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The Dignity of Difference
Produced by the Committee for Catholic-Jewish Relations, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales for use on or around Holocaust Memorial Day, 27th January 2007.
What is Holocaust Memorial Day? – It is a day set aside to remember all victims of the Holocaust and other 20th century genocides.
How is it relevant to life today? – During the Nazi regime people were persecuted just for being different. Some were considered to be racially different, for example the Jews, and the Roma and Sinti people (Gypsies). Some were physically or mentally disabled or had mental health problems. Others were homosexual or from other minority groups. Still others were persecuted for their religious or political beliefs.
Intolerance and exclusion still affect many regions of Britain today. Those who are different from the majority face discrimination. Racism, anti-Semitism, islamophobia and homophobia prevent people living together in a community where different backgrounds and circumstances are valued.
The destructive power of exclusion – the Nazis created a racial state. All groups that did not fit into the pattern of Aryan perfection were deemed unfit in some way to participate fully in the Third Reich. Differences were regarded as weaknesses. Cultural and religious differences, ethnic identity, political persuasion and sexual orientation became factors in demeaning individuals and justifying their removal from participation in society. These “Untermenschen” (lower people) were ultimately driven from their homes, taken to work camps to be used as slave labour or killed in gas chambers in death camps such as Auschwitz.
May the memory of the victims of the Holocaust become our immune system against hate. May we stand together, fighting prejudice together”. Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi.
Church teaching on the dignity of all people
In Nostra Aetate the Church:
· deplores feelings of hatred, persecutions and demonstrations of anti-Semitism directed against Jews in any place and at any time;
· teaches that all men and women have the same dignity, whatever their nation, culture or religion;
· condemns any kind of discrimination between people by reason of race, colour, class or religion.
Pope Benedict, following his predecessor Pope John Paul II, said “The terrible events of the Shoah must "never cease to rouse consciences, to resolve conflicts, to inspire the building of peace.” (Visit to Synagogue in Cologne, August 2005)
At his election the Pope asked all Catholics to co-operate for true social development, one that respects the dignity of all human beings.
What can we do?
Ø Remember together - join with people of other faiths, cultures and communities.
Ø Light a candle in your family or church community as a sign of mourning, remembrance and hope.
Ø Get to know someone from a minority group – reach out to “the other” who is the “Same. But Different”.
Ø Make new communities in your parish feel welcome.
Resources
The Vatican Documents on Catholic-Jewish Relations
Documents from the Holy See
Catholic Truth Society, London
Website: www.jcrelations.net
For Holocaust Memorial Day Pack
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
PO Box 49743, London, WC1H 9WU
Tel: 0845 838 1883
Email: enquiries@hmd.org.uk
Website: www.hmd.org.uk
For outreach to schools, resource materials, visits to Auschwitz:
Holocaust Educational Trust
BCM Box 7892, London WC1N 3XX
Tel: 020 7222 6822
Email: info@het.org.uk
Website: www.het.org.uk
For educational material and visits:
Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre
Laxton, Newark, Notts NG22 0PA
Tel: 01623 836627
Website: www.bethshalom.com
For general information:
The Council of Christians and Jews
1st Floor Camelford House
87-89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP
Tel: 020 7820 0090
Email: cjrelations@ccj.org.uk
Website: www.ccj.org.uk
For resources on racial justice and ethnic minorities:
Catholic Association for Racial Justice
9 Henry Road, London N4 2LH
Tel: 020 8802 8080
Email: info@carj.org.uk
Website: www.carj.org.uk
