Anti-Semitism was condemned as “un-Christian” and “un-American” in a statement issued here today by the executive committee of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ. The statement, issued on the occasion of the Jewish New Year, warned that “anti-Semitism is an insidious evil which, if allowed to develop, would poison the springs of our national life.”
“Recent evidences of anti-Jewish prejudice in our own country compel us to speak again a word of solemn warning to the nation,” the statement said. “Divisiveness on religious or racial grounds is a portentous menace to American Democracy. If one group be made the target of attack today, the same spirit of intolerance may be visited on another group tomorrow and the rights and liberties of every group thus be put in jeopardy.
“We condemn anti-Semitism as un-American. Our nation is a free fellowship of many racial and cultural stocks. It is our historic glory that they have been able to live together in mutual respect, each rejoicing in the rich contribution which the others have made to the common good. Anti-Semitism is an insidious evil which, if allowed to develop, would poison the springs of our national life.
“Even more strongly we condemn anti-Semitism as un-Christian. As Christians we gratefully acknowledge our ethical and spiritual indebtedness to the people of Israel. No true Christian can be anti-Semitic in thought, word or deed without being untrue to his own Christian inheritance.”
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