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People are beginning to wonder if what's happening in Arlington, Texas is an Inquisition or a Holy War. From a monastery in Arlington to the Ft. Worth diocese Ft. Worth the controversy continues. 

The Monastery of The Most Holy Trinity, situated on 72 lush, wooded acres near South Bowen Road and West Sublett Road, has for all appearance maintained a secluded and peaceful existence since it was established in 1958. 

The cloistered Order of Discalced Carmelite Nuns, with its origins dating back to 1562, follows a tradition of dedicating most of their day to silent prayer.

In April things changed. Bishop Michael Olson who heads up the Ft. Worth diocese started an aggressive and public investigation of the nuns.  And accused the ailing Reverend Mother Teresa Gerlach of breaking her vows.

Police investigation

Arlington police have launched an investigation into Fort Worth Bishop Olson’s behavior, prompted by allegations of abuse.

Olson is demanding the police investigate the nuns for using cannabis products.

When the police came to interview Bishop Olson he complained about alleged drug use within the Arlington monastery of Carmelite nuns. And has publicly released photos from an “informant.” 

Police have conducted interviews. And police say the investigation is ongoing.

The inquisition 

This is not the first time Bishop Olson has taken a complaint public. In April, Olson launched an investigation after accusing Reverend Mother Teresa Gerlach of violating her vow of chastity with another unnamed priest.

The diocese claims it was calling out “grave” misconduct. And although he has publicly accused Gerlach, he refuses to give the “priest’s name.

On June 1, Olson issued a decree dismissing Gerlach from religious life. Gerlach firmly denies these allegations and is appealing her dismissal.

 She uses a wheelchair and feeding tube and had just come out of surgery when the Bishop started his investigation. The nun had been a member of the Order of Discalced Carmelite Nuns for 25 years.

“Bishop Olson forced the Reverend Mother to turn over her computer, iPad, and cellular phone to him personally,” according to legal documents. 

The physical property has since been returned. The nuns allege that the diocese made digital copies of the information containing “private correspondence, private documents, extensive medical records,” and financial information, “including but not limited to donor lists.” 

“This is the private property of the Plaintiffs, none of which is relevant or related to the canonical investigation, which according to the Defendants has now been concluded,” the suit says. 

The Holy War

The cloistered Order of Discalced Carmelite Nuns filed a civil lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages. The nuns further challenged Olson’s authority to conduct the investigation, arguing they were subject only to the Vatican.