SHOULD THE CHURCH CONTINUE TO VILIFY POLYGAMY?
SEARCHING FOR A RENEWED PASTORAL APPROACH IN AMORIS LAETITIA
Keywords:
Africa, Amoris Laetitia, Pastoral Approach, Polygamy, PolygynyAbstract
This essay argues for a renewed pastoral approach for polygamy in the African church. Two facts motivate this argument: the failure of the church strategy in changing attitudes, and the dubious connection between polygamy and the impossibility of faith. The author is convinced Amoris Laetitia provides an opportunity for a refreshed start. The article will see how the principle of mercy and the call to discernment can inform the pastoral approach of local churches in Africa. The first section of the essay situates polygamy and its meaning in the traditional and contemporary African societies. The following section looks at the recent posture of the Church towards polygamy. The church‘s approach to polygamy is limited to the reception of sacraments and related canonical issues. Moreover, its attitude shows a strong male-bias noticeable in the solution of sending away wives without even consulting them. This is why the author advocates for a holistic pastoral approach that goes beyond the focus on the reception of sacraments. Polygamous families need also pastoral care, and should also be attended to. The author calls the church to incarnate its call to compassion toward polygamous families.
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