A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit involving Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and its leader Robert Morris. The lawsuit, filed by four congregants in October 2024, alleged that the church misused tithe money donated by its congregation.

Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine

Chief District Judge Amos L. Mazzant agreed with the church that tithe money usage is a religious matter rather than a civil one. The decision was based on the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine, which prevents courts from exercising jurisdiction in internal church matters.

The lawsuit alleged that Gateway Church leadership engaged in financial fraud after falsely promising members that a portion of their tithes would go toward foreign missionary work. The plaintiffs claimed that they did not know what happened to the tithes, which could total more than $15 million annually.

Ronald W. Breaux, the attorney representing Gateway Church, stated that the First Amendment prohibits such an assault on the church’s religious autonomy and freedom. Breaux said that the plaintiffs sought to second-guess the church’s beliefs and decisions on the fundamental religious question of tithing.

Gateway Church and Morris have faced other legal battles, including a lawsuit seeking $1 million for defamation and failing to report alleged abuse. Morris has also pled guilty to five counts of lewd and indecent acts with a child and is registered as a sex offender in Palo Pinto County.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.