The Philos Project & CIC’s “Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future”

Join the CIC and the Philos Project’s Philos Catholic for an important one-day conference, “Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future,” at the Catholic Information Center on March 10, 2025 from 1:15-6:00 PM EST. This program will be offered both in-person and virtually through a YouTube livestream.

We will explore the challenges and responsibilities of Catholics in addressing antisemitism in today’s world. This event invites Catholics to reflect not only on the Church’s history and culture but also on the wider social currents that shape attitudes toward the Jewish people and Israel today.  

How should Catholics respond to rising antisemitic ideologies? What role do theology and Church teachings—like supersessionism and replacement theology—play in forming Catholic attitudes toward the Jewish people? In a world where Catholics often hear little from the pulpit about issues like Zionism or the occupation of the West Bank but are saturated with media narratives, how can Catholic leaders offer a faithful, thoughtful response?  

This timely program will also explore how shifting demographics—such as a younger and increasingly traditional Catholic population—might influence trends in Catholic-Jewish relations and how these trends could be leveraged to combat antisemitism.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading voices on a critical issue and to be equipped to infuse the public square with Christ’s beauty, truth, and goodness.

We invite attendees to join us for the CIC’s noon Mass, take a lunch break, and be back by 1:15 PM EST for the start of the conference. Beverages and snacks will be served to attendees.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

1:15 PM-1:30 PM:
Welcome and Opening Remarks by The Philos Project’s James O’Reilly; Benediction offered by the CIC’s Fr. Charles Trullols.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM:
Panel 1: Catholics and Antisemitism—Is It Still a Problem?

Exploring the contemporary relevance and presence of antisemitism within Catholic communities.

• Mary Eberstadt, Catholic Information Center and Faith and Reason Institute
• Trent Horn, Catholic Answers
• Jonathan Silver, The Tikvah Fund
• Moderator: Simone Rizkallah, The Philos Project

3:00 PM-4:15 PM
Panel 2: A Historical Look at Catholics and Antisemitism

Examining the historical roots and evolution of Catholic antisemitism from past to present.  

• Dr. Russ Hittinger, Institute of Human Ecology
• Dr. Richard Crane, Benedictine College
• Andrew Doran, The Philos Project
• Moderator: Simone Rizkallah, The Philos Project

4:15-4:30 PM: Break

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Panel 3: How to Respond to Rising Rates of Catholics and Antisemitism

Discuss practical strategies and tools to address and combat antisemitism within Catholic circles.  

• Maggie Phillips, Tablet Magazine
• Phil Dolitsky, The Philos Project
• Simone Rizkallah, The Philos Project
• Moderator: James O’Reilly, The Philos Project

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Closing Keynote Address: A Blessing to One Another: John Paul II and the Jewish People

Reflections on the day’s sessions and a call to action for Catholics to lead in combating antisemitism.  

• George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of Washington’s Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC)