The monastery alleges Olson and Fort Worth Diocese officials overstepped their power and engaged in criminal behavior during their investigation.
Gerlach and her legal team accuse Bishop Olson of egregious behavior, including screaming at the nuns, isolating Gerlach from her caregiver after surgery, and defaming her publicly.
Matthew Bobo, representing Gerlach, penned an open letter to Bishop Olson. He demanded answers regarding the specific allegations and the identity of the accused priest.
Bobo challenged the bishop’s repeated public accusations, requesting concrete evidence to support the claims made against Gerlach.
Drug use
It was only after the investigation began that the diocese shared photos alleging drug use within the monastery. The diocese claims these photos, taken by a confidential informant, show pill bottles, cannabis products, and drug paraphernalia scattered across cluttered tables.
The diocese insists that Bishop Olson has been working diligently, both privately and in coordination with law enforcement, to address issues within the monastery according to canonical norms.
