Francis' Synod Issues Note on Pastoral 'Accompaniment' of Polygamists

Pro-gay Jesuit Fr. James Martin calls for similar openness to LGBTQ people

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The second phase of Pope Francis' Synod on Synodality, now underway in Rome, will address the issue of "how to accompany individuals living in polygamous situations," according to a statement from the General Congregation released Wednesday.

Polygamous Catholics will be offered "accompaniment without judgment" while "upholding the truth of the Gospel, which brings life to every believer," as the matter is closely considered through an "in-depth study" by a Polygamy Commission, the statement noted.

Pastoral accompaniment through "closeness, active listening, and support," will be offered to "individuals who were already in polygamous relationships before embracing the faith, as well as baptized members who enter into polygamy after their conversion."

The statement stressed that the Polygamy Commission intends to remain "steadfast in its commitment to Catholic doctrine on marriage" while discussing "what form of pastoral care is most appropriate for accompanying individuals in polygamous relationships."

The synodal methodology proposed a five-stage process beginning with a working committee consisting of 12 experts from diverse fields such as dogmatic and fundamental theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, canon law, and anthropology to enable a "comprehensive and in-depth study of polygamy."

In the second stage, a draft document based on the findings of the specialists, will be prepared and circulated to all 37 Episcopal Conferences across Africa and the Islands for further review, analysis, and feedback.

The statement explained that such a process was vital since the prevalence and nature of polygamy differ based on state policies, dominant religious practices, and cultural influences.

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) will review the findings and incorporate them into an initial draft document reflecting "a more comprehensive and contextually sensitive understanding of polygamy," to ensure that the Church's pastoral response is "both theologically sound and culturally relevant."

The revised draft document will be presented at the SECAM Plenary Assembly in Rwanda in July 2025, after which the bishops will vote on and adopt the final version of the document, which will serve as a key pastoral resource for addressing polygamy.

To ensure that the pastoral approach aligns with the "broader teachings" of the Catholic Church, the consensus document will be submitted to Rome for further theological and doctrinal guidance.

A 2022 Synodal document, in a section titled, "Listening to Those Who Feel Neglected and Excluded," listed "people living in a polygamous marriage" together with "remarried divorcees, single parents, LGBTQ people, etc." stating that these were "among those who ask for a more meaningful dialogue and a more welcoming space."

In another section, the text explained: "Many summaries also give voice to the pain of not being able to access the Sacraments experienced by remarried divorcees and those who have entered into polygamous marriages. There is no unanimity on how to deal with these situations."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church categorically states that polygamy "is not in accord with the moral law" and "negates the plan of God" because it is "contrary to the equal personal dignity of men and women who in matrimony give themselves with a love that is total and therefore unique and exclusive."

In his apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio (1981), Pope John Paul II observed that polygamy contradicts the communion established by man and woman, who in marriage "are no longer two but one flesh."

Polygamy "directly negates the plan of God which was revealed from the beginning, because it is contrary to the equal personal dignity of men and women who in matrimony give themselves with a love that is total and therefore unique and exclusive," John Paul II emphasized.

In 2017, the South African Cardinal Wilfrid Napier raised the question of polygamy in the context of whether divorced-and-remarried Catholics should be permitted to receive Holy Communion on a case-by-case basis.

"If Westerners in irregular situations can receive Communion, are we to tell our polygamists and other 'misfits' that they too are allowed?" Napier asked.

Nigerian priest Fr. Gabriel Ngbe has argued that anybody who practiced polygamy before accepting Christ should be given equal treatment in the Church with those who have only one wife, noting: "It is better to have many wives at home than to have only one and yet have many girlfriends and lovers outside."

Pro-LGBTJesuit Fr. James Martin has argued that since "polygamy, which the Catechism forbids, was discussed by many at the Synod," the "same 'theological, pastoral discernment' and openness to discussing 'different aspects' of polygamy called for by the bishops is extended to the lives of LGBTQ people."

Dr. Jules Gomes, (BA, BD, MTh, PhD), has a doctorate in biblical studies from the University of Cambridge. Currently a Vatican-accredited journalist based in Rome, he is the author of five books and several academic articles. Gomes lectured at Catholic and Protestant seminaries and universities and was canon theologian and artistic director at Liverpool Cathedral.

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