Ecclesia et Synagoga

Ecclesia et Synagoga (Latin: Church and Synagogue) is a sculptural depiction of the Church and the Jewish synagogue found on the façades of churches across Europe.

It depicts the two as women, with Ecclesia generally adorned with a crown, chalice and staff, looking confidently forward. In contrast, Synagoga is blindfolded and decrepit, carrying a broken staff and Torah scrolls that are slipping from her hand.

This negative depiction of the Jewish religion in comparison to Christianity is more controversial today than it was in the past.

See also