Readers Speak Out: February 7, 2021
Readers Speak Out: February 7, 2021
February 4, 2021
Re: “Windsor scholar studies rise in local anti-Semitism” (Jan. 24):
I would like to thank Dr. John Cappucci for his research into anti-Semitism in the Windsor area. This is a very important issue that should not be downplayed, as anti-Semitism is still very much alive.
That being said, there is one problem in the article I wish to address.
Certain statements attributed to Dr. Cappucci, viz., that the Church needs to “come to grips with its 2,000-year history of anti-Semitism” and “We can’t erase 2,000 years of history, where there was that very strong relationship between Christianity and anti-Semitism,” is a big generalization. First, the Church has indeed “come to grips” with the crimes of certain Catholics (including some popes) who were guilty of anti-Semitism and this can be seen in the numerous apologies made by St. Pope John Paul II, as well as increased dialogue with Jews as a whole. Second, the picture these statements paint is one of a highly anti-Semitic Catholic Church. This, of course, is inaccurate especially if one were to look at the actions and statements made by popes throughout the centuries.