Archbishop Joseph Tlhagale of Johannesburg, South Africa

Vatican City, Oct 8, 2009 / 11:41 am (CNA).- Archbishop Joseph Tlhagale of Johannesburg, South Africa said this morning at the Synod for Africa that the continent faces a "second wave of colonization" from "liberalism, secularism and from lobbyists who squat at the United Nations."

The South African archbishop began his five-minute intervention by noting that moral values are "embedded in the diverse African cultures," and that, "alongside the Gospel values, are threatened by the new global ethic."

This ethic, he said, "aggressively seeks to persuade African governments and communities to accept new and different meanings of concepts of family, marriage and human sexuality." He also added that "the cultures of Africa are under heavy strain from liberalism, secularism and from lobbyists who squat at the United Nations."

Archbishop Tlhagale described the situation as "a second wave of colonization both subtle and ruthless at the same time."

Confronting the onslaught of African society requires a strong effort on the part of laity, said the South African prelate. By virtue of their Baptism, he explained, they "are expected to witness in the public square, in their families and places of work."

Unfortunately, he stated, "their Christian voice in the face of the many challenges in Africa, is weak, muffled or simply silent. The hierarchy is without credible partners in the work of the transformation of Africa. Lay Catholics need to be given a voice in order to stand up and be counted for their Catholic faith. The hierarchy cannot do it alone."

03:07 pm | Spouse of Costa Rican presidential candidate 'pockets' Eucharist

02:15 pm | Vatican responds to widely divergent reports on Boffo resignation

12:56 pm | Venezuelan cardinal calls for new evangelization of country's capital

11:11 am | International congress to focus on priestly identity and celibacy

07:10 am | Former Saints star says Super Bowl victory revealed a ‘team with destiny’

Argentinean roots endangered by secularism, bishop warns

Cardinal Rouco warns doctors cannot be forced to perform abortions

Church and Benedict XVI confronting heart of secular world, archbishop states

Catholic Church must not let society marginalize it, British cardinal says