The Holy Catholic Church - Western Rite's Swedish website is www.denheligakatolskakyrkan.org

Africa here I come!

Some years ago I saw a video taken during a Mass in South Africa. So different! It started formal enough but after some time the tempo altered and as the camera showed the faces of some of the participants, brimmed full of joy. After a while the whole church was swaying in the rhythm of a hymn.

I was sitting at home looking out the window. It was cold, some 15 below zero. Lots of snow. The video showed how warm it was in South Africa. I could not help longing for the warmth I saw. Not only the climate but in the Church. Now many years later I am going there.

Bishop Lulamile has invited me to visit South Africa and his diocese. I have never been to the African continent so my expectations are high. But not only to see and experience a different country but to be allowed to be part of the warmth that I once saw in the video.

I can't help thinking how the world has changed. Some 100 years ago missionaries from Europe went to Africa to preach Christianity to the African people. They taught that the European way of life was the right way to live. Then what happened! To day Christianity is a mere shadow of what it once was.  We have all seen how liberal teaching and political correctness have taken over. If you preach the true Gospel you are considered a fundamentalist. And that in a negative sense. True Christianity has no place in the modern society. Personal freedom to do what you like seems to be the leading star. It is every man for himself. Sadly, many Churches have fallen into this trap. To be politically correct has become more important than true Christian faith. Churches are desperately trying to find new ways to attract people. But not by preaching the Gospel. The church buildings have become places in which to entertain people. There are rock concerts. Dancing and fashion shows. In my country the Protestant Church of Sweden even allowed a photographer to hang photos showing Christ as a homosexual in the most appalling way. This with the consent of the Archbishop of Sweden!

I sometime feel like the famous Spanish knight fighting the windmills. Is it worth while to keep on struggling? But then again. If none take on the challenge and fight the evil powers - then what? And it has to start with myself. I have pledged to preach the true Gospel to all people. Following the commandment of the Lord. And I am privileged. I belong to a Church that has not given in to the pressures from the world around it. But even so I have a need to re-charge the batteries. Therefore I am looking forward to my trip to South Africa. In spite of all problems they have kept their faith. Perhaps it is time for them to send missionaries to Europe to help and guide us back to the true faith of our Lord! Now is the time to stand up for what we believe in and defend the true faith. We can not wait! The dark forces don't. We have to fight back.