TEXAS — Former Gateway Church founder Robert Morris is drawing renewed attention after an updated photograph on the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry showed him with a severely bruised right eye and an injured-looking lip.
The photograph, dated September 15, 2026, was posted as Morris continues complying with sex-offender registration requirements following his criminal conviction.
Morris’ attorney, Bill Mateja, said the facial injuries resulted from a recent medical incident and fall at Morris’ home.
According to Mateja, Morris was in his garage when he bent down to pick something up. After standing, he lost consciousness, struck a car door and then fell onto the concrete floor. His wife, Debbie Morris, was reportedly present.
Morris was transported by ambulance to an emergency room, where he was diagnosed with three broken bones in his face, according to his attorney. Mateja said medical personnel believed the episode may have been related to Morris standing up after recently taking blood-pressure medication on an empty stomach. Morris is recovering.
Morris Serving Probation Following Guilty Plea
Morris founded Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, in 2000 and became one of the nation’s most prominent megachurch pastors before resigning in June 2024.
In October 2025, Morris pleaded guilty in Oklahoma to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child involving Cindy Clemishire. The abuse began when Clemishire was 12 years old in the 1980s.
Morris received a 10-year sentence, with all but six months suspended. He completed the jail portion of his sentence and was released in March 2026. He remains on probation and is required to register as a sex offender for life.
The newly released registry photograph provides one of the latest public images of Morris since his release from custody.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Source: Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) — cnirbc.com
