The Vatican has reinstated Rev. Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, a Carmelite nun who was dismissed from the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, over allegations of adultery. Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth accused Mother Gerlach of violating her vow of chastity with Rev. Philip G. Johnson, a priest from the Diocese of Raleigh. Mother Gerlach appealed her June 1, 2023 dismissal to the Vatican's Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of the Apostolic Life, which ultimately ruled in her favor. Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, head of the Dicastery, stated that while Mother Gerlach admitted to a violation, it did not involve force or violence. Despite her reinstatement, Carmelite nuns at the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity have blocked a Vatican-appointed representative from entering the premises.
Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, who heads the office, said in a document that while the nun admitted a violation of the commandment, her admission did not demonstrate her actions were “perpetrated by the exertion of force or violence.” https://t.co/202XkcC0UO
Mother Teresa Agnes appealed her dismissal to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of the Apostolic Life. https://t.co/202XkcCyKm
The nun was accused of having a sexual affair with the Rev. Philip G. Johnson, a priest from the diocese of Raleigh, according to Bishop Olson. He said he has reported Father Johnson to the diocese and is awaiting a report from officials there. https://t.co/202XkcC0UO
He said Mother Gerlach was “guilty of having violated the sixth commandment of the Decalogue and her vow of chastity with a priest from outside the Diocese of Fort Worth.” https://t.co/202XkcCyKm
Rev. Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, a Carmelite who was mother superior, or prioress, of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, was booted from religious life by the Most Rev. Michael Olson, bishop of Fort Worth on June 1, 2023. https://t.co/202XkcCyKm
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The Vatican has reinstated a nun who had been dismissed from her Texas order a year ago over claims she committed adultery, church officials in Fort Worth said this week. https://t.co/4ML1WzEFSz
Vatican reinstates Texas nun booted from monastery on adultery charge - https://t.co/MdpNCrhi8O - @washtimes
Arlington nun accused of violating vow of chastity with a priest is reinstated by the Vatican, per @dallasnews https://t.co/TPVU7POtCC
Arlington nun accused of violating vow of chastity with priest is reinstated by Vatican https://t.co/KIWnvCuLqW
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Arlington nuns turn away Vatican-appointed representative chosen to lead monastery https://t.co/GHgqPBcrs7
Carmelite nuns block Vatican-appointed representative from entering Arlington monastery https://t.co/PaSCJQ2Yv2