Rwanda: The second day of the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), held at the Kigali Conference Centre, witnessed profound reflections on the African Church’s long-term vision and the cultural reality of polygamy. Convened under the theme, “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace,” the bishops continued to examine how this guiding principle can shape the Church’s journey into the future.
Presiding over the day's deliberations were SECAM Second Vice President Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza (Yola, Nigeria), Archbishop Andrew Nkea (Bamenda, Cameroon), and Bishop Jose Moko Ekanga (Idiofa, DRC), representing the ACEAC region. Bishop Moko presented the core address, grounding the assembly in a shared vision inspired by Africa’s synodal history.
This renewed outlook, building upon the foundational ideas of the 1994 African Synod in Rome, reaffirms the Church in Africa as a “family of God” a concept that Pope St. John Paul II had officially endorsed in his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Africa. The African Bishops aim to carry forward this vision with fresh clarity and determination over the next 25 years.
The bishops outlined an ambitious strategic plan, asking themselves three foundational questions: Where does the African Church stand today? Where should it be by 2050? And how will it get there?
This reflection resulted in a continent-wide consultative process that included episcopal conferences and theological experts. The findings are now encapsulated in the guiding document: “The Vision of the Church-Family of God in Africa for the Next 25 Years (2025–2050).” The plenary committed to immediately initiating the roadmap’s implementation, with a focus on unity, shared responsibility, and a spirit of communion.
A key highlight of the afternoon session was the sensitive topic of polygamy, a cultural reality across parts of Africa that challenges the Church’s sacramental theology on marriage. Bishops clarified that recent media reports misrepresented their stance. According to Archbishop Nkea and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the Church remains unwavering in its doctrine: Christian marriage is a faithful, monogamous covenant between one man and one woman.
However, the Church acknowledges that many seeking baptism or returning to faith are already in polygamous unions due to complex cultural and economic pressures. “We are not calling for doctrinal change, but rather for deeper pastoral accompaniment,” emphasized Archbishop Nkea.
The bishops reiterated that their approach is not to alienate those in difficult circumstances, but to walk alongside them with compassion. A document has already been drafted based on the October 2024 Synod’s discussions and revised with guidance from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to help priests and pastoral workers minister to those in polygamous settings with sensitivity and fidelity to Church teachings.
This document underscores the importance of inclusion, especially for vulnerable women and children in such unions. As Cardinal Ambongo noted, “The Church in Africa must be a home for all. No one should be left behind because of their past or culture.”
As SECAM continues its Plenary Assembly, the African Church is making it clear that its future is not just about doctrinal integrity, but also about mercy, discernment, and walking forward as a united family rooted in Christ.