African Catholic Sisters Strengthen Legal Ministry to Promote Justice and Safeguarding

More than 100 Catholic sisters specializing in canon and civil law from across Africa will gather in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya in East Africa, on July 30–31 for the first African Conference of Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession (CASILEP) Kenya, according to Vatican News.

The conference, themed "Prophetic Witness of Catholic Sisters in Canon and Civil Matters," aims to strengthen collaboration, professional formation, and mutual support among sisters serving the Church through legal ministry while advancing justice, human dignity, and good governance.

Reporting for Vatican News, Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS, said the initiative is supported by the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) and the Conrad N. Foundation. CASILEP was officially launched on January 10, 2026, by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.

Speaking to Vatican News, Sr. Dr. Teresiah Muthoni, LSOSF, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, and Sr. Eutropia Chao Mwakamba, CPS, a canon lawyer and CASILEP director, said the conference seeks to build a network of Catholic sisters working in legal ministry across the continent.

The gathering will provide a platform for sisters, many of whom serve in isolation within their congregations and ministries, to exchange experiences, identify common challenges, and develop practical ways of supporting one another.

According to Vatican News, participants will address growing legal, pastoral, and administrative challenges facing religious institutes in Africa, including the establishment of missions in different countries, compliance with civil laws, governance issues, and safeguarding cases involving abuse of power, violations of rights, and conflicts within religious communities.

The conference will also explore mediation and reconciliation as tools for restoring trust and strengthening relationships within consecrated life.

Sr. Teresiah told Vatican News that the meeting reflects the Church's call to synodality through listening, collaboration, and shared discernment. Discussions will focus on safeguarding, accountability, governance, and protecting human dignity.

The organizers hope the conference will lead to a continent-wide network of Catholic sisters in the legal profession, enabling religious congregations across Africa to access legal expertise and collaborate more effectively across national borders.

The conference is expected to conclude with recommendations and a collective reflection document to guide the future formation and legal ministry of Catholic sisters throughout Africa.