Controversial Texan Chastity Scandal Unfolds as Nuns Resist Pope Francis in ‘Hostile Takeover’ Situation | US News
Catholic nuns in Texas are defying the Pope and face possible excommunication due to what they perceive as a “hostile takeover” of their monastery.
The conflict began when the local bishop accused the head nun of violating her vow of chastity, and has been ongoing for over a year with no resolution in sight.
The Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Arlington refused to acknowledge Bishop Michael Olson’s authority and disputed the allegations against their Mother Prioress.
They are now even resisting directives from the Holy See.
How did a small group of Texan nuns, dedicated to a life of prayer, end up challenging a Pope?
Accusation of breaking a vow of chastity
The controversy revolves around a group of nuns residing at the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas.
They belong to the order of Discalced Carmelites, a Catholic order established in the 16th century.
According to Catholic canon law, their community is considered autonomous, and nuns renounce family ties in pursuit of a deeper connection with God.
Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach. Pic: Matthew W Bobo
In April 2023, Bishop Olson received a report alleging that Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach had violated her vow of chastity with a priest from outside the area, according to the diocese.
The Arlington nuns fiercely defended their Mother Prioress and filed a million-dollar lawsuit against Bishop Olson and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, claiming they had been mistreated due to the bishop’s “aggression, humiliation, and spiritual manipulation.”
They declared they no longer recognized his authority and barred him and his associates from entering monastery premises.
Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth
Nuns facing excommunication
Bishop Olson expressed his hurt over the nuns’ rejection of his authority, announcing with deep sorrow that they risked excommunication.
He labelled Mother Teresa Agnes’ actions as “scandalous and schismatic,” but expressed willingness to assist her in reconciling.
Previously, the bishop denounced the “baseless and false claims” causing confusion and referred to allegations of “spying” as absurd.
The scandal eventually caught the attention of senior Catholic officials in Rome.
In May last year, the Vatican appointed Bishop Olson as the Pope’s representative with full governing powers over the monastery.
Despite this intervention, the saga continued…
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The Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas
Pic: Bing Maps
Nuns in defiance of Pope Francis?
This brings us to April of this year.
In an effort to resolve the dispute between the nuns and Bishop Olson, the Vatican instructed the Texas monastery to submit to the authority of a Carmelite association of monasteries.
In a letter dated April 18, 2024, the monastery was directed to “restore order” by “regularizing” their relationship with Bishop Olson and retracting their accusations against him.
Pope Francis presides over a service at the Vatican in March. Pic: Reuters
However, two days later, the nuns issued a strong rebuttal, asserting that the monastery’s trust to the Carmelite Association of Christ the King was tantamount to an “unacceptable hostile takeover.”
They notified the Carmelite association that neither its president nor any delegates were welcome at their monastery.
In their statement, the nuns declared their unconditional acceptance of Pope Francis’ authority.
They expressed their desire to live out their vocation peacefully under the Church’s legitimate pastors and cited Pope Francis’ call for consecrated women to stand up against unfair treatment, even from within the Church.
