275. TNE RESPONDS: Gateway Church’s Statement on Robert Morris Falls Short

Summary In this episode, Tim and April respond to the elder statement made by Gateway Church regarding the allegations against their lead pastor, Robert Morris. They express disappointment with the statement and discuss the lack of accountability and transparency. They highlight the need for Gateway Church to take concrete actions to address the harm caused and support the survivors. Tim and April also criticize the church's focus on the show and the institution rather than the well-being of the victims. They call for a halt in services, a thorough investigation, and financial reparations for the survivors. The conversation discusses the response of Gateway Church to the allegations against their former lead pastor, Robert Morris, who was accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl. The hosts criticize the church's lack of accountability and deflection of responsibility. They highlight the problematic mindset of some evangelical churches that prioritize success and money over addressing systemic issues and protecting victims. The conversation also touches on the comparison between leaving a church due to disappointment and leaving a church due to abuse, as well as the interconnectedness of charismatic leaders and the need for systemic change. Takeaways Gateway Church's elder statement regarding the allegations against Robert Morris lacked accountability and transparency. Concrete actions, such as halting services and conducting a thorough investigation, are necessary to address the harm caused and support the survivors. The focus on the show and the institution rather than the well-being of the victims is problematic. Financial reparations should be considered to acknowledge the decades of harm and trauma experienced by the survivors. Some evangelical churches prioritize success and money over addressing systemic issues and protecting victims. The response of Gateway Church to the allegations against Robert Morris lacked accountability and deflected responsibility. Leaving a church due to disappointment is not the same as leaving a church due to abuse. Charismatic leaders are often interconnected and need to be held accountable for their actions. Systemic change is necessary to address the issues within evangelical culture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:16 Allegations against Robert Morris 08:16 Lack of Accountability and Transparency 12:07 The Resignation of Robert Morris 13:36 Pattern of Similar Incidents 20:11 Frustration with the Church's Handling 21:20 Call for Financial Reparations 21:45 The Problematic Response of Gateway Church 22:42 The Prioritization of Success and Money in Evangelical Culture 23:24 Leaving Church: Disappointment vs. Abuse 25:17 The Interconnectedness of Charismatic Leaders 27:06 The Need for Systemic Change in Evangelical Culture Gateway's Elder Response Video Read the Initial Article on Robert Morris Robert's Full Response Video ______________ If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices