Shockwaves have hit the Catholic community after Rev’d Sr. Kinse Anastasia of Veritas University, Abuja, publicly accused some priests and Church authorities of sexually harassing and maltreating Reverend Sisters. In a viral post on social media, she alleged that Sisters are often reduced to “ornaments in habits,” exploited, and silenced when they resist.
According to Sr. Kinse, some priests openly tell Sisters that they are “meant to be priests’ wives” and act on it without shame. She described this culture as systemic, stressing that while not every priest is guilty, the rot has been left unchecked by Church leadership. Her outcry has sparked widespread debate within Catholic circles and beyond, with many demanding accountability.
“The Church must do better because God is watching,” she wrote. “Religious Sisters are not priests’ wives. We are not bedmates. We are women of God.” The nun also criticized superiors within convents who misuse authority and expose Sisters to manipulation instead of protecting them.
Sr. Kinse further condemned Sisters who compromise their vows, noting that such actions weaken the dignity of consecrated life and embolden predators. “When a Sister bends the rule, it makes all of us vulnerable. Our consecration loses its meaning, and abuse thrives unchecked,” she added.
Her bold statement comes against a backdrop of global reports on abuse in the Catholic Church. In 2019, Pope Francis himself admitted that nuns had been victims of sexual slavery by priests in some countries, vowing reforms. Yet in Nigeria, cases remain largely unspoken, buried under fear, stigma, and cultural reverence for priests.
The latest allegations have ignited calls for structural reform. Advocates are urging the Catholic Church in Nigeria to create independent, confidential reporting channels for Sisters, coupled with stronger enforcement measures to punish abusive clergy. Civil society groups say silence can no longer be the Church’s response, especially as more women step forward with similar experiences.
For many observers, Sr. Kinse’s cry is more than a personal grievance — it is a call for systemic change. As her words continue to trend online, the Catholic Church faces growing pressure to choose between shielding its image and protecting its women. The choice, critics argue, will determine whether trust in the institution can survive another generation.
