Texas Monastery of Cloistered Nuns Defies Vatican Decree, Seeks Restraining Order

A community of Discalced Carmelite nuns in Arlington, Texas has filed for a temporary restraining order against a Vatican-imposed leadership change, rejecting the decision to place their monastery under the governance of the Carmelite Association of Christ the King USA. The nuns argue that this change in leadership is a "hostile seizure" and are seeking to prevent Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson and the association from entering and having authority over the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity.

The dispute between the nuns and Bishop Olson began after he questioned the sexual competence and morality of the community's superior, Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach of Jesus Crucified. Bishop Olson later launched an investigation into allegations of Mother Teresa Agnes violating her vows of chastity, which she has denied. The nuns have filed multiple lawsuits against the bishop, and the civil and canonical processes are ongoing.

In April 2023, the Vatican Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life entrusted the government of the Carmelites of Arlington to the president of the Carmelite Association. However, the nuns have denied approving this decision, calling it a "hostile seizure." The Vatican has granted Bishop Olson governing authority over the sisters, but the nuns have rejected his authority, accusing him of spiritual and psychological abuse.

Why this matters: This case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious orders and local church authorities, as well as the challenges faced by cloistered communities in navigating ecclesiastical governance. The outcome of this dispute could have implications for the autonomy and leadership of other religious communities.

The hearing for the temporary restraining order has been moved to the 67th District Court and is scheduled for April 30, 2024. The nuns referred to the Vatican's order as "a hostile seizure that we cannot in conscience accept." The monastery has filed a lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages and a new lawsuit seeking a restraining order to prevent the bishop and others from interfering with the monastery's operations. The situation remains unresolved, with the nuns' leadership terms expired and the dispute continuing between the nuns and the bishop.

Key Takeaways

• Carmelite nuns in Texas file restraining order against Vatican-imposed leadership change
• Dispute stems from bishop's investigation into allegations against superior nun
• Vatican entrusted Carmelite Association with monastery's governance, but nuns reject decision
• Nuns accuse bishop of spiritual and psychological abuse, seek $1M in damages
• Hearing for restraining order scheduled for April 2024, dispute remains unresolved