The son of Gateway Church founder Robert Morris has resigned from his anticipated role as the church’s leader, according to an announcement from the organization.
Gateway Church revealed on Thursday that James Morris and his wife, Bridgette, had met with church elders earlier in the week. Following this meeting, the decision was made for them to step down from their current roles and from the planned future leadership of the church.
James Morris, 39, was set to become the lead pastor at Gateway starting in 2025, taking over from his father, Robert Morris. The elder Morris founded the Southlake-based megachurch in 2000, growing it into one of the largest in the country.
Robert Morris resigned from his position as senior pastor in June after an Oklahoma woman accused him of sexually abusing her from 1982 to 1987, starting when she was 12 years old. Morris, 62, has not faced criminal charges, and the statute of limitations for such cases may have expired.
Gateway Church announced on Facebook that it will provide several “important updates” to the congregation during services this weekend.
