Gateway Church is accused of tithing abuse in new class action lawsuit

NORTH TEXAS – In a class-action lawsuit filed Friday, four church members accuse Gateway Church of embezzling millions of dollars in donations, known as “tithes.”

“So when you talk about giving money to the bride of Christ, which is the church, you expect it to be handled biblically,” said former Gateway member Valentina Hansen.

Hansen claims she was banned from the church for speaking out. She says tithing can amount to thousands of dollars per family.

“So, on the low end, I estimate probably about $5,000 a year, on the high end, probably six figures are donated to the church,” Hansen said.

At a conference last year, former senior pastor Robert Morris said 15 to 20 percent of the church's annual revenue goes to ministries around the world. The class action lawsuit alleges that a CPA oversaw Gateway Global Ministries. The CPA states that the church's total revenue was more than $100 million, but he only saw no more than $3 million donated to global missions, which is far less than 15%.

“We want to know where the money really went? “Did it go to a good cause?” said Hansen.

The four members named in the lawsuit now want their money back but say the church will not offer them a refund, despite promises from Morris, who repeatedly told members in recorded sermons: “He would give their money back if they didn't pay in full.” “would be satisfied” with their tithe at the end of the year.”

“Our clients don't want to sue their church, but they deserve answers, and we must obtain subpoena power to get those answers,” said Micah Dortch, lead counsel for the plaintiffs.

Gateway sent CBS News Texas a statement saying in part: “These are serious allegations. Some of these concerns have recently been brought to our attention and we are actively investigating them. Funds donated to our church are sacred and it is important that we retain them. We adhere to the highest biblical standards of ethics and integrity.”

This is the second lawsuit against the church this year and follows a series of resignations from church leadership over the summer.