Anti-Semitism Condemned by Convention
Diocesan Press Service. November 2, 1964 [XXVI-11]
Rejection of the deicide charge against the Jews and condemnation of anti-Semitism were among the most significant actions taken by the Episcopal Church at its 61st General Convention.
This action by both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies followed closely a position paper on this subject issued by the Church's 160 bishops early in the Convention. The bishops had termed the charge of deicide against the Jews a "tragic misunderstanding of the inner significance of the crucifixion.
"All men are guilty of the death of Christ," the bishops charged, "for all have in some manner denied him; and since the sins that crucified Christ were common human sins, the Christian knows that he himself is guilty."
The bishops concluded their statement against anti-Semitism by asserting: "While the Christian Church, by its nature, proclaims that Christ is the world's Lord and Saviour, and that He works through the Church that all men may be won to Him; it also proclaims, as His Body, that every man is to be approached in love, with a recognition of a common need of forgiveness, and rejoicing in truth wherever it appears."
The resolution containing both the condemnation of anti-Semitism and a declaration of the Episcopal Church's willingness to enter into dialogue with Jewish representatives was referred to the Joint Commission on Ecumenical Relations for continuing study and suggested implementation.