Perth's Catholic Archbishop has issued a forceful condemnation following what he described as 'dreadful' anti-Semitic incidents that disrupted a Christmas Eve service in the city. The solemn occasion at St Mary's Cathedral was marred by protesters whose actions have drawn widespread criticism from community and religious leaders.
Details of the Disruption at St Mary's Cathedral
The incident occurred on the evening of December 24, 2024, during a packed Christmas Eve Mass at St Mary's Cathedral in Perth. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe was presiding over the service when a group of individuals began shouting anti-Semitic slogans and displaying banners with offensive messages.
In a statement released after the event, Archbishop Costelloe expressed his profound distress. He stated that the actions of the protesters were not only a violation of the sacred nature of the Christmas celebration but also an attack on the fundamental values of respect and human dignity. The Archbishop emphasised that such anti-Semitic behaviour has no place in society and is utterly contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
While specific details of the slogans used have not been publicly disclosed to avoid amplifying the offensive material, it was confirmed that the protest was brief before the individuals were removed from the cathedral premises. Security and cathedral staff acted to minimise the disruption to the congregation, which included many families and children attending the special Christmas service.
Community and Interfaith Response
The reaction from both the Jewish community and other interfaith leaders in Western Australia has been one of solidarity with the Catholic Church and condemnation of the hate speech. Leaders have been quick to point out that targeting a religious service, especially on a holy day like Christmas, represents a disturbing escalation.
Jewish community representatives have thanked Archbishop Costelloe for his swift and unequivocal denunciation of the anti-Semitism. They noted that such clear leadership is crucial in confronting hatred and preventing it from taking root. The incident has sparked renewed conversations about the need for ongoing interfaith dialogue and education to combat prejudice in all its forms.
Local authorities have been notified and are reviewing the incident. While no arrests were made at the scene, investigations are ongoing to determine if any laws were broken. The event has raised concerns about the need for security at places of worship during major religious holidays.
Archbishop's Broader Message of Peace
In his condemnation, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe went beyond addressing the immediate incident. He used the opportunity to reiterate the core Christmas message of peace, hope, and goodwill for all people. He stressed that the birth of Christ is a call to love one's neighbour and to build bridges of understanding, not to spread division or hatred.
"Our Christmas celebration is fundamentally about God's love for all humanity," the Archbishop said. "To have it disrupted by messages of hate against any group is a profound contradiction and a cause of great sadness. We stand firmly against anti-Semitism and all forms of racial and religious vilification."
The Archbishop called on all people of goodwill in Perth and across Australia to reject such rhetoric and to work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. He encouraged continued prayer and action for peace, particularly in regions of conflict that were referenced by the protesters.
This incident in Perth highlights the unsettling reality that religious services can become targets for ideological protests. The strong, unified response from church and community leaders serves as a powerful reminder of the shared commitment to respect and harmony in Australia's multicultural and multi-faith society.
