There a many things in this world at which someone might take offence, if they are so minded (and many are). The real issue is whether or not it's right or useful to take offence. I can understand that, in view of their history, many Jews will be determined to root out anti-semitism wherever they find it, but with respect I feel that can go too far where the offence is unintentional or even imagined.

My question is, what good is served by taking offence where none is intended? This can sometimes increase divisions rather than break them down. It can reinforce stereotypes of perpetual victimhood which are neither attractive nor helpful.

I have in mind the recent furore over a police poster featuring a puppy, which was withdrawn because a Muslim was offended by it, although it was not directed at Muslims nor did it refer to them. Or the fuss over English mummers and morris-dancers blacking-up, although it was traditionally done for disguise rather than to represent or denigrate black people.

Gerry, I can understand why you may be offended. The reason why you're not having much success pursuading others is that most people seem to share my view that it's based on a double misunderstanding of the words (firstly, the meaning of "holy people" and secondly the connection between the two halves of the verse). And if you don't want us to feel guilty, presumably you'd prefer us to amend or omit that verse from the song. But the song as a whole is not anti-semitic - it's certainly not "openly anti-semitic naming Jews" as the OP was asking, and if it's encouraging people to blame the Jews for Christ's death it's doing it in such an obscure way that most people, Jews among them, are not aware until it's pointed out, and even then find it difficult to agree.

So I ask again, what is the point of taking offence? Even if Sydney Carter has succeeded in smuggling an anti-semitic message into the song (which I don't believe), he's done it in such a way that most people singing or listening to it are unaware of that message. Even if I were to agree with your interpretation, is that worth taking offence over? There are more important issues, surely?