SOUTHLAKE, Texas — This week Gateway Church and one of its founding elders parted ways, a church spokesperson said Wednesday.
Steve Dulin was already on a leave of absence related to an investigation into sexual abuse allegations against former pastor Robert Morris. Four Gateway Church elders, including Robert Morris's son, were asked to take a leave of absence under the investigating law firm's recommendation.
Dulin was the executive pastor leading Gateway Kingdom Business Leaders ministry, according to a church statement. Gateway elders didn't cite a specific reason for parting ways with Dulin, but said they met with him earlier this week and decided to "go in a different direction" regarding his position as an elder and staff member.
“Steve has served Gateway Church for many years in various roles. We love Steve, his wife Melody, and their family and sincerely thank them for investing their lives here at Gateway Church. They have faithfully served our congregation, our community, and our church through the years," the statement said.
The church said it will announce Dulin's replacement in the coming days.
In early June, Cindy Clemishire accused former senior pastor Robert Morris of molesting her when she was 12 years old in the mid-1980s. Shortly after these allegations came to light, Robert Morris resigned and Gateway Church accepted his resignation.
Last week, Morris's son James, also stepped down from his pastor role at the church. The move marked a significant change in the church's future, as Robert Morris had planned to turn over the leadership of Gateway to James Morris in 2025.
Since these events have unfolded, Gateway Church has hired an outside law firm, Haynes and Boone, to conduct an internal investigation into the accusations.
The firm said Thursday it had no updates to offer on its investigation.
A Gateway spokesperson said Dulin's departure was not related to any findings from the Haynes Boone investigation, nor would he receive any severance.
More recent coverage of Gateway Church from WFAA: