Kenya to host first African Conference of Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession

Kenya will host the first African Conference of Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession from 30 to 31 July 2026, bringing together more than 100 Catholic sisters who are canon and civil lawyers to strengthen legal collaboration, safeguarding, and governance within the Church across the continent.

The landmark gathering, organised by the Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession (CASILEP) Kenya, will be held under the theme, “Prophetic Witness of Catholic Sisters in Canon and Civil Matters.” It seeks to promote learning, networking, and collaboration among sisters serving in legal ministries in religious institutes and Church institutions across Africa.

The conference is supported by the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) and funded by the Conrad N. Foundation. CASILEP was officially launched on 10 January 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 principal investigator, said the conference aims to build a strong network of Catholic sisters working in the legal profession while fostering collaboration among those serving in different countries, congregations and ministries.

She noted that many sisters carry out legal ministry in isolation, making the conference an important opportunity to share experiences, identify common challenges and develop practical ways of supporting one another.

Sr. Eutropia Chao Mwakamba, CPS, a canon lawyer and Director of CASILEP, said the conference will also strengthen professional support for sisters dealing with legal matters affecting institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.

The gathering comes at a time when religious institutes across Africa are facing increasingly complex legal, pastoral and administrative challenges, including establishing new missions in different countries, complying with varying civil legal systems, and managing relationships between dioceses and religious congregations.

The organisers also pointed to a growing number of safeguarding cases involving abuse of power, violations of rights and conflicts between individual members and congregational leadership.

According to the organisers, mediation and reconciliation have become essential tools for restoring relationships and promoting dialogue within religious communities. The conference will therefore provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on these realities and identify effective responses grounded in justice and pastoral care.

Sr. Teresiah said the meeting would embody the Church’s call to synodality by encouraging listening, collaboration and shared discernment.

Through plenary sessions and panel discussions, participants will examine how canon and civil law can work together to strengthen safeguarding, accountability, governance and the protection of human dignity within the Church.

“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,” Sr. Eutropia said.

Participants will also explore how legal professionals can better accompany victims of abuse while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.

“Protecting human dignity remains central to every legal process within the Church,” Sr. Teresiah said.

The organisers hope the conference will lay the foundation for a continental network of Catholic sisters in the legal profession, enabling greater collaboration and easier access to legal expertise for congregations serving across national borders.

The conference is expected to conclude with recommendations and a collective reflection document to guide future legal ministry among Catholic sisters and contribute to ongoing formation in matters affecting consecrated life.