(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 10.07.2024).- In a significant development, African Catholic bishops are preparing to tackle the complex issue of polygamy with a comprehensive pastoral response set to be discussed in July 2025. The announcement, made by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo on October 2, reflects the Church’s evolving approach to addressing cultural and theological challenges on the continent.
Speaking at the second session of the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Ambongo, who serves as the president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), revealed that a draft document on the Church’s pastoral care for individuals in polygamous relationships is in progress. The cardinal emphasized that the Church needs to respond thoughtfully and compassionately to the reality of polygamy while maintaining its doctrinal teachings on marriage.
A Complex Issue with Deep Cultural Roots
Polygamy in Africa takes multiple forms, ranging from traditional marriages where a man has multiple wives to less common cases of polyandry, where a woman has several husbands. Cardinal Ambongo noted that polygamous relationships can vary widely in scope, from modest family units to cases involving chiefs with more than ten wives. In modern Africa, there are also emerging forms of polygamous cohabitation, including children born into such unions being legally recognized.
Despite this complexity, the cardinal made it clear that the Catholic Church in Africa remains committed to monogamy. “While we affirm the doctrinal elements of the faith, we cannot overlook the pastoral realities on the ground,” Ambongo stated, emphasizing the need for the Church to accompany those in polygamous unions.
Navigating Two Key Scenarios
The Church in Africa faces two primary situations in dealing with polygamy. In some cases, baptized Catholics are already engaged in polygamous relationships but continue to participate in parish activities, holding leadership roles in their communities. In other instances, individuals in polygamous relationships, though unbaptized, are drawn to the Church and seek spiritual guidance.
In both situations, Cardinal Ambongo stressed the importance of fostering respectful and compassionate dialogue. “We must engage these individuals as the representatives of a merciful Christ, reaching out to those on the spiritual and existential peripheries,” he said. This sentiment mirrors Pope Francis’ broader emphasis on mercy and accompaniment within the global Church.
Phased Approach to Developing the Document
The draft document will follow a four-phase development plan. The first phase involved a working group of experts identifying essential elements for a pastoral response to polygamy. With that foundation established, the second phase will see the draft circulated to African bishops’ conferences for review and feedback. Given the varying prevalence and cultural context of polygamy across different regions, this stage will ensure that local nuances are considered.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith will also provide commentary during this phase. By July 2025, at the plenary meeting of SECAM, African bishops will collectively review and finalize the document. If approved, the fourth phase will involve presenting the text to the Vatican for additional theological guidance.
The Church’s Role in a Changing African Landscape
While the Church in Africa has long upheld monogamy, the discussions around polygamy have gained momentum, reflecting shifts in societal norms. In the working document for the global synodal process, published in October 2022, polygamy was mentioned alongside other challenging family situations that the Church must address, such as remarried divorcees and single parents.
During synodal discussions earlier this year, participants—including a polygamous man from South Sudan—shared personal stories about their involvement in the Church. Despite his polygamous status, the man described his active role in his diocese, highlighting the tension many African Catholics feel between their cultural traditions and the Church’s sacramental life. He remains deeply committed to his faith but cannot receive Communion due to his marital situation.
These personal experiences underscore the need for the Church to find ways to integrate polygamous families into the community while upholding its teachings. Cardinal Ambongo acknowledged that this issue requires careful theological and pastoral consideration, not quick solutions.
Toward a More Inclusive Dialogue
The upcoming document represents a step toward fostering a more inclusive dialogue within the African Church, one that recognizes the realities of polygamous relationships while striving to bring these individuals closer to the Church. The cardinal emphasized that this journey of discernment is not about compromising on doctrine but about offering meaningful pastoral care.
As the Synod on Synodality continues its discussions in Rome this month, polygamy remains an important topic, especially for African participants. The final synod document called on SECAM to continue theological and pastoral discernment on the issue. This ongoing reflection signifies the Church’s commitment to navigating the challenges of modern African society with compassion, understanding, and faithfulness to its mission.
Ultimately, the pastoral response to polygamy will require the Church to balance doctrinal clarity with cultural sensitivity, ensuring that all Catholics—regardless of their circumstances—feel welcome and supported in their spiritual journeys.
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