Archbishop Miller among 5 prelates signing anti-semitism declaration

Archbishop J. Michael Miller is among the signatories of the Canadian Christian Declaration on Antisemitism, a document that denounces the rise of anti-semitism in Canada and affirms Christian solidarity with the Jewish community. 

Launched on Sept. 23 by Father Deacon Andrew Bennett, Canada’s former ambassador for religious freedom, the declaration calls on Christians to stand beside their Jewish neighbours.

In a letter to supporters, Father Deacon Bennett thanked the 720 Christian leaders who endorsed the declaration, far surpassing his initial goal of 250. He wrote, “I had hoped that we would get at least 250 Christian leaders to sign the declaration ... But, in the end, 720 of you signed and sent a strong message of solidarity to our Jewish neighbours.”

The declaration’s message is straightforward: “We will not abandon you.” Father Deacon Bennett’s statement includes a pledge to support the Jewish community and confront anti-semitism, declaring, “We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in defence of human dignity, justice, and freedom–these cherished Canadian values.”

The declaration received widespread support from diverse Christian leaders across Canada, including bishops, pastors, and laypeople, representing various denominations. According to Father Deacon Bennett, “We have Catholic bishops, Anglican bishops, United Church ministers, Reform clergy, and Orthodox clergy. We have lay leaders and parishes.”

Also signing the document were Ottawa-Cornwall Archbishop Marcel Damphousse, Military Ordinariate of Canada Bishop Scott McCaig, CC, Ottawa-Cornwall Auxiliary Bishop Yvan Mathieu, SM, and Ottawa-Cornwall Archbishop Emeritus Terrence Prendergast, SJ.

The initiative comes amid growing anti-semitism, which Father Deacon Bennett says has intensified, particularly following the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. He noted his concern for Jewish Canadians, citing a recent conversation with Rabbi Idan Sher, who questioned whether Jews might need to consider leaving Canada in light of recent hostilities.

“When you have a prominent Canadian Jewish rabbi beginning to ask the question, ‘How long can we stay here?,’ that is a major, major problem,” Father Deacon Bennett said. “I’m sorry, but this is simply not my Canada. Jews should not have to think that way in this country.”

Father Deacon Bennett has voiced disappointment with what he sees as insufficiently strong public statements from some Christian leaders, particularly the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, whose response to the Oct. 7 events was viewed by some as vague. This reaction led the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus to pause its dialogue with the Church.

Father Deacon Bennett clarified that the declaration is a theological stance, separate from political issues in the Middle East. He expressed his hope that Canadian Catholics would see it as part of their duty to support fellow citizens, regardless of geopolitical complexities.

The declaration is part of a three-step plan. Following its publication, Father Deacon Bennett plans to hold a summit in Toronto with 50 Christian and 50 Jewish leaders, followed by a year-long partnership between churches and synagogues for joint events and dialogue.

“As Christians, we will not simply speak but act peacefully in support of you, our Jewish friends, in the interest of all that is just and good,” Father Deacon Bennett said.

The full list of signatories can be found at christiandeclaration.ca.

With B.C. Catholic files

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