French diocese helps pastoral workers fight anti-Semitism
With anti-Semitism on the rise in Europe, the Archdiocese of Lyon equips its lay and religious leaders with the tools to better understand and combat the phenomenon
Catholic leaders in Lyon have taken steps to help the people of the French archdiocese better understand and oppose anti-Semitism, a phenomenon that is on the rise in parts of Europe.
"Anti-Semitism seems to be a virus that has infected the world for ages: it only changes its appearance according to the situation," said Jean-Dominique Durand, president of Judeo-Christian Friendship Association (AJCF), at a gathering on Tuesday at the Catholic University of Lyon.
The archdiocese invited the AJCF, an organization co-founded by Jewish French historian Jules Isaac following World War II and the Holocaust, to help lead a study day on anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism.
The Christian Center for the Study of Judaism (CCEJ) also participated at the daylong event, which brought together lay and religious Catholic pastoral leaders, as well as Protestants and Jews.
The day was a result of a declaration the French Bishops' Conference (CEF) made last February calling for a determined fight against the trivialization of anti-Semitism.
A new survey conducted in 16 European countries revealed this week that the number of anti-Semitic acts had increased during the Covid health crisis.
"The challenge is pressing, for society and for Christians," said Father Jean Massonet, former CCEJ director and 2016 recipient of the annual AJCF prize.
The priest said it is necessary to both look back at the "roots" of evil, in order to better fight it, and to draw upon the "spiritual bond" that unites Christians and Jews.
Education and communication, "two key axes"
“Michel”, a volunteer for the International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism (LICRA), wondered how to better explain the differences between a Jewish reading and a Catholic reading of the Scriptures.
"There is a tendency to simplify things when they should be clarified with more truth," he said during one of the workshops.
Michel said he often speaks at schools, where he noted there is "great ignorance" on the subject.
Participants from diverse backgrounds were invited to express their needs and to reflect together on solutions.
A woman involved in the catechumenate of her parish wanted to know how to respond to adults who wish to be baptized but denigrate other religions, particularly Judaism.
"Education and communication must remain two key axes of our action," said Father Christophe Le Sourt, director of the Catholic Church’s national service for relations with Judaism.
He is particularly focused on the young people.
For example, he encourages better use of social media, such as prohibiting anonymous posting or announcing the upcoming publication of "very complete" videos on Judaism that are widely available.
He also encourages starting more "joint projects" like meetings between young Christians and Jews on themes that bring people together, "such as that which Pope Francis calls integral ecology".
The theology faculty at the Catholic University of Lyon also took part in Tuesday’s study day. It is expected that, in the next academic year, the university will offer a theology degree in Christian-Jewish Relations.