More than 100 canonist religious sisters and civil lawyers met in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 30 to 31, 2026, in a historic conference organized by Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession (CASILEP) Kenya. The gathering, held under the theme «Prophetic Witness of Catholic Sisters in Canonical and Civil Matters,» sought to promote learning, networking, and collaboration among legal professionals serving church institutions and religious life across Africa.
The conference brought together sisters practicing law to provide professional support and promote justice in matters concerning consecrated life and societies of apostolic life. The initiative is supported by the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) and funded by the Conrad N. Foundation, and was officially launched on January 10, 2026, by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
Sister Dr. Teresiah Muthoni, LSOSF, a lawyer of the High Court of Kenya and principal investigator, and Sister Eutropia Chao Mwakamba, CPS, a canonist and director of CASILEP, spoke with Vatican News and said the conference’s main goals were to foster a culture of collaboration and create a platform for networking among religious sisters who often serve in isolation in different church ministries, countries, and congregations. They also sought to learn from one another’s experiences, identify common concerns, and develop practical ways to support one another in their respective ministries.
The conference came at a time when religious institutes across Africa face increasingly complex legal, pastoral, and administrative challenges. The main issues identified are establishing new missions in different countries, respecting different civil legal systems, and managing relations between dioceses and religious congregations. Sister Teresiah and Sister Eutropia have also noticed a growing number of cases related to safeguarding, including concerns about abuse of power, rights violations, and conflicts between members and congregational leadership. Mediation and reconciliation have become important tools for restoring relationships and promoting dialogue between members and leadership structures. The conference offered a space to reflect on these realities and identify effective responses rooted in both justice and pastoral care.
Context and Relevance
Sister Teresiah stated that «the conference reflects the Church’s call to synodality through listening, collaboration, and shared discernment.» Through the plenary session and roundtables, the sisters examined how canon law specialists and civil lawyers can work together in service of the Church and its mission. Particular attention was given to safeguarding, accountability, governance, and the protection of human dignity.
«Through training, review of norms, support for legal compliance, and advocacy, we help strengthen governance structures within religious institutes while ensuring respect for the rights and dignity of all persons,» said Sister Eutropia. Participants explored how legal professionals can support victims of abuse and their vulnerability while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved. «Protecting human dignity remains an element in every legal process within the Church,» said Sister Teresiah.
The hope is «that the conference will be a catalyst for creating national and regional Catholic networks of religious sisters who are lawyers across Africa, enabling religious sisters who are lawyers to collaborate more effectively across borders,» said Sister Eutropia. This will make it easier for congregations operating in multiple countries to access specialized legal advice and receive support from nuns familiar with the local civil and ecclesiastical context for religious sisters.
Sister Teresiah reiterated that the sisters presented their recommendations and a collective reflection document compiling the ideas of rapporteurs and delegates. This resource will serve as a guide for future legal ministries among Catholic religious sisters and contribute to ongoing formation on topics related to consecrated life. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by a shared mission, CASILEP seeks to ensure that all members of consecrated life are heard, valued, protected, and empowered to live their vocation with dignity and zeal in service to God and his people.
Original source: www.vaticannews.va (published September 11, 2026)
