Reflection
In this week's Loudoun Times Mirror I have a guest op-ed about antisemitism. I wrote this long before Rabbi Tow came to our church but find it printed now.
In the op-ed I talk about our responsibility-as Christians and Episcopalians- to fight the scourge of anti-Jewish hate. If you are wondering why all of a sudden I am spending time on this (having the Rabbi; writing op-ed articles) it is because I become increasingly afraid of the return of antisemitism and the return of the results of virulent antisemitism. We have always had antisemitism in this country, but never have we had it be so acceptable by so many people as now.
As I say in the article, our Presiding Bishop is unequivocal: if we are Christians we oppose hate of any kind, especially anti-Jewish hate.
In the coming weeks of Lent Fr. Kirtley is inviting us to read and then meet (Wednesday evenings March 15 and 22) to discuss a book called The Nail. He will tell us more this Sunday. In it we follow six characters from the passion - Peter, the Centurion, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, Judas and Mary Magdalene. The book asks us to consider these participants in the passion from their point of view. It also helps us understand how the church had, for centuries, added fuel to the antisemitism fire...and how we can help put that fire out.
We will have a signup sheet in the back of the church this Sunday for those that wish to read the book and participate in Fr. Kirtley's sessions. Another great Lenten program.
