New Evangelization and the Incidence of Polygamy

Abstract

The goal of this reflection is to make a critical analysis of the issue of polygamy in order to develop some insights for an alternative pastoral practice conducive for the perspective of the New Evangelization i.e. bringing individuals to Jesus. At present, the Church’s pastoral approach has been frequent outright condemnation of polygamous unions. I argue that compassion, love and justice, as opposed to simplistic condem-nation, are the most realistic guiding pastoral principles in dealing with the reality of polygamy. While monogamous marriage is the most ideal way of expressing Christian married love, pastors and the entire Christian community have responsibility of con-sidering the circumstances surrounding each polygamous case independently. And in taking pastoral action, one has to ensure compassion and justice to all those involved in such polygamous relationships.