. It takes a strong man to withstand the seductive nature of some women. I do think it's too late to press charges against him.
@518hs You got some serious problems. He was a calculating child molestor.
7mi@@518hs
He explained this so well! Very articulate and specific. Everyone needs to hear this because he's not only addressing physical abuse, but all forms of power differentials and psychological abuse. Thank you for having him on. I pray for all those who have been impacted and for justice.
Thank you CBN for NOT backing away from this horrible situation. I appreciate this like you can not believe. I’ve learned a lot about the mindset of an abuser from this interview. Thank you for asking tough questions and having the right person for a response.
I am a victim of abuse from a family member I am now 68 and I carried this all my life thinking that I was not good enough. I had 3 abusive marriages. Abuse has followed me all my life and now my adult children and other family members abuse me emotionally. I have been blamed for everything my family has rever done. I just Pray.😮
🙏🙏🙏❣️ I married only once, after divorcing my abuse husband it seemed like all I found were more abusers. I decided to be single best decision I have ever made. Keep praying, the Holy Spirit brings comfort to the brokenhearted.
I had a 25 abusive marriage, after my divorce I seemed to find only abusers so I remain single after 34 years. Best decision I ever made. Pray always, the Holy Spirit will comfort the brokenhearted.
🙏🏾💚
Jesus wants you to love yourself like he does. I pray for you to break free from the fear of man and be totally emotionally healed and empowered by Jesus to stand up for yourself!
Jesus our good shepherd will bind up your wounds and pour the balm of Gilead. I'm the same, grew up with abuse, married & divorced abuser, now my kid hangs up with ex to cruelly abuse me with deep hate and lying accusations . but she's about to turn 18 so bye. Do not entertain bullies in your life. Pray Psalm 35, 37, 40, 41 on this topic. Bless you amen.
The theft of the innocence of a child should be the unpardonable sin.
Luke 17:2
2. It is better for him that a millstone be put around his neck and he be cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to offend.
(A Faithful Version)
Our society has a term for those type of people. They are called P do files.
P do is the term for perv*erts who engage in those kind of acts
Your correcting Jesus?? Wow 😳 I forgave the person who sexually abused me. I pray that you don't hold hate in your heart because if you do you imprison yourself 🙏
@@LeonTheLion-777He who had NO SIN cast the first stone.
I was molested as a child and at the age of 52, i am still trying to put the pieces of my life back together. These kinds of abuse are absolutely life altering in all the wrong ways.
It is truly by the grace of God why
I am still in my right mind and have been able to overcome many of my past trauma. I pray the victim gets the help she needs. It's can be a wound that thst lasts a lifetime if its not addressed proberly.
I also pray for Pastor Morris and for mercy to be shown him. No excuse but we all need forgiveness extended towards us for our failures. God, bring hope and healing and restoration to all involved and may you be glorified in all of it.
Thank you so much for this interview, it’s very helpful. I was abused by my father, a pastor, who didn’t want me. The physical abuse began at 6 months old, the psychological abuse has been a lifetime (I turn 70 this year). When I tried to get counseling from church I was turned down or told I was the problem. One of those churches was Atlanta Baptist when Dr. Stanley was pastor. Because my dad was a pastor the entire extended family supported his abuse. He was 1 of 8 children, so that was all my aunts, uncles and included all my cousins and their families. It included my siblings as well. But as you stated, Jesus is the one we keep our eyes on. I believe God gave me a special grace because I fell in love with the scripture at 4-5 years old and I always knew Jesus was separate from my dad. Today I still struggle with God as my father and he is gently teaching me to trust him more. I no longer trust churches but I am a Jesus follower. ❤❤❤
I agree Jesus understands,man has failed badly but Jesus will never fail us! Too many self appointed leaders not called by God! No more churches for me! But Jesus is Lord!
😵💫🫣🥲😟😩Children do not know how to lie about such things. Every adult failed you !
I pray you've received counseling? Have you reached others that can back your claims? God bless you!
I know what you are talking about. I was molested as a baby too. Will be praying for you.
@@sandyschneider6792 yes, they did. The result was that I wanted approval. I can’t count how many times God protected me! And I’ve learned my acceptance and approval come from my Heavenly Father. 😍❤️
Send him to jail for a long time. He is a child predator
Can't. Unfortunately there is a statute of limitations
Yeah, they can’t prosecute him to do jail time…got away with the heinous act like Ravi
What did Ravi do,?
