December 11, 2015
Media Coverage:
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has applauded the latest statement from the Vatican on the need for Catholics to work with the Jewish people to fight anti-Semitism. In a new document, “The Gifts and Calling of God are Irrevocable” published by the Vatican’s Commission for Religious Relations with Jews, the Vatican pledges, “to do all that is possible with our Jewish friends to repel anti-Semitic tendencies” and notes that, “History teaches us where even the slightest perceptible forms of anti-Semitism can lead: the human tragedy of the Shoah in which two-thirds of European Jewry were annihilated.” The document also states that Catholics should not try to convert Jews, stresses that the two faiths have a “unique” relationship and observes that God never annulled his covenant with the Jewish people.
Dr. Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“This is a forceful and significant statement from the Vatican. It is heartening that this new publication emphasises the critical necessity of “combating all manifestations of racial discrimination against Jews and all forms of anti-Semitism,” both in light of history’s tragic demonstration of “where even the slightest perceptible forms of anti-Semitism can lead” and the “Jewish roots of Christianity” itself. This welcomed document will further enhance the positive bond of friendship that the Church, Israel and the Jewish people have enjoyed and reflects the major role that Pope Francis has played in improving Jewish-Catholic relations. It is extremely important that the Vatican continues to make its voice heard about the dangers of religious intolerance and the scourge of anti-Jewish bigotry. We are also pleased that the document calls on Catholics to refrain from actively attempting to convert Jews, though we are discomforted that the document does not include a reference to the centrality of Israel in Jewish life and that it rejects as conflicting with Christian faith a principle that confers equal legitimacy in a “Jewish path without Christ” alongside Christianity.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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