In recent weeks, two church leaders have been accused of sexually abusing minors; these cases highlight the need for stricter measures to prevent abuse and protect vulnerable individuals in religious communities.
Jose Wilfredo Vazquez Cardoza, a 49-year-old former church leader from Uniondale, New York, was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including second-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child. According to Nassau County police, Cardoza sexually abused a girl repeatedly from the age of 12 until she was 16. The abuse allegedly took place while Cardoza served as a leader at Iglesia Cristiana Unida in Hempstead between 2011 and 2016. “The abuse began when the victim was 12 years old and lasted for four years,” authorities stated. Cardoza, who pleaded not guilty, is being held on $100,000 cash bail and is expected back in court on Monday.
Simultaneously, Pastor Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has confessed to inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor over 35 years ago. Morris admitted to abusing Cindy Clemishire, who was 12 at the time. “I was an innocent 12-year-old little girl who knew nothing about sexual behavior,” Clemishire said. Morris described his actions as “kissing and petting” and claimed there was no intercourse. The abuse, which began in 1982, continued for over four years. Despite the severity of the allegations, Morris was allowed to return to ministry after a two-year hiatus, a decision supported by the elders of Shady Grove Church.
Clemishire expressed her frustration with how the church handled the situation, stating, “My father never ever gave his blessing on Robert returning to ministry!” She emphasized that forgiveness does not negate the need for accountability, arguing, “We would never allow someone to go teach in a school … if anybody had done these things.”
