Texas Nuns Sue The Vatican

Newsweek.com has reported that a group of nuns in Arlington, Texas, is defying The Vatican in a takeover of their order. The nuns have filed for a temporary restraining order against Bishop Michael Olson, The Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, and the Association of Christ the King in the United States of America. The monastery is also seeking at least $100,000 in monetary relief. 

The Vatican had issued an order giving control of the Monastery Christ the King, giving full governance to the nuns and the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington to the Association of Christ the King in the United States of America.

The order was issued after a lengthy investigation of Rev. Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach. The Rev. Mother was accused of breaking her vow of chastity during phone calls with a Priest from another Monastery.

Gerlach was dismissed last year after the Vatican sided with Bishop Olson's investigation; the Rev. Mother denied the allegations.

The Reverand Mother and another nun filed a civil suit last year alleging invasion of privacy, theft, defamation, and the bishop attempting to take over an independent organization. A District Court Judge dismissed that suit, saying the court had no jurisdiction. The new lawsuit alleges invasion of privacy, theft, defamation, and the bishop's attempt to take over an independent organization.

The Diocese of Fort Worth issued a statement Saturday. 

"The Holy See (the Vatican) has acted in a way to promote and foster unity in Christ for the healing of the Arlington Carmel and of each of the nuns who are members of the community—not simply the former prioress and her former councilors,"