HE ONLY DID IT ONCE? REALLY!
@@sunnydayzie1202Not in texas
Coming from someone currently working in child victim services, this interview is one of the best I've heard. Everything he said is 100% true. This gives me hope.
Right? THIS needs to be HEARD…
In the last two minutes: "... the PERSON who has been the VICTIM... IS VICTIMIZED TWICE."
THANK YOU... ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
I was molested at 6 years old by TWO men. This woman claims to be a Christian. What I did was I took my hate, my bitterness, my grudges, and my unforgiveness to the mighty healer named Jesus. After 42 years of carrying this revenge, you would have thought she would have taken her wounds to Jesus. But instead……she decided to expose her revenge as well as Robert’s sin. He is a delivered man……she is not. When you insist on destroying someone…..I’m sorry….I have been in a similar situation. I carried my pain for 26 years before Jesus healed me. I understand the nightmares, restless mind etc…..I had all that. My heart only wished for bad to happen to the two men who molested me. But ya know what? I am 70 years old now……look at the years of peace I’ve had since then. This is what I pray for her. She must find the Jesus of the Bible. He said he would heal the wounded in heart….I pray for her that she finds that Jesus.
@@sheliaansley The purpose of her bringing this into the light is to heal and to expose. His reputation is not the priority here, the truth of the situation that took place is. Assuming that she doesn't know Jesus and that she isn't delivered is a very dangerous way of going about it. You cannot assume that since you healed without exposing, that that will work for everyone who has been sexually abused. Sorry about what you went through, but there is a line.
@@sheliaansleyyou serve a God that is just. Robert Morris has already escaped the consequences of our justice system and he won’t face jail time. Not sure how you can be a victim yourself and be so insulting towards another victim. She clearly could have come out a lot sooner if her only objective was to destroy him. You should have more compassion and know that these men have Biblical standards they should abide by. Your judgment is clouded and it’s just sad.
@@Jack-rh5ez I would guess a 21 year old is sorta stupid at that age. Don’t mean to sound like there is no victim either. It took me 24 years to get healed from my molestation…..it was very hard. No one will ever know the angst he suffered in private I guess. I have been a member twice at that church, watched him for many years and I see him as a man who worked to have a transformed heart. I know very little about her, but it just seemed she wanted to work to destroy him, retaliate. I do believe God is just…he will punish where he punishes. Our God is gentle. I stood for two hours (many years later) and ministered to one of the two men who molested me, and not time did I have any ill wishes towards him. That was because Jesus healed my heart and my wounds. I pray this for her….that she will also find this type healing. I also pray that the body of Christ will not grow bitter…..because bitterness is like putting poison in your mouth thinking you’re killing someone else. Bitterness defiles many.
This happened and was resolved 20 years ago. It is all about HER getting money
Robert should have never been a pastor. Anyone who is guilty of this tyoe of sin should immediately be removed from any prospect of becoming a church leader ever again. He should have repented publicly, been arrested and served time as an adult and then become a member of the church congregation on eventual prison release. Why the leadership covered this up is beyond belief!
Exactly
I agree. I'm upset that he standing behind pride, thought it would be okay to go back to being a pastor when in 1 Timothy, it states clearly who cannot be one.
I hear you, but here is how what you say will most likely play out. Even if that person returns to a church to fellowship, folks like you will still hold their past against that person, regardless paying for their crimes (prison time), forgiven by God (by grace). I can only pray that God use the same measure people use when dealing with others. Oversimplification is a way to deal with something like this in their own minds, but the practical reality always falls short, except when it happens to you of course.
Pedophiles do NOT belong in a church just like schools and anywhere else there are children.
@henkv9323 You have literally no idea what I would think or say, should he continue preaching. It's highly unlikely that he would be behind the pulpit anymore, but if he did and was allowed, you sir, have no idea what I would think about the matter. You speak boldly out of sheer ignorance with the foundation of assumptions. Careful.
Do you blame the 12 year old girl? Maybe you should re-evaluate what your heart feels about molestation.
