The renewed controversy follows public statements by Landon Schott, founder of Mercy Culture Church and a former protégé of Robert Morris. In a social-media post describing a recent jail visit, Schott said he believes God has forgiven Morris, citing themes of repentance, mercy, and redemption. Schott added that he sensed divine assurance of forgiveness on the day Morris began serving his sentence-an occasion that coincided with Rosh Hashanah.
Morris, the founding pastor of Gateway Church, is currently serving a six-month jail sentence in Oklahoma after pleading guilty in 2025 to multiple counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, stemming from abuse that occurred in the early 1980s. As part of the plea agreement, Morris received a longer suspended sentence under probation, was ordered to pay substantial restitution, and must register as a lifetime sex offender.
Schott's remarks, first reported by The Christian Post, immediately drew sharp reaction across Christian and survivor-advocacy communities. Critics emphasized that expressions of spiritual forgiveness do not diminish the seriousness of sexual abuse or replace the need for accountability, justice, and survivor-centered care.
The case was brought forward by survivor Cindy Clemishire, who has said the abuse began when she was 12 years old and continued over a period of time. Her public testimony led to criminal charges decades after the abuse occurred, as well as ongoing civil litigation alleging defamation and institutional failures tied to the handling of earlier disclosures.
Morris resigned from Gateway Church leadership in 2024 following the public emergence of the allegations. Church leaders later acknowledged that the misconduct involved child sexual abuse, prompting broader scrutiny of how religious institutions respond to historic claims and safeguard minors.
As debate continues, faith leaders and advocates alike are calling for clearer distinctions between theological forgiveness, legal responsibility, and the long-term consequences faced by survivors. The statements by Schott have intensified a national conversation within evangelical circles over how to speak about grace without minimizing harm-and how accountability must remain central when addressing abuse.
