Carla Dalton

In times of great and sudden calamity, many of us feel quite helpless to put into words our thoughts. I’ve had many conversations, and seen many posts online, with friends and neighbors who are at a loss for words because of the news coming out of Gateway Church. Yet, the scandal caused by the exposure of the sin committed by Pastor Robert Morris demands a response.   If there’s one thing I’ve learned after two decades of executive leadership, it’s this: leaders should be held to a higher standard. Certain types of leaders, like pastors, should be held to the HIGHEST standard. Elizabeth and I know so many wonderful people connected to Gateway Church. We were blessed to receive support from these folks as Mayor and in our run for Congress. They are our friends and family members in Christ. And that is what compels me to speak out and condemn the past actions of Pastor Morris in the strongest possible terms. Years ago, he ruined a 12 year old girl’s life. She was not a young lady, but a child. He should have spent time in jail, but he didn’t. And to date, despite the news breaking days ago, leadership at Gateway Church has made no public statements, and Pastor Morris remains employed. This is unacceptable. We know Jesus forgives every sinner who calls upon His name (including, thank God, me). But two things can be true at once. We are all sinners, saved by grace. And some sins are so egregious and vile that they disqualify a person from holding an office of trust like a pastorship. Elizabeth and I are deeply saddened for the victim of this sexual abuse, the child whose innocence was ripped away by someone she trusted. I can’t imagine how painful the last 35 years have been for her. She deserves every measure of justice, delayed as it may be. We are also heartbroken for the pain this is causing many throughout our community. Gateway Church has been, is, and will continue to be an incredible force of good in North Texas and for the kingdom of God. But there needs to be a reckoning. And a resignation. The gospel of Christ is more important than one person, or one church. Everyone involved in this story needs to focus first and foremost on protecting and advancing the gospel, and ONLY the gospel, as they respond to this horrible situation. We anxiously await a response from Robert and the church. The sooner it comes, the sooner true healing and restoration can begin.