Page 31 - October 7 - Teresa Pirola

needed a firm and unequivocal response to antisemitism modelled by their leaders.
Over time, remedial efforts by Catholics to regroup and reach out will likely be graciously received by Australian Jewish communities, given their admirable commitment to seeking societal cohesion. Again, the statement of the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne sets a much-needed example for other Catholic leaders to follow.
However, considerable damage has been done and it is difficult to see how the Jewish-Catholic relationship will recover its pre–October 7 levels of trust and ease of relating. Where people in high positions of church leadership have faltered, it is all the more incumbent on grassroots leaders and everyday Catholics to lead from the strength of their baptismal commissioning. This includes parents and teachers, pastoral and business leaders, academics and community animators—whatever our sphere of influence, we must all put our shoulders to the plough to write the next chapters of the Australian Catholic response.
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