In a shocking revelation, Robert Morris, a prominent Texas evangelical pastor and former spiritual adviser to Donald Trump, has confessed to sexually assaulting a young girl during his early twenties. The confession comes after an Oklahoma woman accused Morris of abusing her in the 1980s, starting when she was just 12 years old and continuing until she turned 16.

Morris, a founding pastor of the Dallas-based Gateway megachurch, confirmed these allegations to the Christian Post, a religious publication. In his statement to the Christian Post, Morris acknowledged his involvement in inappropriate sexual behavior with the young girl while staying at a home.

The victim, however, expressed her dismay at being referred to as a "young lady" and revealed that it took her decades to process the repeated abuse that she endured. She disclosed that her family had even contemplated involving the police and pursuing legal action against Morris.

Moreover, it has been reported that other churches where Morris had served, including the Shady Grove church in Grand Prairie, were aware of his abusive past. Morris claims to have received counseling and undergone a period of restoration and accountability after the situation was brought to light in March 1987, as per his statement to the Christian Post.

Despite his admission, Morris will retain his position as a primary speaker at Gateway church on weekends, with his son, James Morris, set to assume his father's senior pastor duties next year. It is worth noting that Morris was never criminally charged, and the statute of limitations likely prohibits any legal action from being taken now.

In response to the revelations, Gateway church released a statement asserting that the "35-year-old matter" had been resolved. The statement noted that Morris had openly acknowledged his past moral failure and shared the steps he took for restoration in accordance with biblical principles. The restoration process lasted two years and was closely supervised by the Elders at Shady Grove Church, where Morris served at the time.

While Morris's accuser claimed to have forgiven him, she expressed her belief that he should not have been allowed to return to ministry. Her sentiments stand in contrast to the church's assertion that there have been no other moral failures since the resolution of the incident.

It is essential to mention that Morris's involvement in Trump's 2016 presidential campaign as a member of the evangelical advisory board has drawn attention. Additionally, in a 2020 roundtable discussion with faith leaders in Texas, then-President Trump praised Morris and the Gateway church for their hosting capabilities and their reputation.

The shocking admission by Pastor Robert Morris has sparked controversy within the evangelical community and raised questions about accountability and appropriate responses to such serious allegations. It remains to be seen how this revelation will impact the future of the Gateway megachurch and Morris's role within it.