Pedophilia is never to be covered up! He has not repented and is not a Christian even. So terrible, that little girl had to endure that all this time. Shame on her parents for not notifying the police. Shame on all the pastors that didn't notify the police. I pray they all repent and all of them get out of ministry immediately.
What are you basing your comments on? Please read the Wikipedia entry for Robert Morris, or a credible source that will explain the entire account. This story has been so misrepresented here. From the information I've gathered, Pastor Morris did NOT shift the blame for the abuse on this girl like this gentleman is implying. He took the blame personally many years ago, admitted his failure, repented for it, apologized directly to the family, they said they forgave him, and he sought counseling and restoration. Not defending his sin, but after learning he was one of Trump's advisers I get the idea there's more to this than meets the eye.
@@solidaudioTVThank you!
He didn’t repent, he lied for 35 years and even this very weak. Now we know that in 2005 he threatened her with legal action. You are either a pedophile, apologist or ignorant.
He can be forgiven if he repents and ask for forgiveness by our Lord. However, there are still earthy consequences for this crime. He should be arrested and charged.
I'm sure he's on his knees as we speak. Forgiveness as a pastor who harmed a child he'll find out on the other side. As for being a pedophile he does need prison time.
He needs to be stripped of Pastoral ministry…..never to return to any church
Exactly. He absolutely CAN be restored! To salvation. NEVER EVER to ministry.
@cnh4431 hewas such a great preacher,God did use him,no doubt
Thank you for speaking into this
This man speaks honestly and teaches truth. The grief in his face makes me want to cry. God bless you sir.🙏🏽
Some people love when other people hurt
I just wonder if she was the only victim, it's disgusting that the wife knew.
Morris is a entitled pathological se*ual predator. A liar and major threat to the community. It doesn’t matter if it was 100 years ago. It was and STILL is a crime. OMGOSH! Come on people. If it was you or someone you loved would you be playing the “repentance and it was so long ago “ card. Sickening.
Repentance does NOT and NEVER will negate consequences.
When Morris started abusing THIS CHILD he was married and had a child.
I definitely believe the wife knew. Report is Debbie Morris contacted the victim at 17 years years of age telling her she forgave her! WUT!!!
Robert Morris was whisked off by JAMES ROBISON to OLEN GRIFFING for “counseling”.
These two were/are 100% aware and complicit in the manipulation and coverup of this vile child se*ual predators ACTS of defiant criminal behavior.
❤I support Lisa for her courage! DO NOT STOP telling your story Lisa.
We KNOW there are others. Possibly in other states or even countries. Because if his associations he thinks he is untouchable. Morris needs to be stopped and held accountable by the state of Texas. Due to the ongoing sexual abuse doesn’t the Texas Penal Code (12.01) indicate there is no statue of limitation. Help me out on that one anybody 📢.
I doubt that he abused only one. I think more might come to light soon.
Wife is also brainwashed. He is a master manipulator
His wife probably feared losing her position as the head pastors wife and all the benies that come with it which she would lose if her husbands sin were revealed. She had doubts and fears re: why she wasn't enough for him - blaming herself for her husband's egregious behavior. What a mess is created when we allow Satan's condemning words to rule our lives instead of asking and then listening to what God tells us.
His wife told the victim “ I forgive you. “ Robert told his circle that the young girl was flirtatious and that she was at fault. He said that she said that if Robert told, it would ruin him.
He needed to be broken and sent to prison where predators are kept under lock and key. He should have REPENTED and done right by Cindy instead of blaming the victim. He is not repentant and never has been. He should not be a pastor or a leader at any other church.
Robert Morris will not be the first this is the tipping point in the Body of Christ. More exposure will happen, know one can hide.
NOT even YOU! ESPECIALLY if YOU are a part of The Body of Christ! Also, God's judgment is NOT discriminative.
There have been mountains of cases and confirmations; masses of cover up. Morris is in a long line.
Great interview.
An overview of the extreme cruelty a survivor experiences - firstly when their internal self is horrifically crushed (physically and emotionally with lies, manipulation etc) and then REPEATED when community, friends and family find out and abandon them all over again!
Why would a victim speak out to experience all that again? The level of their pain is enormous. The depth of courage they have to find in themselves is beyond amazing.
Survivors, are my hero's
Our faith is in Jesus and not people who claim to be His. Thank you Bob
I’m SOOOO GRATEFUL for this man’s stance! I COMPLETELY AGREE & I have watched Pastor Robert for years! I’ve bought his books and I was helped by those teachings.
However, I felt from the start of this just like this leader! Thank you for your input.
We all especially leaders must be held accountable and if the law is broken justice must be brought for the victims.
I can't imagine the destress this women has dealt with - watching Robert Morris as a bystander while he stood on a platform in front of millions - all the while being silenced by this lie
Bob Hamp gives one of the best summaries of sexual abuse in the church and its ramifications that I have ever heard. His example needs to be followed by the church at large.
I learned awhile back that when Pastoral Leaders use evasive words or answers, there’s always so much more to the story……
Like this guest
@@BirdDogey1geez, I felt this guest went around with the words from the first question. He is just like them. Answered nothing.
@@laurenmay2098bunch of psychobabble. Sounds more like a politician than a spiritual leader.
@@471CDAhe's legally a counselor..and if you didn't understand what he said..try re-listening to him again..the only thing he did in avoiding certain aspects of what he was saying had to do with legalities..hence why words like "alleged" are used...
I guess being a former victim myself...what he says makes sense to me‼️.. he's right!..spot on‼️
@@kathleenhuff3059 lol, he is going around with salad words. Even though English is my second language, I can spot a politician from miles. He is answering nothing.
What a lie Morris has been living, knowing what he did to a 12 year old child! He should serve time in prison.
Right along with his Debbie and the other so called church leaders who knew and hid it!
This is one of the most thorough and well thought out explanations of abuse I’ve ever seen offered in the aftermath of the revelation of such an occurrence.
Strongly agree stop protecting the abuser *** protect our children 🙏❤️
Language matters…this is/was a crime. It’s called a sexual pedophilic statutory criminal act. He got away with it and people covered it up, and even to this day can’t seem to be forthright in using the right language to take ownership so healing can happen!!!
And the church covered it up.
Amen!!
A 12 yr old is a child, not young lady.
I'm praying for everyone involved, including all of us Youtbe viewers. This whole thing affects all of us in various degrees. The body of Christ has just been hit very hard.
Stay Tuned…. More to Come!
Judgment begins in the House of God. Maybe God is just not going to strive any more with these mega church pastors who hide behind the numbers in their church thinking they are untouchable. He did the unthinkable and she was not a young woman she was a child.
@@suzieqkrohn8313 So you bought into her story
@@suzieqkrohn8313Part of the problem is that we give them & their churches these "power" titles/names such as. "megachurch" and we must stop. Men especially have huge egos, naturally, out of the sinful nature we inherit and we must daily pray to be humble. Do sorry to hear of this. I watched Robert Morris from here in the Caribbean. I am a Christian for 28 years and I am still committed to the physical coming together of believers, still committed to going to church although these very wrong sexual sins are coming to the surface. They will surface and the abusers must admit it, sincerely repent, ask forgiveness and yes, face the judicial consequences.
David suffered the consequences.
All Christians let us pray for these church leaders and pray for yourselves so that you will not become an abuser yourself. May God help us all.
@@suzieqkrohn8313amen to that ❤
Why did the Elders of the church not fire Robert Morris. Instead they accepted his resignation. Something seems seriously wrong with that.
They feared being sued by Robert Morris if they fired him.
I had something very much like this happen to me by a Youth Pastor 50 years ago. I wasn't the only one and all of this has brought it all back up for me and I'm having a very difficult time right now. My faith and trust is only in Jesus Christ. I can't trust man.... This is why people have trust issues!
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
In Jesus mighty name. Amen.
May God's healing be complete in you🙏
This is the reason why Deliverance Ministry should be required in EVERY 'church' for every level - not just the congregants! As long as we're in these 'skin/sin' suits, we're all vulnerable to the enemy 24/7. We can't live a victorious life without Jesus. We can't.
Amen!¡!!
Most deliverance ministry is nonsense and another form of abuse. People have been calling out Morris’s horrible theology for years.
True
I agree 100 percent
Deliverance ministry 😂
I think Jesus death and resurrection is more powerful than Adam’s apple lol
Just another narcissist pastor thinking he is indestructible and can get away with anything. I've given up on all the "Christian" tv personalities and show. As a Christian this is an embarrassment. Prayers for this young lady.
Please don't give up. There are others that preaches the word of God, I would like to share with you. Tiff Shuttlesworth and John Macarthur.
Many others.
When the prophet Elisha thought he was the only noble one left, Jesus told him that there are many other holy ones too
It's best to stay away from them all. After reading the down right gaslighting of many comments here it's disturbing. You don't need to go to church to have spiritual relationship.
@@victorynowall "Last year, Hohn Cho concluded Grace Community Church had made a mistake.The elders had publicly disciplined a woman for refusing to take back her husband. As it turned out, the woman’s fears proved true, and her husband went to prison for child molestation and abuse. The church never retracted its discipline or apologized in the 20 years since."
I know there are millions of respectable Christian pastors out there. Though, when there's a lack of regular accountability, a lack of vetting, that can lead to issues. When a pastor is at the top and surrounded by YES men, that can lead to issues.
Very FEW are capable of handling a public role on TV. Most TV pastors present a 'name it claim it', watered down gospel.
I've never been able to listen to Morris. All I heard was anger and coldness.
Does this revelation surprise me? Sadly, NO. Not after the falling out of a number of public pastors.
I pray the church compensates this young woman. I would take him to court and seek compensation, and if possible, seek jail time.
Bob Hamp expresses everything in such an articulate way. Really appreciate that and his stance on seeing abuse from God's perspective.
Thank u sir
This is not the first pastor that I followed that committed a crime and used a play on words about what they did. If they lied about their crime, they lied about the Word. So heartbreaking.
This is infuriating! Her parents first; they went to leadership, that's it.
Second, no member of leadership asked, how young of a woman? Where did it happen? Several questions would've uncovered that she was a minor child immediately!
Morris is #1 at fault, her parents and leadership are next, no exceptions.
Absolutely shameful!!!
100% agree
It was the 1980s. Things were VERY different then. And Morris blamed her, by then she was about 16 when it ended. He claimed it was mutual and that she had a jezebel spirit. Now think of this girl, if they went to the police her name would be all over the town, the church , her school etc. She had already suffered and her parents knew that. There wasn't even counseling for stuff like this then. Stop blaming the parents!!! They were trying to protect their child as best they could under a broken legal system . This was church leadership period.
@sunnydayzie1202 Let's see, I was that young in the 80s... BULL!!!! I'm done chatting with you on this. I'm livid and not changing my mind. Bye!!!!!
@@sunnydayzie1202it happened at the girls home…
@@sunnydayzie1202no! Stand up for your family!
I'm just appalled at the Facebook posts defending him knowing that this happened misusing scripture such as "judge not" and "touch not God's anointed" etc. These kinds of congregants are empowering the entire thing to happen again maybe even with other leadership. This video is absolutely imperative to understand. The whole power differential etc etc. Every congregant in every church needs to see this and understand it because it brought so much perspective and understanding to me, having witnessed not sexual but spiritual abuse and manipulation in two settings personally by church leadership.
Yes me too!
Legal consequences for sin are not only absolutely acceptable but also necessary!
Johnny Enlow made the same comment about blaming the victim; that when you accuse the victim you are abusing them again.
More pastors will be exposed soon, because cleansing this world, shaking it to the core, begins with the church.
This aligns with the experiences of my ex-wife. She was sexually abused by an uncle she had to live with at times, following her mother being murdered. Her pain and trauma, from which she’s never been delivered, has wrecked my life and continues to wreck the lives of my/our 6 children. Just this week, she is continuing to lie about me, in an attempt to side-step and avoid dealing with the pain of her past, from which she desperately needs deliverance and deep healing. She claims to be saved, however her actions scream otherwise. She continues to be in control of her out-of-control life. Sexual sin is SO destructive. Its wounding power has a profoundly negative effect and impact on the lives of many, if they don’t truly heal.
Will she agree to counseling?
The Freedom in Christ course is excellent for helping Christians understand who they are in Christ and helping with deep rooted unresolved conflicts. I've seen amazing transformations. Worth looking into if your ex wife would agree to engage with it? Totally based on the Word & helps bring real and lasting healing & breakthrough. I'll be praying for her 🙏
She needs deliverance, if you need to seek help try an apostolic Pentecostal church, best wishes
I will pray for her. Violations such as these, cause so much damage.
Only Christ can heal. ✝️
Just prayed…
This interview was incredible! Thank you. I agree that these issues completely disqualify the abuser from EVER being in ministry again. Hopefully he repents, but he should never be in a position of ministry again. His explanations were great.
Oh my goodness, this was an awesome interview. May GOD continue to bless him. He spoke to some abuse I experienced in the church. It’s maddening. Thank you.
I was in a few borderline cultish churches that almost destroyed our marriage and me. We counseled with Bob & Judy Pardon, at Meadowhaven in Middleboro MA. The ONLY residential center for those going through church abuse. What this guy is saying is spot on! GET HELP! What was worse was I was molested at age nine by a neighbor that nobody wanted to address. I personally think the dominoes have started to tip. Evans and Morris aren't the only ones.
Are you talking about Jimmy Evans? Didn't hear about Him, they're both on Daystar , Jimmy, Robert, They're friends of Joni Lamb and rent space to preach on Daystar. I'm so letdown by the sickness and disgrace in a lot of churches. So much perversion!😢😮
@@Rebecca-bb6odit's Tony Evans sadly
@Childoftheking91316 we have no details as far as what Tony Evans "sin" was. He clearly stated that it was NOT anything illegal.
Tyvm for your post - i am seeing cultish characteristics as youve described and is definitrly the case at Gateway
that's why one should not idolize any man or any church or movement
Amen!
This was a GREAT interview and excellent insight. I am a devout follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church we have in the West is more the most part a hierarchical institution. This was never meant to be. I meet with fellow believers on a weekly basis do a Bible study, fellowship, and we do outreach. We DO through the power of the Holy Spirit and to the best of our abilities the same works Jesus did. I went to an institutional church most of my life. In that arena, you have a man, called a Pastor, who is placed on a podium and we are always taking in information but seldom do most DO...apply what we learn. That is why most are always learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. We exalt the Pastor. Then, when he falls, the same that were exalting him one day, yell, crucify him the next. We should take personal responsibility for putting him on a pedestal in the first place. Especially in a mega church, you have a large institution with people with power and influence. Like the Pharasees, they don't want to lose that position. So it becomes more about them than Jesus and carrying out the great commission. I ache for this woman and pray for Robert. What he did was pure and simple, a crime and should be treated as such.
AMEN, ALOT OF FOLKS PUT PASTORS A MERE HUMAN IN A PLACE ON HIGH WHERE ONLY JESUS BELONGS.. HE IS LORD ..WE MUST READ HIS WORD THE TRUTH
Valid points! I agree it's the way it's structured. So far, from Biblical Church as Acts 2.
Pastor Morris should compensate his victim for his sins and the damage they caused her.
So well spoken. I appreciate Bob’s voice on this matter! Such a sound, gracious, and HONEST take on this horrific tragedy and epidemic in the church. We need to keep the faith in our precious Lord Jesus-as He is not at fault for any of these atrocities-and we need to stand up for the truth and righteousness in all matters! Hold people ACCOUNTABLE.
This is the best, wisest and most helpful response to all of the recent exposures of spiritual leaders that I have heard. Thank you!!!!!
I'm struggling with talking to people about this. I'm a former member of GW attending from early years. I'm standing by the victim and know she has the right to bring this to light (which she's tried to for years) and have an attorney even at 54. But, others (mostly men) are saying why didn't she go to the police in 2005 instead of him? And, many people bring up we're all sinners...the one without sin be the first to cast the stone. I argue a SA victim shouldn't have time limit on going after her/his abuser. One friend said What do you want from the man? How much time does he need to serve 20-30 years for something that happened in the 80's? She want all his money?" It's shocking to me. But I have to understand not everyone knows the psychology of SA victims. I studied it as my degree is psychology. It can take decades to deal with.
The right thing to do would’ve been for her parents to file charges right then and there.
@@ALTheFreeMan 100%
What does she want?? To kill the entire church and its members who had nothing to do with this situation? That is horrible.
