Cardinal Cupich’s Stance Signals Growing Catholic Allyship in Fight Against Antisemitism – Opinion

Against a backdrop of rising antisemitism, a widening coalition of voices is raising its support for the Jewish people and Israel. As we confront this scourge, it is encouraging to see how our allies are standing together with us, ensuring we do not confront it alone.

From the Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations, which is arranging a trip for 500 leading Black pastors to Israel, to groups such as the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, Eagles’ Wings, and the Israel Allies Foundation—these have partnered with Jewish Federations of North America and other bodies to convene hundreds of Christian and Jewish leaders in support of Israel and against antisemitism. These alliances reinforce our sense of solidarity.

The Southern Baptist Convention’s condemnation of antisemitism signals endorsement from the nation’s largest Christian denomination, and the newly established Hindu‑Jewish Coalition of America—through which we remain engaged—offers further hope. Additionally, for the first time a Muslim organization participated in the Israel Day Parade, and local Latter‑day Saint communities are cooperating with Jewish groups on security matters.

A pivotal Catholic voice, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, has now spoken out in support of the Jewish people, affirming that the Jewish covenant with God endures and that Christianity stands as a sibling faith rather than a successor.

Allies stepping forward

Cardinal Cupich’s prominent role as a close adviser to Pope Leo XIV and as a colleague among bishops in other cities suggests his message could echo from pulpits nationwide. We pray that it does and are grateful for the leadership he has provided in framing antisemitism as an issue that affects Jews, Catholics, and all Americans.

During his homily last Sunday, Cardinal Cupich urged his fellow Catholics to regard Jews as “brothers in faith” and recipients of “God’s love.”

Cardinal Cupich also confronts ancient theological forms of antisemitism that have resurfaced with renewed vigor in some Christian and even Catholic circles. He emphasizes that the Jewish people enter into a covenant not only as individuals but collectively, affirming a dual identity as a family that evolved into a faith yet remains a community bound by mutual responsibility—transcending narrower conceptions of religious affiliation.

Contemporary antisemites attack the very notion of Jewish peoplehood, both in Israel and beyond; Cardinal Cupich made clear that such attacks contradict the teachings of the world’s largest religious community.

Moreover, Cardinal Cupich stresses that proselytizing Jews is impermissible, underscoring that the Jewish covenant with God was entered freely and that conversion to Catholicism must be voluntary, free from pressure or coercion. This reinforces Catholic‑Jewish relations built on mutual understanding rather than attempts to convert.

Most critically, Cardinal Cupich affirmed that Catholic respect for Jews demands active engagement, especially now. He called on Catholics to “push back against any actions or remarks that are antisemitic” and urged the faithful to defend Jewish people whenever they are “derided or persecuted,” as is happening today.

Should America’s 67 million Catholics answer Cardinal Cupich’s call, the national conversation on Judaism and Israel would improve markedly. We are fortunate to have allies such as Cardinal Cupich and pray that Catholic neighbors will heed his vital message.

Rabbi Yehiel Poupko is a rabbinic scholar at the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago.

Rabbi Joshua Stanton is the associate vice president of interfaith and intergroup initiatives for Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

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