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Cardinal Cupich's support shows Jews are gaining powerful allies against antisemitism - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago is actively supporting the Jewish people, affirming their enduring covenant with God and Christianity as a sibling faith.
  • His statements counter ancient theological forms of antisemitism that have resurfaced in some Christian circles.
  • This support from a prominent Catholic figure is seen as a significant development in the fight against rising antisemitism.

Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago is emerging as a key ally for the Jewish people, speaking out in support of their enduring covenant with God and affirming Christianity as a sibling faith, not a successor. This stance is particularly significant amid a rising tide of antisemitism, offering a robust counter-narrative to ancient theological forms of prejudice that have reappeared in some Christian and Catholic circles.

Cardinal Cupich's influential position within the Catholic Church, as a close advisor to Pope Leo XIV and a peer to other prominent cardinals, suggests his message could resonate widely. The article highlights his recent homily, where he urged Catholic colleagues to regard Jews as "brothers in faith" and recipients of "Godโ€™s love." This affirmation directly challenges historical antisemitic tropes.

Furthermore, Cupich emphasizes that the Jewish people's covenant is not solely an individual matter but a collective one, reinforcing the concept of Jewish peoplehood as both a family and a faith. This perspective acknowledges the shared responsibility and interconnectedness within the Jewish community.

brothers in faith

โ€” Cardinal Blase CupichCardinal Cupich's description of Jews in his recent homily.

The article notes that Cardinal Cupich's support is part of a broader, growing chorus of voices from various Christian denominations, as well as other faith communities, standing with the Jewish people against antisemitism. Examples cited include the Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations, Christian and Jewish leaders uniting against antisemitism, the Southern Baptist Convention's condemnation of the issue, the formation of the Hindu-Jewish Coalition of America, and collaborations between Latter-day Saints and Jewish communities.

This convergence of support, particularly from a high-ranking Catholic official, is viewed with optimism as a crucial development in bolstering efforts to combat antisemitism. The authors express hope that Cupich's lead will inspire further action and solidarity across different faith traditions.

Godโ€™s love

โ€” Cardinal Blase CupichCardinal Cupich's affirmation of divine regard for the Jewish people.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.