Lawyer for megachurch pastor blamed 12-year-old for initiating ‘inappropriate’ sexual conduct

NBC News, By Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton, on July 9, 2024

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/robert-morris-gateway-church-lawyer-letters-cindy-clemishire-rcna160661 

The discussion continues to uncover and critique the abhorrent behavior of certain pastors within the church community. This episode highlights the case of Robert Morris, a pastor whose lawyer shockingly accused a 12-year-old child of seducing the pastor, thereby attempting to deflect blame for the pastor's reprehensible actions. This form of victim-blaming is sadly not new; the episode references numerous other cases of clergy abuse, particularly within the Catholic Church, where similar tactics have been used to protect perpetrators rather than victims.

The conversation delves into how churches often teach blind obedience and place clergy in positions of untouchable authority, creating an environment where abuse can thrive unchecked. This dynamic is exemplified by the case of Morris, whose lawyer's disgusting defense reflects a broader issue within church culture. The panelists discuss how the rhetoric and behavior of abusers are often minimized or euphemized, with terms like "moral failure" used instead of calling out abuse for what it is. This language shift allows abusers to evade full accountability and often results in their continued presence in positions of power.

Moreover, the discussion touches on how church leaders frequently fail to fulfill their moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities towards minors in their care. The case of Cindy Clemmy, a victim of Morris's abuse, illustrates the lifelong trauma and struggles faced by survivors. Despite her courage in coming forward, the church's response has been inadequate, with a tendency to blame victims rather than protect them. The episode highlights the systemic issue of churches having insurance specifically for sexual abuse cases, pointing out how normalized and expected such incidents have become within religious institutions.

The panelists express their outrage and call for greater accountability and systemic change to protect vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior. They emphasize the need for church leaders to take real responsibility and for communities to stop enabling abusers through complicity or silence. The conversation serves as a powerful indictment of the structures that allow such abuses to occur and persist, urging a reevaluation of how churches handle allegations of abuse and the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all congregants, especially children.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.29.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Kara Griffin, Mateo and Aaron Jensen

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