Anglican Synod in Australia Urges Churches to Combat Anti-semitism

A resolution urging all churches in Australia to set up programs to combat racial and religious bigotry was adopted at a synod of the Australian Anglican Church following a report that an anti-Semitic group was infiltrating churches to spread anti-Semitism.

The report was made by Rev. D.J. Pope, the Anglican Vicar, who identified the organization as the “League of Rights.” He said “its members are secretly entering the churches and through subtle means are giving the impression that Jews are trying to seize control of the world.” He added that Australian Jews “feel that this League is reviving old techniques used against Jews.”

Other sources described Eric Butler, president of the League, as notorious for his anti-Semitic activities, including authorship of many anti-Jewish pamphlets, including tracts on “the International Jew” and the “Truth About the Protocols of Zion.” He is an active importer of anti-Jewish material which he sells in his bookstore.

The synod also approved a proposal that study groups be formed on Jewish history with special reference to Christian-Jewish relationships. Also approved was a statement declaring that use of anti-Semitic and other racist devices was un-Christian and morally indefensible, “especially when the name of the church is used to gain respectability for such activities.” The statement was approved unanimously.

Dr. Frank Woods, the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, told the synod that “anti-Semitism is fairly general in business and academic circles and in some schools in Melbourne,” adding that some clubs and other Melbourne organizations barred Jews from membership.