Annastasia Kinse, the first Catholic reverend sister from her village in Plateau State, has shared her story of alleged harassment, cover-up, and dismissal from the Congregation of Mother of Perpetual Help of the Archangels Sisters (MOPHAS).
In an exclusive interview, she speaks openly about what led to her dismissal after 10 years of religious life, including her claims of sexual harassment, institutional intimidation, and spiritual betrayal.
Kinse joined the convent in July 2015 and made her perpetual profession in 2023. She was also a Graduate Assistant at Veritas University, Abuja, while pursuing a master’s degree before her dismissal.
“Religious life was a deep calling. I was proud to be the first sister from my village. I joined to serve God completely, in sincerity and truth.”
She said the crisis began after she reported her Head of Department at Veritas University for sexual harassment, providing what she claims were video and voice recordings as evidence.
“I wrote a confidential complaint, asking for anonymity. But they refused and told me to defend the claims publicly. The panel made me feel like I was the one on trial.”
She said she forfeited an exam to appear before the panel, only to face intimidating questions like, “If you knew he would harass you, why did you go to his office?”
“I was pressured, mentally distressed, and had even written to the school requesting counselling. No support was given.”
Afterward, she says priests and staff arrived at her home uninvited, attempting to confront her with a nurse in tow.
Veritas University is owned by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and her congregation was founded by the Bishop of Auchi Diocese.
“They told me that speaking out would damage the university’s image. They were more interested in protecting the institution than the victim.”
On July 12, she posted on Facebook claiming she had converted to Islam, a statement widely cited by the Church to justify her dismissal.
“That post was made in frustration. My aunt was a Muslim, and I used her name out of despair. It wasn’t a conversion. I still love the Church and remain Christian.”
She was handed a letter dated July 21, but said she only received it September 24. The letter accused her of apostasy and renouncing her faith.
“When I got back to the central house, my belongings had been thrown outside. My habit had already been taken. I was shattered.”
“Ten years of sacrifice dismissed like I meant nothing.”
She said the university and congregation contacted her parents without her consent, claiming she needed psychiatric help.
“They sent ₦50,000 to my father so my mother could come to Abuja. I warned them: if you come believing them, you won’t find me here.”
She voluntarily underwent psychological and psychiatric evaluation at a university teaching hospital, and is still waiting for the official report.
Kinse revealed she is battling health issues stemming from a motorcycle accident in February 2024, leading to a spinal disc bulge.
“I’ve been living with pain and managing it alone. I live with my cousin now, and I’ve refused to take help from the same people who mistreated me.”
She alleges that another priest made sexual advances toward her.
“He told me he wanted to be the first man to sleep with me. I rejected him. That’s when I became labelled as ‘difficult’ and ‘uncooperative.’”
She also claims a priest who had earlier made advances was later sent to “counsel” her.
“The same man who harassed me was sent to counsel me. That’s not help, that’s punishment.”
In their final meeting, she says the bishop dismissed her case outright.
“I told him the accusation of renouncing Christianity was false. He said, ‘What do you want me to do now that you’re no longer one of us?’ I walked away quietly.”
Despite the dismissal, she stands by her vows.
“Perpetual vows are meant to last until death. You can’t undo that with a letter full of lies. They accused me of burning my habit — completely false.”
She insists the narrative about her mental health is fabricated.
“If they say I needed help, where’s the medical proof? Where’s the counselling record? There is none.”
“This experience opened my eyes. There’s rot in the system. Institutions will protect their own and silence victims.”
To aspiring sisters:
“Religious life is beautiful but tough. Not everyone is there for God. Speak up if you face injustice. Don’t let fear silence you.”
Kinse credits her family with helping her survive emotionally.
“My family believed in me when everything else collapsed. That gave me strength.”
Despite the trials, she says her faith in God remains unbroken.
“I may have lost my job, my home, and my health. But not my voice. If my story gives courage to one other woman, it won’t be in vain.”
“God is still writing my story, even the chapters that broke me will one day make sense.”
