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Jesuit Preaches Anti-semitism While His Bishop Condemns Intolerance

April 1, 1936
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Social and economic ostracism of Jews and introduction of a numerus clausus against converts were demanded tonight by Jesuit Father Pilchmaier, Catholic leader, addressing a crowded meeting at the Austrian Technological Museum. Among those who attended the meeting were Chief Rabbi Feuchtwang and Cardinal Innitzer.

Another speaker was Bishop Hudal, rector of the Institute for the Promotion of Christian Science in Rome, who spoke more moderately. While declaring there can be no doubt that racial facts exist, he contended that race is not everything and held the Nazi race theory incompatible with Christianity.

Father Pilchmaier also rejected race theories and disclaimed any intention of furthering persecution of Jews, but asserted that Christian culture was too much under Jewish influence. He demanded removal of Jewish influence from the theatre, cinema, schools and economic life and urged limitation of Jews in high public positions.

He stated that only a faithful Christian could be regarded as a thoroughly loyal citizen of a Christian state, adding that converts who had not been baptized at an early age should be treated with caution and be put through a period of probation.

Bishop Hudal said it would be a concession to materialism to make race the pivotal point of human values. It would be very deplorable, he declared, if the German people were to look themselves up permanently in a race ghetto. Old Germany had no fear of mixing races, he added.

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