local
Federal judge dismisses class-action lawsuit against Gateway Church over donations
By Giles Hudson at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Gateway Church brought by four former church members who accused the church of misappropriating millions of dollars in donations.The suit involved not only the church but also founding Pastor Robert Morris and former elder Steve ...
Key takeaway Dispute over church donationsThe dispute had centered on donations known as tithes, which are made when a church member donates 10% of their income to the organization.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The dismissal of the class-action lawsuit against Gateway Church has significant implications for the Southlake community, where the church is based. As a major institution in the area, Gateway's financial dealings and leadership decisions are closely watched by local residents. The court's decision to apply the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine highlights the complex relationship between churches and the law, and the challenges of navigating issues of religious autonomy and financial transparency. For Southlake residents, this case may raise questions about the accountability of large churches and their use of donations. The fact that this decision comes on the heels of other legal matters involving Gateway, including a dispute over Pastor Robert Morris's retirement agreement, suggests that the church's leadership and financial practices will continue to be under scrutiny in the community. As the church moves forward, it will be important for local residents to pay attention to how Gateway addresses these issues and maintains transparency in its financial dealings.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Gateway Church brought by four former church members who accused the church of misappropriating millions of dollars in donations.The suit involved not only the church but also founding Pastor Robert Morris and former elder Steve ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Giles Hudson at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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