Jenan Taylor
6 February 2025
Anglican bishops have called on Australians to reject antisemitism and stand against vilification in a joint statement this week.
Seventeen bishops signed the statement condemning antisemitic words and actions and supporting the Jewish community against hostility and violence.
Read more: Antisemitism ‘is hate … and it has implications for everybody’: Bishop
Australian Primate Geoffrey Smith and Archbishop of Melbourne Philip Freier were among the bishops who were concerned about the growing increase in antisemitic acts and words directed towards Jewish people.
“Such behaviour is abhorrent and completely unacceptable,” they said in the statement.
“No individual or group in Australia should be subjected to intimidation, hatred or violence.
“Australia is a proudly multicultural and multifaith community. Antisemitism, even when the expression of a small minority, injures us all and must be rejected by all.
Read more: Religious, cultural fears amid rising hate crimes
“We call on all Australians to stand against the vilification which we have seen recently and work to enhance the peace, justice and harmony that Jewish Australians, like all Australians, are entitled to expect.”
If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).
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