Statement on the recent desecration of the Jewish Cemetery at Mt. Carmel

“Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16:20.

In the extermination of six million Jews in the last century, there were villains. In the popular mind, we conjure up the image of a Nazi soldier, polished boots, a rifle, a snarling German Shepherd, a swastika-emblazoned uniform. When Christians remember the holocaust, we can engage in denial as many (including Lutherans) have, claiming that we did nothing to further the holocaust, that we were powerless to stop it, and that the Nazis were the only villains. When we Christians are honest with ourselves, however, we know that our silence was perfect complicity. It is simply implausible that as entire neighborhoods of Jews disappeared, their absence was not noticed. It is impossible to believe that if millions of Christians rose up to end the genocide, it could still have happened. By Christian silence, the holocaust became our own crime against humanity.

In recent days, a terrible desecration of sacred Jewish burial plots and monuments at Mt. Carmel Cemetery took place. Far beyond mischievous vandalism, Nazi symbols became an ugly reminder of the horrors of the past, as well as the hate that is still woven into the fabric of today.

“To love God with your whole heart, with all your understanding, and all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33

The Christian cannot be silent in the face of such horrible desecration, defamation, and hate. If we are silent, we are accomplices. If we say we love God, we cannot ignore our neighbor. We, the pastor and people of St. Ansgar Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portland, hold the Jewish community in prayerful support and love. We pledge to speak against hate. We will continue to educate our young people to love others in celebration of diversity. If there is any way in which our small but dedicated congregation can assist, we are at the disposal of our Jewish sisters and brothers. We will not be silent.


Rev. Dr. William M. Barter and the Lutheran Church of St. Ansgar.