African sisters to build legal networks for justice

By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS

Over 100 Catholic sisters’ canon and civil lawyers will gather in Nairobi from 30 – 31 July 2026 for a landmark conference organized by the Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession (CASILEP) Kenya. Under the theme “Prophetic Witness of Catholic Sisters in Canon and Civil Matters,” they seek to foster learning, networking, and collaboration among legal professionals serving church institutions and religious life across Africa.

Building a network of justice in consecrated life

This conference will bring together sisters working in the legal ministry to provide professional support and promote justice in matters affecting consecrated and apostolic societies’ lives. This noble initiative is supported by the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) and funded by the Conrad N. Foundation, which was officially launched on 10 January 2026 by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Archdiocese of Nairobi

Catholic Sisters in the Legal profession (CASILEP) Kenya, Canon and Civil Lawyers taking oath at their inauguration   (Photos By CASILEP)

Sr. Dr Teresiah Muthoni, LSOSF, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and principal investigator, and Sr. Eutropia Chao Mwakamba, CPS, a canon lawyer and director of CASILEP, shared with the Vatican News that the conference’s primary goal is to foster a culture of collaboration and create a platform for networking among sisters. 

This will help those who serve in isolation within different church ministries, countries, and congregations. It will be a platform for them to learn from one another’s experiences, identify common concerns, and develop practical ways of supporting each other in their respective ministries.

Responding to emerging challenges in religious life

The conference will be handy at a time when religious institutes across Africa are facing increasingly complex legal, pastoral, and administrative challenges. Issues identified are the establishment of new missions in different countries, compliance with diverse civil legal systems, and the management relationship between dioceses and religious congregations.

Sr. Teresiah and Sr. Eutropia also noted a growing number of safeguarding-related cases, including concerns about abuse of power, violations of rights, and conflicts between individual members and congregational leadership.

Mediation and reconciliation have become important tools in restoring relationships and promoting dialogue between members and leadership structures. The conference will provide a space to reflect on these realities and identify effective responses rooted in both justice and pastoral care.

Catholic Sisters Lawyers attending a workshop   (Photos By CASILEP)

Synodality and human dignity

Sr. Teresiah said that “the conference will reflect the Church’s call to synodality through listening, collaboration, and shared discernment.”

Through plenary sessions and panel discussions, the sisters will examine how canon law and civil lawyers can work together in service of the Church’s mission. Particular attention will be on safeguarding, accountability, governance, and the protection of human dignity.

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“Through training, policy review, legal compliance support, and advocacy, they contribute to strengthening governance structures within religious institutes while ensuring that the rights and dignity of all persons are respected,” echoed Sr. Eutropia.

They will explore how legal professionals can support victims of abuse and their vulnerability while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved. “Protecting human dignity remains central to every legal process within the church,” Sr. Teresiah said.

Collaboration and access to justice

“We hope that the conference will serve as a catalyst for the creation of a national and regional Catholic sisters’ lawyers network throughout Africa, enabling sisters’ lawyers to collaborate more effectively across borders,” Sr. Eutropia said.

To ease congregations operating in multiple countries to access legal expertise and receive support from sisters familiar with local civil and ecclesiastical context for religious women.

Sr. Teresiah echoed that the sisters will give their recommendations and a collective reflection document that captures insights from presenters and delegates. This resource will help guide future legal ministries among Catholic sisters and contribute to ongoing formation in matters affecting consecrated life.

Rooted in the gospel and inspired by a shared mission, CASILEP seeks to ensure that every member of the consecrated life is heard, valued, protected, and enabled to live her vocation with dignity and zeal in service to God and His people.