government
Federal judge dismisses Gateway Church, Robert Morris tithing lawsuit
By Marissa Greene at Fort Worth Report
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit involving Gateway Church leadership, Robert Morris and a group of church members who alleged the Southlake megachurch misused tithe money donated by its congregation. Chief District Judge Amos L. Mazzant agreed with the Southlake-based megachurch that tithe money
Key takeaway Mazzant agreed with the Southlake-based megachurch that tithe money usage donated by its congregation is a religious matter rather than a civil one, according to the June 23 order.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The dismissal of the lawsuit against Gateway Church and its leadership has significant implications for the religious community in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. As a major institution in the region, Gateway Church's practices and policies can have a ripple effect on other churches and congregations. The court's decision to invoke the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine underscores the complex relationship between religious freedom and financial transparency. For congregants in Tarrant County and beyond, the case raises questions about the accountability of religious institutions and the use of tithes and donations. As the region's residents continue to support local churches and ministries, they will be watching to see how this decision affects the way these organizations operate and disclose their financial practices. The cultural and spiritual landscape of Fort Worth, with its rich history of religious diversity, will likely be shaped by the aftermath of this lawsuit.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth 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 .
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Category: government ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit involving Gateway Church leadership, Robert Morris and a group of church members who alleged the Southlake megachurch misused tithe money donated by its congregation. Chief District Judge Amos L. Mazzant agreed with the Southlake-based megachurch that tithe money
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Marissa Greene at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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