Committee of Catholics to Fight Anti-Semitism

[10] By July 1939, Thomas J. Walsh, national commander of the Catholic War Veterans (CWV) and Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, had joined the committee.

[12] According to the committee, its purpose was, "primarily to reach those who, contrary to the teachings of Christianity and the principles of democracy, are taking part, unfortunately, in spreading race and minority hatreds in the United States.

"[14] In July 1939, John Brophy, national director of the Congress of Industrial Organizations, gave a speech appealing for the labor movement to support the committee's work, saying that, "anti-Semitism, like every other form of racism and minority hatred, has a real place in the plans of un-democratic, un-American forces seeking to dominate our social and political life.

[11] According to historian Mary Christine Athans, "The Voice was published in direct opposition to [Father Charles Coughlin's] Social Justice, condemning the antisemitic activities which were rampant at that time.

Thirty Catholic leaders announced the formation of the branch committee, among them Edward Marciniak, elected chairman of the new group, and Marie Antoinette Roulet.

[21] According to executive secretary Chapman, "The original aim of the committee was to combat the growing error of racism by bringing before the public the positive Christian doctrines condemning such thought.

Since those same doctrines which emphasize the brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God apply to all races and peoples, we have felt that a broader application of them was imperative.

I think it is especially fitting that the award in his name is to be made by an organization which recognizes the dignity of human nature regardless of faith, race, color, or social condition.

Its reorganization, explained Emmanuel Chapman, "was made urgent by numerous requests from members of the committee who pointed to the resurgence of intolerance at this time."