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Antisemitic Myth Removed from Cathedral
4 Dec
Summary
- Norwich Cathedral removed an antisemitic leaflet.
- The leaflet detailed a 12th Century blood libel myth.
- A new film prompted the removal due to community discomfort.
Norwich Cathedral has taken down a leaflet that recounted an antisemitic medieval myth, a decision influenced by a recently produced film. The leaflet featured the Norwich blood libel, a fabricated 12th-century accusation that falsely claimed Jewish people had ritually murdered a local boy named William. This harmful story had previously spread internationally.
The removal follows the cathedral's participation in "The Innocents," a short documentary commissioned for the UK Jewish Film Festival 2025. During the making of this film, the local Jewish community voiced their unease regarding the leaflet's presence within the cathedral's Holy Innocents chapel. This chapel is named after the biblical narrative of King Herod's massacre of infants.
The action by Norwich Cathedral signifies a contemporary response to historical prejudice, prompted by cultural engagement and community feedback. By eliminating the antisemitic myth from its premises, the cathedral aims to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment, acknowledging the distress caused by the persistent legacy of such falsehoods.
