Do Catholics and Methodists Approve of Polyamory in Africa

A popular columnist from the Methodist denomination recently admitted and lamented that polyamory is practiced among some Methodist preachers in Africa. It is a cultural thing and quite common. In the country of Senegal, for example, the census shows 47% of marriages list more than one wife. An anonymous letter was published recently in a Pittsburg newspaper from an African Methodist preacher complaining Methodism prevents him from openly saying he practices polyamory. He sees nothing wrong with it. 

What exactly is the "Christain church" in Africa and what is its future? The Methodist link author noted the salaries of African Bishops and church administrators are paid by U.S. Methodists. They, understandably, speak out against polyamory. Those African Methodists who attend and vote at conferences are strongly against gay marriage. Their collective view of polygamy is not as clear. That  reflects the various cultures on that continent. Polyamory is still common. The President of South Africa has more than one wife.

If U.S. Methodists pay African Methodist salaries, does the same happen in the Catholic denomination? It seems like money for Catholic hierarchy in Africa must come from other countries. Which leads to the question, are Methodists, Catholics and all the other Christian denominations stopping polyamory in Africa?

The Methodist author speculated on the future of both U.S. Methodism and that in Africa. While admitting the future is uncertain, he noted conservative groups are leaving the original U.S Methodist organization. This leaves the original organization with the liberal majority who want to include gay marriage and gay preachers as "the Methodist church." How will this affect the large amount of money going to Africa? Will the leaner and more liberal denomination that remains fund only branches in Africa the permit gay marriage? And, if this happens will it also approve open polygamous marriages?  Further, will the conservative breakaways of Methodists start sending tons of money to conservative Methodists in Africa? The same questions are relevant for all the other denominations now funding operations in Africa and bragging about their success there.

One thing seems obvious to me. As organized Christianity becomes smaller in the U. S. the amount of money available for missionaries in other countries will get smaller as well. The Southern Baptist Convention has already cut this budget. Religions around the world will drift in many directions reflecting their various cultures as they always have done.