Christian Pledge to Combat Antisemitism

262 signatures

Christians should oppose antisemitism for the following reasons:

  1. Jesus is Jewish: Christianity emerged from Judaism, with Jesus and the apostles and early church being Jewish. The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) are foundational to Christian faith, and Jews are seen as God’s chosen people (Romans 11:1-2). Rejecting antisemitism is the necessary response to the Jewishness of Jesus and the roots of our faith.
  2. We are Commanded to Love: Jesus taught us to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Opposing antisemitism is simply the loving thing to do. Christians cannot claim to know God and walk past their Jewish neighbours being mistreated (1 John 3:10-18).
  3. We have a tragic history of antisemitism: Centuries of Christian teachings, like the “deicide” charge (blaming Jews for Jesus’ death), fuelled antisemitism, culminating in atrocities like the Holocaust. 
  4. The Apostle Paul’s Teachings: In Romans 9-11, Paul emphasizes that God’s promises to Israel remain intact and that Gentiles are “grafted” into Israel’s spiritual legacy (Romans 11:17-24). Antisemitism undermines this theological unity. In Romans 15:27 Paul tells Gentile Christians that they have an obligation to meet the material needs of Jews, because it is through the Jews that every spiritual blessing has come to Gentile believers. 
  5. Gospel Witness: Opposing antisemitism in practice is a powerful demonstration of the truth of the gospel of reconciliation and peace. 
Will you sign, and then share, the following declaration (which you can download and print off here)? 

As a Christian:

  1. I reject all forms of antisemitism—past and present, subtle and overt. I acknowledge the grievous history of Christian complicity in anti-Jewish attitudes, actions, and violence, and I repent of any theology, rhetoric, or silence that has contributed to the marginalisation or persecution of Jewish people.
  2. I affirm that God’s covenant with the Jewish people is irrevocable (Romans 11:29), and that God’s faithfulness to Israel endures (Romans 3:1-4).
  3. I affirm the unique identity and calling of the Jewish people as beloved of God, entrusted with the oracles of God, (Romans 9:4-5) and as an enduring witness to His faithfulness throughout history.
  4. I stand as an ally with the Jewish community in our nation and around the world—against hatred, discrimination, violence, and efforts to deny their right to live in peace and security in their ancient homeland of Israel and in the diaspora. As an ally I commit to:
    - educating myself on the IHRA definition of antisemitism so that I can recognise and oppose antisemitism in all its forms.
    - speaking out when Jewish people are targeted.
    - speaking out when I hear or read antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories.
    - using my spiritual, institutional, and individual agency to ensure Jewish people are safe and free in our community and country.
    - using my influence to ensure no forms of antisemitism gain support amongst our political leaders, whether at local, state, or federal level.
  5. I commit to deepening my understanding of the Jewish roots of my faith, and to honouring the spiritual heritage from which Christianity emerged. I will foster relationships with the Jewish community marked by respect and love.
  6. I will pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the safety of the Jewish people, and for God’s shalom to reign over all His creation.

Will you sign?