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World Jewish Congress - Press ReleaseWJC commemorates 40th anniversary of 'Nostra Aetate' declarationArchbishop Vingt-Trois and Chief Rabbi Brodman address WJC conference in Brussels 23 November 2005
Together with the Central Jewish Consistory of Belgium and the Embassy of Israel in Belgium, the World Jewish Congress (WJC) has hosted a commemorative lecture on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the ground-breaking declaration "Nostra Aetate" on relations of Catholics with other religions, proclaimed in 1965 by the Vatican. The recently appointed Archbishop of Paris, André Vingt-Trois, and Rabbi David Brodman, Chief Rabbi of Savyon, Israel, gave the keynote addresses at Wednesday's gathering in the Belgian capital Brussels. Speaking on the theme of "Searching for answers or Asking new questions?", both stressed the achievements of inter-faith dialogue since the proclamation of "Nostra Aetate" by Pope Paul VI. Archbishop Vingt-Trois underlined the fact that both religions shared the same scriptures, thus creating familiarity. He said: "The Patriarchs, Kings, Priests, Prophets and Sages are all figures that accompany the life of Christians. Consequently, it becomes difficult to forget the present existence of the Jewish people who read these same scriptures, because it was for them that the words were written and to them that they were given. The simple proclamation of this reading, and the singing of the Psalm that follows it, create an unquestionable familiarity between the Christian people and the Jewish people. "We know that the memory of our relations in past centuries is painful. The history of the Jewish people is open to us, not because we could have appropriated it for ourselves by violence, but by grace. The commentary prescribed each Sunday must help people to perceive the topicality of this word. That is to state the responsibility of those who, in the Catholic Church, have the burden of preaching – bishops, priests and deacons. The more they realize the living permanence of Jews by reading and nourishing themselves on their scriptures that contain the Word of God, the more they will be able to lead the Christian people in this discovery." Vingt-Trois underlined the practical effects of inter-faith dialogue, saying: "Reciprocal dialogue and united action represent the substantial fruits of the efforts of decades". He also praised the work of the World Jewish Congress. He emphasized the importance of the meetings "that the WJC has for a few years been organizing in New York for cardinals and bishops, days of meeting with the Masters of the Yeshivoth and of seminars of Orthodox Judaism. I would especially like to express here my heartfelt gratitude to Rabbi Israel Singer, who is the initiator of these meetings." Chief Rabbi David Brodman emphasized the positive impact Nostra Aetate had, "after so many years of shame". He said that "we are aware of our theological differences, but now at last we can talk and we can respect each other despite our theological differences." Brodman said that "Nostra Aetate" had not only been a document, but had marked a fundamental change in the Catholic Church's mentality towards Jews. "We are still in the middle of the discussions, but for a better understanding in the future, we have to speak the truth", the chief rabbi of Savyon said. The Brussels event was attended by more than 400 politicians, diplomats and representatives of civil society in Belgium, including leading members of numerous Christian, Jewish and Muslim congregations and groups. For more information please contact: Michael Thaidigsmann About the World Jewish Congress The World Jewish Congress is an international organization whose mission is to address the interests and needs of Jews and Jewish communities throughout the world. The core principle of the World Jewish Congress is that all Jews are responsible for one another. We seek to achieve this by governing with consensus and celebrating unity in our vast diversity. As we have been for nearly three-quarters of a century, the World Jewish Congress continues to be the permanent address of the Jewish people.
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