Growing pains of a young nation: exploring the Roman Catholic Church’s stance on polygamy in Papua New Guinea
Daniel J. Stollenwerk
Abstract
I will consider such topics in this short study of polygamy in PNG in two parts. In the first, I will look at several of the anthropological and sociological reasons for the practice, touch upon the question of multiculturalism and western colonization, and discuss the benefits of polygamy, as well as the ill effects it has had on the societies of PNG. In the second, I will consider the ethical question of polygamy, first looking at the debate from the point of view of Scripture and natural law arguments, and then exploring recent Vatican documents of the Roman Catholic Church as well as a statement issued by the Catholic bishops of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. I will conclude with a note on the possible impact of the Church’s stance on polygamy on the many cultures of PNG.
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