Dallas Observer | The Leading Independent News Source in Dallas, Texas

Trouble in the Sanctuary: The Biggest North Texas Church Scandals

By Kelly Dearmore

Jul 23, 2025

Pastors getting into trouble is nothing new in the Dallas area.

Reader: 'I’m Shocked to Hear the Dallas Observer is Supporting This Policy'

By Kelly Dearmore

Jul 19, 2025

Observer readers have some provocative ideas about what Texas classrooms should have next to the Ten Commandments.

4 Things Every Texas Classroom Should Have Next to the Ten Commandments

By Alyssa Fields and Emma Ruby

Jul 11, 2025

Since we're putting just about anything in classrooms, we'd like to see litter pans, bulletproof vests, The Apprentice and birds.

UPDATE: A Timeline of the EPIC City Controversy

By Alyssa Fields

Jul 8, 2025

Controversy focused on the proposed Muslim community began in February. Here's what's happened since.

Texas GOP Blasts Bo French for Antisemitism, Ignores His Muslim Hate

By Emma Ruby

Jul 3, 2025

The Tarrant County GOP chair asked whether Muslims or Jews pose a larger threat to America. The answers were telling.

Dating Apps Are Dying As Conservatism Rises

By Alyssa Fields

Jun 19, 2025

Dallas is a blue city, so it claims. But purity culture and staunch conservatism still taint the dating scene.

Another Proposed Muslim Development in North Texas Arouses Controversy, Confusion

By Mark Henricks

May 28, 2025

In the wake of Texas leaders targeting EPIC City near Plano, a smaller proposed development has come under fire.

More White Smoke: Portillo's Has a Papal Proffer

By Hank Vaughn

May 9, 2025

Portillo's is offering The Leo Italian beef sandwich during the month of May in honor of the newly named pope who hails from Chicagoland.

Witness for the Prosecution ... and Jesus

By Christian McPhate

May 1, 2025

How reformed mob turncoat Robert Borelli found God and gave up hiding to spread the word.

Dallas Woman Files Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Prominent Christian Summer Camp

By Emma Ruby

Apr 16, 2025

They Who Have Been Exiled: The Strict Religious Group Behind I-35's Cheese Cave

By Emma Ruby

Apr 9, 2025

For years, an extreme group that former members call a cult has exercised tight control over its congregation near Waco.

Abbott, Paxton Target Proposed Muslim Development in North Texas

By Alyssa Fields

Mar 28, 2025

The East Plano Islamic Center is denying cult accusations involving a 402-acre property in far Northeast Texas.

As Texas Measles Cases Increase, Local Authorities Encourages Vaccinations

By Alyssa Fields

Mar 18, 2025

The measles case count has doubled in the last month. Now, North Texas is upping vaccine access.

Legal Challenges Lurk for Bill Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

By Emma Ruby

Mar 14, 2025

Teachers' advocates say third graders shouldn’t learn what it means to covet thy neighbor's wife, but nevertheless, the Lege persists.

Former Gateway Church Pastor Robert Morris Indicted on Child Sex Charges in Oklahoma

By Kelly Dearmore

Mar 12, 2025

The Oklahoma attorney general says that since Morris did not officially reside in Oklahoma, there is no statute of limitation.

Over-the-Top Christmas Show at Plano Church Goes Viral Again

By Simon Pruitt

Jan 7, 2025

The megachurch's annual Christmas show is making the rounds on the internet in what seems to be a new Christmas tradition.

Texas Education Board To Vote on Religious Learning Materials

By Alyssa Fields

Nov 22, 2024

The state board is close to approving controversial bible lessons for public elementary students.

As Gateway Church Troubles Continue, Attendence, Tithing Drastically Decline

By Kelly Dearmore

Nov 14, 2024

A church elder told staff this week that tithing is down 35-40% and more staff reductions are coming soon.

Meet the Dallas Pastor Volunteering To Bring Peace to the Polls

By Garrett Gravley

Nov 5, 2024

“I can’t tell you how many people have breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that the voting location is a safe location ..."

Disgraced North Texas Church Leaders Draw National Attention, Government Interest

By Kelly Dearmore

Oct 7, 2024

The recent trend of prominent church leaders stepping down for misconduct, abuse and moral failures hasn't died down.

Religion

Where Are Schools Getting Their Ten Commandments?

Timeline of Gateway Church, Robert Morris Scandal

Religion

Where Are Schools Getting Their Ten Commandments?

Timeline of Gateway Church, Robert Morris Scandal

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