Polygamy ~as been at the heart of the whole polemics within the
Church and the African community. This social problem has been
from tQ.e mid-nineteenth century until today. 1 The Western entry into
Africa brought various changes, especially the introduction of
Christianity. The Church and the community interacted, but in the
practice of polygamy the Church and the community became strange
bed-fellows. As Alan Tippett describes it: uThe .current situation is
urgent."2 I shall briefly explore the nature, extent and function of
polygamy, the problem or concern being debated, the Church action
on polygamy, the community reaction in Africa, and my personal
interaction with this sensitive socio-ecclesiastical issue.