A Catholic nun from Zambia has called on African Christian leaders to take decisive action against the abuse of women in the Church.
Sister Linah Siabana, a mental health specialist with the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, delivered her message during the recent Symposium and Annual General Meeting of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM), in South Africa.
Sister Siabana called out a “persuasive culture of silence” in the church, saying it “hinders justice and healing for those impacted”.
She shared accounts of religious women who have suffered at the hands of priests or fellow sisters, including a case where a sister attempted suicide multiple times following abuse. “She felt dirty, and felt that whoever looked at her was seeing what [had been] had done,” recounted Siabana.
She emphasised the power imbalance that plays into church abuse, leaving an “incalculable” physical and psychological toll on survivors.
“These violations not only inflict deep emotional, psychological and physical harm on the victims, but also significantly jeopardise the integrity, trust, and credibility of our religious institutes and congregations,” she said.
“At times,” said Sister Siabana, “we just get to know about [abuse] when a sister is pregnant.”
She challenged internal Church procedures that prioritise institutional reputation over the needs of victims, and described the culture of loyalty to authority as a barrier to transparency and accountability, saying: “Survivors of abuse may face a profound pressure to remain silent, burdened by the fear of retaliation, disbelief or ostracism within their community."
Sister Siabana advocated for stronger reporting mechanisms, educational initiatives, and safe spaces for survivors. “We can empower individuals to seek justice and support, transforming the narrative surrounding abuse and enhancing the protection of vulnerable populations,” she explained.
Sister Siabana concluded by urging all members of the Church to support one another as “bearers of hope", and called on leaders to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected.