Dear Parishioners,

Pope John Paul continues to make news with his travels and dramatic efforts at reconciliation with Orthodox Christians and interfaith dialogue with Muslims. “It is crucial,” he stated, “for the young to be taught the ways of respect and understanding, so that they will not be led to misuse religion itself to promote or justify hatred and violence.” Unfortunately other leaders used the occasion to repeat the accusation that “the Jews killed Christ” and should be seen as our mutual enemy. Popes since John XXIII and including John Paul II have been clear in rejecting that accusation. The death of Christ was carried out by Roman soldiers with a uniquely Roman method (crucifixion); some Jewish leader instigated the charges and some Jewish citizens supported them; but not the Jewish people as a whole. As a matter of historical fact, the first Christians and all of the first Christian leaders were Jewish as was Jesus. The politics and search for justice in the Middle East is difficult enough and does not need religious bigotry and ancient misconceptions to add fuel to the fire. Unfortunately there is more than enough deep resentment and injustice already.

Your pastor,
Brian T. Joyce