- A group of nuns in Arlington is appealing to the Vatican for help in a dispute with their local bishop.
- The Fort Worth Diocese accused one of the nuns of violating her chastity vow, but she denies the allegations.
- The Diocese has attempted to close down the monastery, but the nuns have resisted and have barred the bishop from entering.
A community of nuns in Texas is reaching out to the Vatican for assistance amid an ongoing dispute with their local bishop. The disagreement centers around allegations that one of the nuns violated her vow of chastity with a priest.
In May, the Fort Worth Diocese publicly accused Reverend Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach of breaking her celibacy promise, which is a requirement for all Catholic nuns and priests. In response, the nuns filed a $1 million lawsuit against the Diocese, claiming that Bishop Michael Olson had abused his power and violated their privacy during his investigation into the alleged breach of chastity.
However, a Texas judge dismissed the nuns’ lawsuit in June, ruling that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the church and not the civil courts. Now, the nuns are placing their hopes on a fair review of the case by the Vatican.
A canonical investigation is conducted by the Vatican or another authority figure within the Catholic Church to determine if an individual has violated the ecclesiastical laws that govern the religion.
According to attorney Matthew Bobo, who represents the nuns, Bishop Olson continues to engage in a personal vendetta against the Arlington Carmelite Nuns. The nuns remain dedicated to the Catholic Church and are praying for the Vatican to intervene and stop the bishop’s persecution.
Insider reached out to representatives from the Vatican for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
From a chastity vow dispute to a property-rights battle
Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Although the nuns deny that Gerlach violated her vows, pointing out her deteriorating health and dependence on a wheelchair and feeding tube, the Diocese’s lawyers presented an audio recording during a June court hearing in which Gerlach allegedly admitted to breaking her vows with a priest, as reported by local ABC affiliate WFAA.
In recent months, the Fort Worth Diocese has prohibited priests from conducting Mass or hearing Confessions at the nuns’ monastery. They even attempted to close the premises to the public. However, according to attorney Bobo, the Diocese has no authority over the monastery, and the nuns have successfully reopened it.
Last week, in a statement, the nuns declared that Olson and other Diocese officials are barred from entering the monastery until Olson repents for the abuse they claim he has subjected them to.
In response, Bishop Michael Olson threatened to excommunicate the nuns for their involvement in Mother Teresa Agnes’ scandalous and schismatic actions.
When asked for comment, the Fort Worth Diocese directed Insider to a statement from May 31, asserting that Olson has complete governing responsibility over the Monastery.
According to Bobo, the monastery and all its property belong to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Arlington, a nonprofit corporation led by the residing nuns. He argues that in Texas, private property rights are highly regarded, and no one has the right to dictate who can enter private property.
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