JOHANNESBURG (AP) – In a remarkable celebration of Easter Sunday, the International Pentecost Holiness Church in South Africa organized mass wedding ceremonies for approximately 3,000 people, many of whom entered into polygamous marriages. The event, part of the church's Easter festivities, reflects the integration of polygamy into its practices, a tradition that is observed in some African cultures.
According to church spokesperson Vusi Ndala, the ceremonies featured some men who married their sixth or seventh wives, while other grooms tied the knot with multiple brides simultaneously. Ndala emphasized that "polygamy is not only embraced but held in high regard" within the church, highlighting its acceptance and importance in their community.
The International Pentecost Holiness Church, which was founded in South Africa in the early 1960s, is classified as an African-initiated church. This means it was established by Africans rather than foreign missionaries and combines Pentecostal beliefs with local traditions. The church has a history of conducting mass weddings, having previously hosted an event in 2023 where around 400 couples participated. However, this year's ceremony was described as the largest to date.
Ndala explained that the significant number of marriages this year resulted from "a large number of men marrying more than one wife at a go." It is reported that in some instances, grooms brought their existing wives to be present during the new marriage ceremonies. This underscores the communal and integrative nature of their celebrations.
The mass weddings took place at the church's headquarters, a vast dome-shaped structure located in Heidelberg, near Johannesburg. The building can accommodate 60,000 people, allowing for a grand-scale event. Participants waited in long white tents set up in the adjacent open fields, where they received bridal flowers, food packs, and water before entering the church in organized queues. Women dressed in white bridal gowns were joined by men wearing matching white suits accompanied by red ties, creating a visually striking scene.
It is notable that polygamy is legally recognized in South Africa, provided that the marriage is registered as a customary union. This legal framework supports the practice within communities that adhere to traditional customs, making events like the mass wedding a culturally significant affair for many participants.
As the celebrations unfolded, couples were seen entering the church amid music and dancing, embodying the joyous spirit of the occasion. The weddings at the International Pentecost Holiness Church not only serve as a showcase of love and community but also as a celebration of cultural identity and traditions within the context of modern religious practice.
