Nashville, Tenn. – August 24, 2026
Background Note: Following her election as president of the Catholic Biblical Association, there have been notable complaints from some that Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is Jewish rather than Catholic; that some of her historical-critical conclusions differ from Catholic doctrinal or moral positions, particularly regarding abortion and sexuality; and that she has challenged Christian readings that can foster antiJewish interpretations. Some commentary raises those as substantive questions about leadership of a Catholic scholarly association, but some of the social-media reaction goes well beyond disagreement into personal vilification and, in some instances, antisemitism. We note that the Catholic Biblical Association itself overwhelmingly affirmed her election and described her as deeply respected for her scholarship and decades of work in Jewish-Christian relations.
A Statement from Abingdon Press
We are dismayed by the personal and religious attacks directed toward our friend and Abingdon Press author Dr. Amy-Jill Levine following her election as president of the Catholic Biblical Association. Christians may disagree vigorously about biblical interpretation and theology, but contempt, antisemitism, and the demonizing of those with whom we differ have no place in Christian discourse. We know Dr. Levine as an extraordinary scholar, gifted teacher, and generous conversation partner whose work has helped countless Christians understand Jesus, the New Testament, and their Jewish contexts more faithfully. In a Wesleyan spirit, we give thanks for scholarship that enlarges understanding and for relationships across religious differences that help us love God and neighbor more deeply. We are grateful for Dr. Levine, proud to publish her work, and stand with her in the conviction that serious faith has nothing to fear from serious scholarship, honest disagreement, or friendship across religious traditions.
Brian K Milford, President and Publlisher
Neil M Alexander, President and Publisher Emeritus
About United Methodist Publishing House
Founded in 1789 as the Methodist Book Concern, The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) is a publisher and distributor of Christian resources for congregations, clergy, and lay leaders, with primary attention given to the needs of The United Methodist Church. UMPH is a fully self-supporting general agency of The United Methodist Church and receives no general church funds. Its primary publishing imprint is Abingdon Press (abingdonpress.com), and the retail and distribution operations are known as Cokesbury (cokesbury.com).
This content was originally published by the United Methodist Publishing House; republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on Aug. 25, 2026.