A new documentary, Credo, explores the four defining marks of the Church—one, holy, apostolic, and Catholic—through the reflections of notable Church figures: Cardinal Gerhard Müller, Bishop Joseph Strickland, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, and Cistercian monk Jan Paweł Strumiłowski. Directed by Polish journalist Krystian Kratiuk, according to LifeSiteNews, this 75-minute film delves into the crisis within the Church while emphasizing the importance of adhering to apostolic tradition. The documentary premiered on YouTube in both English and Polish versions in December 2024.
According to Kratiuk, Credo counters the modern narrative that attempts to undermine the Church’s integrity. He explained, to LifeSiteNews, that the documentary is “about this enduring faith in the Church, showing what the Church is and what it is not, contrary to the propaganda of modernity.” The film’s purpose is to demonstrate the Church’s true nature, which, as Kratiuk emphasizes, is far more than a charitable organization or a peacekeeping agency. It is the Mystical Body of Christ, whose universality is illustrated by the global spread of its teachings.
The documentary takes viewers on a journey from central Poland to Astana, Kazakhstan, and showcases moving footage, particularly of Bishop Schneider traveling through his diocese of Astana. This visual depiction, accompanied by traditional sacred music, reinforces the strong orthodox messages of the faithful prelates and monk. Kratiuk notes that one of the most profound experiences during filming occurred in Kazakhstan, where Bishop Schneider displayed what it truly means to be a bishop. “To see Bishop Schneider among the Kazakh steppes, walking with the Blessed Sacrament in a tiny village, and then to hear his important words recorded in the cathedral he built in Karaganda was something truly remarkable,” Kratiuk said.
The documentary also highlights Bishop Strickland’s outspoken defense of traditional Catholic teachings. Strickland is particularly forthright about the dangers of abandoning apostolic doctrine. “We’re in a time when too many of the present-day successors of the apostles are saying, ‘Oh, we can abandon what the apostles said, and we’ve got it figured out, and we’re going to take a different path. And what was sin is no longer sin; what was true is no longer true,’” he states firmly. For Strickland, true apostolicity lies in being “rooted in the tradition and history of the apostles,” stressing the need for “continuity of faith and not a rupture,” as emphasized by Pope Benedict XVI.
In a time when many in the Church are tempted to break away from tradition, Bishop Strickland warns against this “arrogance” that harms the faith. “We have to humbly look back to the apostles. I like to say we need to be first-century Christians in the 21st century,” he says. His plea for adherence to the faith passed down through centuries is a call to avoid the modern temptations to reinterpret or dismiss the foundational truths of the Church.
The film also draws attention to the universality of the Church, a theme that is beautifully captured through the portrayal of the Nicene Creed being sung in Latin by people of different nationalities. Kratiuk believes that the film’s portrayal of Bishop Schneider—“a German bishop born in Kyrgyzstan ministering in Kazakhstan to people of different nationalities”—is a powerful testament to the Church’s universal reach. “Could there be greater proof of the universality of the Church?” Kratiuk reflects.
Despite the ongoing crisis within the Church, as highlighted by scandals and hypocrisy, Kratiuk, along with the other interviewees, maintains a steadfast belief in the enduring nature of the Church. He asserts, “We agree that the Church is in crisis, perhaps the biggest in its history. But we still believe in the Church, as enshrined in our confession of faith.”
The documentary aims to inspire viewers to strengthen or regain their faith in the one, holy, universal, and apostolic Church, emphasizing the importance of staying rooted in the tradition handed down by the apostles. It serves as a reminder that, even in the face of crisis, the true nature of the Church remains unwavering and eternal.
