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Reconsidering the Catholic Church and the Holocaust

April 8, 2021, 7:00 pm
Location Online
SponsorDepartment of Religion and the United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumCostfreeMore Informationhttps:/‌/‌forms.gle/‌fgv7Hw2GmEWt7mRZ6Posted InCollege of Humanities and Social Sciences
white background with black text " United States Holocaust Memorial Museum"

Montclair State University Department of Religion hosts the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 
"Reconsidering the Catholic Church and the Holocaust" A Special Film Screening and Panel Discussion with the Director of Holy Silence  Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 7:00pm EDT
Registration required: https://forms.gle/fgv7Hw2GmEWt7mRZ6After registration, a link to view the film will be emailed and available for 72 hours prior to the event.

Moderator: Dr. Kate E. Temoney, Assistant Professor of Religion, Montclair State University
In 1933, the vast majority of Germans belonged to a Christian church. A third of the population (around 21 million) were Roman Catholic, whereas the Jewish community represented less than 1% of the population. As the Nazi Party’s power and antisemitism spread across Europe, how did one of the world’s most influential institutions—the Catholic Church—address and confront the Nazi regime and its laws, particularly the persecution of Jews? Furthermore, how did the Catholic Church's response influence its followers in Nazi-occupied Europe?

Holy Silence is a new thought-provoking documentary that examines the individuals who played a crucial role in shaping the Vatican’s response to the rising Nazi threat across Europe. Stories include: a humble Jesuit priest from New England, a leading American industrialist dispatched on a mission by President Franklin Roosevelt, and high-ranking officials within the Vatican determined to carry out their own objectives.

PanelistsSteve Pressman, Director of Holy Silence
Dr. Suzanne Brown-Fleming, Director, International Academic Programs, USHMM
Dr. Philip Cunningham, Saint Joseph’s University
Dr. Adam Gregerman, Saint Joseph’s University

This event is made possible by the Hoffberger Family Fund and by Joseph A. and Janeal Cannon.