Southlake and Argyle churches seek new pastors
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Protesters against child and sexual abuse gather outside Gateway Church on June 22. Photo: Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Two North Texas churches are seeking new leaders after their senior pastors were accused of inappropriate conduct.
Why it matters: Dallas-Fort Worth has some of the state's largest churches, which typically wield money, land and power.
- The recent shakeups have fueled debate over whether pastors with questionable pasts should be allowed to hold leadership positions in churches.
Catch up quick: Robert Morris founded Southlake's Gateway Church almost 25 years ago. The church has grown to several campuses across North Texas and tens of thousands of members.
- This summer, a 54-year-old woman accused Morris of sexually abusing her over a five-year period starting when she was 12, per FOX4.
- She said she reported Morris' behavior to the church in 2005 and he admitted to having an inappropriate relationship decades ago with a "young lady," per FOX4. He continued preaching at the church.
- The church has hired an outside firm to investigate.
The latest: Morris resigned from his role as senior pastor in June. "Gateway Church is committed to protecting people — first and foremost children and the most vulnerable. Abuse simply cannot be tolerated," the church wrote in a statement.
- Last week, Gateway announced that Morris' son and son's wife had also resigned to allow the church to have a fresh start.
- During a service Saturday, a church elder apologized to the woman "on behalf of our entire church for the years of pain that you have endured."
Meanwhile: Cross Timbers Church in Argyle announced the resignation of its lead pastor, Josiah Anthony, on Sunday.
- The church told congregants that Anthony had long struggled with his emotional and mental health that included "inappropriate and hurtful" decisions and actions.
- The church told WFAA that, to their knowledge, the behavior didn't involve children, sexual behavior or illegal activity.
What's next: Joakim Lundqvist of Sweden and author Max Lucado of San Antonio will take temporary pastoral roles at Gateway to help the church transition to new leadership.
- Cross Timbers has started the process of hiring a new lead pastor. Executive pastor Byron Copeland will serve as interim lead pastor.
The intrigue: Copeland worked at Gateway for almost 20 years, per his LinkedIn profile.