New Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Filed Against Gateway Church Over Youth Group Allegations

Gateway Church, the Dallas-area megachurch founded by Robert Morris, now faces new sexual abuse allegations in addition to those that led to Morris’s resignation earlier this year. A recent lawsuit has been filed in Tarrant County, Texas, alleging that a member of the church’s youth group sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl who also attended the youth group. The lawsuit claims the incident occurred during late 2016 and early 2017, with the accused, Gabriel Reece Snyder, now 25, and Gateway Church named as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges that Snyder used “biblical beliefs and teachings of Gateway’s pastor and ministers” to convince his alleged victim that submitting to him was God’s will. The victim’s parents accuse Gateway of providing “little or no supervision” by its youth counselors, pastors, leaders, chaperones, or volunteers. They claim the church failed to prevent the alleged assaults and is now being sought for over $1 million in damages.

Snyder was previously convicted of a different sexual assault offense and is currently serving prison time at the Hightower Unit in Dayton, Texas, with an expected release in October 2024. The alleged victim, Julia Long, chose to reveal her identity as part of her healing process. Her attorney, George Boll, stated that the lawsuit is part of her journey toward recovery.

Gateway Church has faced previous legal challenges, including a settlement in 2020 for a lawsuit alleging that church leadership covered up the abuse of a child by a congregation member in March 2018. The lawsuit claimed that pastors encouraged members to ostracize the victim and failed to report the abuse to law enforcement. Gateway stated that the events in question did not occur on any of its campuses or at its events.

The church has taken steps to address these concerns, including renaming itself and firing its pastor. These actions reflect a broader effort to ensure accountability and safety within its community. The ongoing legal and reputational challenges highlight the importance of protecting the vulnerable and maintaining transparency in all aspects of ministry.

The case underscores the need for vigilance in safeguarding minors and upholding the principles of justice and mercy. As the story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership and the necessity of fostering an environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and care.

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