Tulsa, OK — In the wake of sexual abuse allegations against Robert Morris, founding pastor of Gateway Church, attorney Don Smolen is publicly calling out the church’s failures—and what he calls the “unbelievable audacity” of Morris’s request for a substantial retirement payout.
Morris, who resigned in June 2024 following allegations from Cindy Clemishire, is reportedly seeking a bulk retirement sum despite admitting to “inappropriate sexual behavior” with a minor during his early ministry.
“This isn’t just wrong, it’s disgraceful,” said Smolen. “Cindy has lived with trauma, PTSD, and spiritual pain for decades. And now her abuser wants to cash out?”
Smolen says this situation is textbook: protect the leader, discredit the victim, and quietly pay out power.
“This isn’t accountability. This is corruption dressed in faith.”
Smolen has represented survivors of church, school, and institutional abuse for years and says this case demands national attention because it shows how broken the system is.
1. No retirement packages for admitted abusers.
If you harm a child, you don’t get a check—you get held accountable.
2. NDAs and church-controlled “investigations” must end.
Survivors deserve transparency, not control.
3. Churches must offer reparations and trauma-informed care.
Not “prayer and silence”—actual, independent therapy and support.
“If I were your lawyer, I’d tell you this: They don’t get to walk away rich while you live in pain. We see you. We believe you. And we will stand beside you until justice is served.”
If you or someone you know has been impacted by church abuse or cover-ups, contact Smolen Law at www.smolen.law/contact or email don@smolen.law.
All inquiries are confidential. Survivors will be treated with dignity and belief.
Smolen Law's mission is to provide exceptional legal services with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
Choose the Oklahoma law firm that gets results: Smolen Law.
