The audio clip, which was obtained by CNA from the Fort Worth Diocese, revealed an April 24 interview between Fort Worth Bishop Olson and Gerlach.
In the interview, Gerlach admitted to violating the Sixth Commandment with a priest she identified as Father Bernard Marie, who she said was with the Transalpine Redemptorists in Montana.
“At the time I was having seizures and I was in a very difficult position, and I think my brain just got really messed up,” the reverend mother told the bishop. “It was a horrible, horrible mistake and I’m so sorry.”
The attorney representing the nuns, Matthew Bobo, has yet to issue a statement since the hearing finished.
At the end of the hearing, Judge Don Cosby called the dispute “a difficult, emotional matter” and said that he needed to conduct further reading to determine if the court had jurisdiction in the matter. Cosby said he would decide next week whether to allow the case to proceed.
How did the nuns and the bishop end up in court?
The dispute between the monastery and the diocese began in April when Olson launched a canonical investigation into an alleged sexual affair between Gerlach and an until-now unnamed priest.
Gerlach, 43, has been a nun at Holy Trinity Monastery for 25 years and is currently suffering from serious medical issues that have confined her to a wheelchair, according to her attorney.
On June 1 the bishop issued a decree dismissing Gerlach from religious life, giving her 30 days to appeal the decision.
According to Gerlach’s attorney, she immediately appealed the bishop’s decision to remove her from religious life.
Following the diocese’s investigation, the nuns filed a civil lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages for defamation, theft of private property belonging to the monastery, and abuse of power.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
In response, the diocese, being represented by attorney Michael Anderson, argued that the dispute is an ecclesiastical matter not subject to civil court.
Both the monastery and diocese have levied charges and countercharges of illegal activity.
On June 7 the diocese issued a press release with photographs purportedly showing cannabis products at the monastery. Diocesan spokesman Pat Svacina said in the release that the diocese was in communication with the Arlington Police Department regarding “serious concerns” about “the use of marijuana and edibles at the monastery.”
Bobo denied the allegations related to drug use, calling them “absolutely ridiculous” and “without merit.”
What happened in court?
After the initial court date of June 23 was delayed, both the diocese and attorneys for the monastery presented their arguments before Cosby on Tuesday.