Vatican to Issue New Document on Polygamy in Africa
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith will publish a new document later this month titled We Two: In Praise of Monogamy, responding to the growing need for clarity on polygamy in Africa and reaffirming the Church's teaching on the unity and exclusivity of marriage.
Details of the Upcoming Document
The text, We Two: In Praise of Monogamy. Doctrinal Note on the Value of Marriage, Exclusive Communion, and Mutual Belonging, is scheduled for release at the end of November. It addresses pastoral and cultural concerns surrounding polygamy in Africa.
Background and Context
Father Armando Matteo, secretary of the Dicastery, explained that the document is a direct response to requests made by African bishops during the Synod on Synodality, who asked for official guidance on this issue.
Press coverage will be held at the Holy See Press Office upon the note’s release.
Previous Synods and Polygamy
Earlier discussions during the 2014 and 2015 Synods on the Family focused mainly on divorce and remarriage. African bishops drew attention to the challenges posed by polygamy in their regions where the practice is widespread.
Unlike the recent controversial co-redemptrix document published by the Dicastery, the issue of polygamy is expected to allow for a more direct and clear response.
Father Armando Matteo said on Tuesday, "The document follows a specific request made during the Synod on Synodality for African bishops to prepare a statement on the matter."
The new doctrinal note emphasizes the Church's commitment to the exclusive and unitive nature of marriage.
Author's Summary
This upcoming Vatican document seeks to address polygamy in Africa by reaffirming monogamy as the exclusive form of marriage, providing clear guidance at the request of African bishops.