Gateway Church Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Financial Misrepresentation

Key Allegations Against Gateway Church

Misrepresentation of Tithe Allocation

The lawsuit alleges that church leaders, including Robert Morris, promised congregants that 15% of all tithe dollars would be distributed to global missions and Jewish ministry partners. However, the plaintiffs claim this promise was not upheld.

Potential Scale of Misallocation of Funds

Given Gateway Church's size, with current and past membership exceeding 100,000, the plaintiffs estimate that the misallocated funds could total more than $15 million annually.

Internal Whistleblowing Ignored

According to the lawsuit, a certified public accountant hired by the church in 2011 to oversee Gateway Global Ministries noticed discrepancies in financial statements. When these concerns were raised, the employee was allegedly forced to resign rather than have the issues addressed.

Breach of Promise and Refusal to Refund Tithes

The suit claims that Morris had previously promised in sermons that if congregants were unhappy with how their donations were used, they could get their money back. The plaintiffs allege this promise created a contract under Texas law, which was not honored when they sought answers and refunds. Despite repeatedly making this promise, the church has allegedly refused to return tithes to dissatisfied members, resulting in a lawsuit for breach of contract.

Legal Implications

The lawsuit is seeking class action status, potentially representing tens of thousands of church members. The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial, compensation for attorneys' fees, and monetary relief expected to exceed $1 million. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks the return of tithes based on the pastor's promise to refund anyone who wanted their money back for any reason.

Attorney Micah Dortch of the law firm Dortch Linstrom Livingston Law Group, who is representing the congregants, stated that while churches have certain protections under the First Amendment, making explicit financial promises to a congregation opens up legal considerations.

Gateway Church's Response

Gateway Church spokesperson Lawrence Swicegood responded to the allegations, stating, "We do not comment on pending litigation. These are serious allegations. Some of these concerns were brought to us recently, and we are actively investigating them. Funds donated to our church are sacred, and it is important that we hold ourselves to the highest biblical standards of ethics and integrity."

Broader Context

This lawsuit comes amid ongoing turmoil at Gateway Church. Robert Morris, the church's founder and former senior pastor, resigned in June 2023 following accusations of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s.

As this case progresses, it may have significant implications not only for Gateway Church but also for how megachurches handle and report their finances. The outcome could potentially influence transparency practices in religious organizations and affect how congregants view their donations to such institutions. Furthermore, the lawsuit's focus on the right to refunds may set a precedent for how churches manage dissatisfied donors and the promises made regarding the use of tithes.

Note: This article is based on allegations made in a lawsuit. The claims have not been proven in court, and Gateway Church is entitled to a full legal defense.

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