A federal judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit against Gateway Church and its founder Robert Morris, allowing allegations over tithes to proceed in court.
Former members say the church promised that 15% of tithing would go to foreign missionary work and that there was a money-back guarantee if members were unhappy - and voters have asked for refunds.
Judge Amos Mazzant III also agreed to expand the plaintiff group, meaning more ex-members can join in. Gateway Church has denied wrongdoing and said it plans to vigorously defend its financial and public statements.
Judge Mazzant not only denied the dismissal request but also allowed additional plaintiffs to join the case, broadening the scope of the legal fight.
Gateway Church has denied wrongdoing and says it intends to defend its practices in court. The case now moves into the discovery phase, where lawyers on both sides will gather records and testimony.
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