Dialogue with Christian churches

The WJC has well established relations with the Catholic Church, and has played a leading role, both directly and within the framework of ICJIC, in the dialogue with the Catholic Church over many decades. This dialogue has produced positive results in many cases. The recently adapted Latin text of the Good Friday prayer is a contentious issue.

Progress, however, is slow with regard to the Orthodox and Protestant Churches. The decentralised nature of these churches and certain political issues related to the Middle East conflict are obstacles to advancement.

WJC Policy

• Dialogue with the Christian churches is an important mechanism for increasing understanding between the faiths and for increasing mutual theological knowledge.

• Dialogue must be based on mutual respect for the values of each faith.

• Dialogue is the best method of resolving issues of contention, and for improving cooperation on issues of common concern like the subjects of nationalism and religious identity, preventing intolerance, anti-Semitism and xenophobia.

Dialogue with Islam

Dialogue with representatives of moderate Islam is one of the most important and challenging issues at this time. The increasing gap of understanding between so-called 'Western liberal democracies' and the Islamic word is extremely dangerous.

WJC Policy

• Discussion and debate between brethren who share a common root will lead to the realisation that shared ideals, aspirations and values far outweigh any differences that may exist.

• Extremists represent only a small part of Islam. The vast majority of Muslims are peace-loving people who do not support or wish to engage in terrorist activities.

• Dialogue should not only be limited to a theological debate, but also to exchanges of views on sociological, cultural, diplomatic and political issues.

Trialogue of the Abrahamic Faiths

In July 2008, the Muslim World League held an interfaith meeting to which representatives of many religions were invited. 'The International Conference for Dialogue' was an initiative of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, and was a significant step forward in opening the possibility of a trialogue of Abrahamic faiths. The WJC was amongst the Jewish organizations that were represented at the meeting.

WJC Policy

• All religions, and especially the three Abrahamic faiths, can work together to respond to the challenges posed by developments in modern society, especially to discuss and promote shared values.

• Cooperation between local communities can respond to the challenges posed by a changing world (environmental, globalisation, violence, terrorism, decline of values etc.) and can show that religions have viable answers to these challenges in the contemporary world.

Dialogue with other faiths

There is almost no contact between Jewish leaders and other faiths, on an international level.

WJC Policy

• Dialogue with all representatives of all faiths is important in building bridges of understanding and establishing respect.