Austrian Nuns Defy Church Orders, Reject Gag on Social Media
URGENT UPDATE: Three rebellious nuns in Austria are making headlines worldwide as they refuse to abandon their social media presence and press freedom, despite church authorities demanding silence. Sisters Bernadette, Regina, and Rita, all in their 80s, continue to share their vibrant lives on Instagram, gaining a following of over 185,000 users, even as they face potential eviction from their convent.
Earlier this week, on October 27, 2023, Provost Markus Grasl from Reichersberg Abbey announced that the nuns could remain in their convent near Salzburg. However, this offer comes with stringent conditions: the sisters must cease all social media activities, stop communicating with the press, and forgo legal advice. The nuns have firmly rejected this ultimatum, labeling it a “gag order.”
In a powerful statement shared via Instagram, Sister Regina declared, “We can’t agree to this deal. Without the media, we’d have been silenced.” Sister Bernadette added, “Any agreement must align with God’s will and human reason.” Their stand resonates with supporters and highlights the ongoing struggle between personal freedom and institutional authority.
The nuns, who have been living at the convent since escaping a care facility nearly two years ago, argue they were unaware of signing away their rights to stay in the cloister. Canon law scholar Wolfgang Rothe, speaking to NPR, criticized the provost’s demands as “unreasonable” and “unlawful,” stating they violate the nuns’ human rights. He described the proposed agreement as lacking legal grounding in both church and state laws.
The provost’s spokesperson, crisis PR manager Harald Schiffl, expressed confusion over the sisters’ refusal, asserting that the abbey wishes to end their social media accounts because their content does not reflect genuine religious life. He has reached out to the Vatican, seeking intervention in the matter, but no response has been received from church officials.
As the situation develops, the nuns continue to embrace their social media platform. Sister Bernadette pointed out the hypocrisy in the church’s stance, noting that Grasl himself has engaged with media outlets for fundraising events. “Why shouldn’t we do the same?” she questioned.
While awaiting a response from Rome, the sisters remain committed to their cause, emphasizing the need for a resolution that respects their rights. Their fight for autonomy and expression is gaining traction, drawing attention to the broader issues of freedom within religious institutions.
The provost’s declaration to allow the nuns to stay at the convent is only temporary, leaving the sisters in a precarious situation. As the tensions rise and the stakes become higher, the world watches closely, eager to see how this unusual clash between faith and modernity unfolds in Salzburg.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it continues to capture global attention.
