For ten years, Reverend Sister Annastasia Kinse dedicated her life to serving God as a member of the Congregation of Mother of Perpetual Help of the Archangels Sisters.
However, her world was turned upside down when she was dismissed from the convent after reporting a case of sexual harassment. In an exclusive interview with The Bureau News, Kinse shares her harrowing experience of pain, trauma, and betrayal.
A Calling to Serve
Kinse’s journey in the convent began in July 2015, when she joined the congregation with a deep sense of purpose and devotion. She made her perpetual vows in 2023, becoming the first reverend sister from her village. As a graduate assistant at Veritas University, Abuja, Kinse was pursuing a master’s degree while serving the Lord.
The Dismissal
In mid-2025, Kinse’s congregation announced her dismissal publicly on social media, citing claims that she had acted against her vows and identified as a Muslim. However, Kinse vehemently denies these allegations, stating that the real reason for her dismissal was her report of sexual harassment against her head of department at the university.
Seeking Justice
Kinse claims that she had evidence, including voice recordings and videos, to support her allegations. Despite her desire to protect her harasser’s identity, her confidential report soon became public, and a disciplinary panel was convened. Kinse describes the panel as “intimidating and hostile,” where she was subjected to demeaning questions and had her phone seized.
A Cry for Help
Kinse’s experience was marked by a lack of support and compassion from her congregation. Despite requesting counseling and mental health support, none was provided. Instead, she was sent a priest who had previously made advances toward her, which further traumatized her.
A Facebook Post and a Life Turned Upside Down
Kinse’s emotional outburst on Facebook, where she claimed to have converted to Islam, was met with swift judgment and condemnation. However, she clarifies that the post was a desperate cry for help, born out of frustration and grief.
A Life Discarded
Kinse’s dismissal from the convent was swift and merciless. Her belongings were dumped outside without explanation, and her religious habit was taken away. This traumatic experience has left her feeling humiliated, betrayed, and discarded by the very Church she loved.
A Message of Hope
Despite the trauma and pain she has endured, Kinse says she hasn’t lost faith in God, only in the systems that failed her. She continues to pray and is slowly healing. Her story serves as a testament to the need for greater support and protection for those who dare to speak out against abuse and harassment.
A Call to Action
Kinse’s experience highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within religious institutions. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to report allegations of abuse without fear of retaliation or judgment. As we reflect on Kinse’s story, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, empathy, and justice.
