Newsflash! The Church Is Not Anti-Semitic.

When I was growing up, my mom would recount her answer to someone she knew who was anti-Semitic. In a Los Angeles Jewish accent: “When you get to Heaven, this beautiful young Jewish girl is going to welcome you and say, ‘I want you should meet my son Jesus. He’s a good Jewish boy.” (!!!)

Unfortunately, anti-Semitism continues around the world which is precisely why Pope Benedict’s new book, Jesus of Nazareth,Vol. 2, is making headlines. While the Catholic Church has explicitly denounced anti-Semitism before and was in fact responsible for rescuing thousands of Jews during WWII, people continue to misrepresent the events of the Gospel so as to fuel their own hatred.

More here in my latest column.

NY Daily News also has a good op-ed.

While you’re at it, buy a copy of the book. It’s a great Lenten read and by buying it you’ll show that there’s a market for quality media.