A resolution adopted last week by the Northern Transvaal Regional Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church, calling upon members to support “candidates of Christian character” for election to public office, was not intended as a slur against Jews. This assurance was given today to E. J. Horwitz, president of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, in a letter from the leadership of the Dutch Reformed Church.
The Southern Transvaal Regional Synod had already adopted such a resolution, and Mr. Horwitz protested, receiving the same assurance. In today’s letter, the Jewish leader was again told that the wording was not intended to discriminate against “the Jewish community, whom the Church holds in high esteem. “
The Synod informed Mr. Horwitz it was only trying to emphasize its concern for the election of “persons of high qualities, character, and religious conviction. The Synod expressed regret at anyone’s misunderstanding of its resolution.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
