Former Catholic sister, Annastasia Kinse, has accused Veritas University and the Congregation of Mother of Perpetual Help of the Archangels Sisters of dismissing her after she reported a sexual harassment case involving her head of department.
Kinse, who served in the convent for 10 years, claimed her attempt to seek justice was met with silence and intimidation. She alleged that rather than investigating the matter, Church authorities and the university shifted blame onto her.
According to her, the incident shattered her faith in human institutions but not in God. “They can take my title but not my voice,” she said, expressing her determination to continue speaking out against abuse in the Church.
“They tried to silence me with lies,” says Annastasia
Kinse stated that her dismissal letter falsely accused her of converting to Islam and abandoning her vows. She explained that a Facebook post she made in frustration was misinterpreted and used against her to justify her expulsion.
The former nun added that her complaints were ignored, and the priest sent to “counsel” her was one of those she had accused of harassment. “He came not to help, but to revenge because I refused his advances,” she alleged.
Despite the humiliation of having her belongings thrown out of her residence, Kinse said she has not lost her faith. “It was a cruel experience, but I still believe in God’s justice,” she added.
Church denies claims, labels ex-nun’s allegations as false
The leadership of the Congregation of Mother of Perpetual Help has denied the allegations of mistreatment and harassment, insisting that Kinse’s dismissal followed “acts of gross misconduct” and “persistent rejection of fraternal correction.”
In an official statement signed by the Superior General, Sr Maryanne Ogwokhademhe, and Secretary-General, Sr Rosemary Odion, the congregation said Kinse ceased to be a member after she “defected from the Catholic faith and embraced Islam.”
Meanwhile, Veritas University has yet to respond to inquiries on the matter. Kinse, however, insists her goal is justice, not revenge. “If the Church continues to silence victims, it will lose its moral credibility,” she warned.
