Religious Life for Women in East and Central Africa: a sustainable future
Sr. Anita Kimbwene, a young Tanzanian sister who took part.
Over the last 3 years a team from the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Cambridge and the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham university carried out research into the sustainability of religious life for women in East and Central Africa. The researchers heard from nearly 650 sisters from 80 congregations across 5 countries in the region. Sisters shared with the researchers their great love for the gift of their vocation. Their joy in this vocation to follow Christ is rooted in a vibrant life of prayer and worship.
Sr. Christine Keneema DM, sister from Uganda who worked with us on the project, speaking at symposium in London last October
The theme of community life emerged as the prominent and almost defining expression of the life, followed by their roles as witnesses and evangelistic, evident in the wide range of apostolic activities undertaken. Sisters also shared many concerns and challenges. They know that if their form of religious life is to continue to flourish, sustainability needs to be understood in ways beyond and underpinning financial and ministerial considerations.
The report found sisters conscious of the need to address the spiritual integrity of their congregations and their fidelity to their patrimony and charisms, often brought from Europe and North America, or developed locally at diocesan level by Bishops. They also share their struggles to make and take up their role in the local church and have their presence and contribution recognised and respected.
Religious Life for Women in East and Central Africa: a sustainable future. Report of a research project on sisters’ understandings of the essence of religious life for women in East and Central Africa 2017 – 2020 by Dr. Catherine Sexton and Dr. Maria Calderón Muñoz, February 2020
Photo of the sisters - theologians & canon lawyers, who came together as theological commentators on the project.