On October 21, the Courier-News of Bridgewater, New Jersey printed a vicious article against the Catholic Church by Alan Shelton, a writer from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Shelton, a self-confessed Jewish activist, said that he would have led a demonstration against Pope John Paul II if the Holy Father’s visit had not been canceled.
In his piece, Shelton wrote that the Pope represented “the most anti-Semitic religious institution in world history.” He blamed the Vatican for its role during the Holocaust and stated that this “most chilling indictment” remains “largely unknown.” Shelton believes that Pope John Paul II “follows in the tradition of papal Jew-baiting,” and thus has earned the title “vicar of anti-Semitism.” Shelton also condemned Jewish leaders for not being critical enough of the Pontiff.
Shelton’s tirade triggered a response from Beth Gilinsky, president of the Jewish Action Alliance, and William Donohue, president of the Catholic League. Miss Gilinsky and Dr. Donohue have worked together on several issues. The Jewish Action Alliance is a formidable organization of Jewish men and women who work responsibly to combat bigotry.
