One of Melbourne’s most elite privates schools has been forced to apologise following complaints it published an anti-Semitic Christmas message.
The December message was written by Carey Grammar’s senior school chaplain Gerry Riviere and said Jewish leaders attempted to “silence” Jesus by crucifying him.
The message was taken down on Monday following enquiries by The Australian.
A spokeswoman for Carey Grammar said the school welcomed people of all faiths.
“Our Principal, Mr Jonathan Walter, has spoken with the staff member who wrote the newsletter piece,” she said.
“The Chaplain, who authored the piece, regrets any unintentional hurt he has caused and would like to retract his statements and apologise to the Jewish community.”
In his retraction Mr Riviere unreservedly apologised for “any offence or hurt” caused to members of the Jewish community.
“I made reference to the Jewish religious leaders at the time of Jesus and suggested that they were responsible for his death. I have reflected on my piece and would like to retract this message,” he said.
“It was not my intention to condemn or upset anyone with my words.”
Mr Riviere said he had positively engaged with people of all faiths over his years as a chaplain.
“I have deep respect for the Jewish people and I regret that my actions have caused distress.”
Read the article by Tessa Akerman in The Australian.