@@TrBdunnNot sure where she will take this given she can no longer pursue jail time. Every SA survivor deserves justice and it's too bad her parents didn't get police involved. I feel the law needs to change b/c it can take decades for survivors of SA to work it out and see it wasn't their fault.
@@TrBdunnsuch a foolish question
Great interview on such a horrific situation. Thank you, Bob, for your heartfelt insight as a person with experience both as Christian counselor, but also as a prior pastor within the GW church organization. My prayers since just learning of this will be with the victim, the congregation of GW, the earnest pastors of GW, and with you and all the other counselors who will be helping others through their grief experience.
Yes! Thank you for speaking truth!! It’s unbelievable how many people have been blaming the victim.
So, he didn't "repent" and ask the Lord for forgiveness, and do the right thing. He did his damage and make millions as a pastor and now he is retired.
He repented and addressed this situation in a sermon a LONG time ago. He told us about what he struggled with at an early age, and he did what he was supposed to do to heal. She wants blood. She won't be happy until she sees him totally destroyed. She needs more work than he does. So far, no other accusers have come forward, but if they can get on the $$payoff bandwagon, I'm sure they will!!
@@4gma59: I see. Thank you for clarifying it for me.
I don’t think saying “I had an inappropriate relationship with a young lady” is repentance. Him saying “ I sexually molested a girl between the ages of 12 to 16 and told her to maintain silence. Then seek to hear how it has affected her throughout her life and make emotional and other reparations Is repentance
@@kimmer5370 Absolutely agree. He confessed to a lesser matter to hide the real crime. And then used that minor confession as an example of how humble he is and in that process builds more trust within the congregation who then are drawn into not believe the reality, as the commentor here.
@@4gma59 What did he do to help a 12 yr old child to heal? In 2005 she asked for costs to her therapy, the church offered a bunch of money that she turned down because it came with a gag order. What he needed to do in repentance in his 20s would be to turn himself into the police, true repentance doesn't hide what has happened, and seeks to make reparations.
These cases are important whether 1 victim or more. It is sin and crime, it was molesting a child. And her story has not been denied. The culture of covering up leaves children at risk - and this is the repeated story for so many victims, so many church board reactions. Morris is just one among many, at some point the wider culture needs to be challenged.
Blaming her for speaking out, and assuming bad motives is no different to the offender protection of those who have said she was to blame for being flirtatious and tempting him (at 12 in pajamas and dressing gown).
I encourage you to ask why you feel the need to publicly blame a victim of abuse for speaking out ? Why you immediate presume this? Look to the log in your own eye.
This guest is “right on” … I’ve experienced abuse and my eyes are so open to recognizing it.
Same
This is excellent!!
I was sexually abused/raped a few times as a child around the ages of 6/7. Under the care of babysitter who we also went to the same church with. I was kept at the same babysitter, while at the same church. I was told to keep silent. I am 52 yrs old, live in the same City and I have never come forward. It changed the trajectory of my life. I’ve never doubted God and His unfailing Word.
I'm so sorry this happened to you. No child should have to endure this and carry this.
As a Christian who experienced molestation from my grandfather, lead deacon of the church, this man of God speaks the truth of this situation greater than any church leader I’ve ever heard. God bless him for being truthful and explaining the depths of the perpetrators blaming the victim and the need for the church to deal with the truth. I wish he would continue his own podcast, Christian’s that have not been heard, would benefit from his truth, thank you.
Best interview on this particular situation in the Church so far . Thank you for sharing .
Wow, Bob Hamp! Thank you for your expertise!
As always Bob, I so appreciate your thoughts on this horrible situation. Leading with empathy for the victim is something we have all come to expect of your character. Thank you for stepping up to a national platform to share your perspective based on having developed Freedom Ministry for Gateway and selflessly serving so many of us for so many years; for clearing up your lack of knowledge of this past crime that was committed by Robert Morris, for your prayers for all concerned, and commitment to healthy conversations and correct and needed perspective on the real issues at hand. Simply forgiving is not the answer! Simple forgiveness is not even the issue here. Addressing the actions, validating the victims pain, empathizing with her over the years of life she has lost because of this unthinkable betrayal of an adult she trusted ... all are so desperately needed. Forgiveness and grace all come in time because we serve a risen savior who has lavished all this on us. We receive this from God as his children, so we are able to give this as well. Thank you!