VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 2005 (VIS) - A meeting is being held in Rome today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vatican Council II's Declaration "Nostra aetate," which deals with the Church's relations with non-Christian religions.
The meeting, which has been organized by the Holy See Commission for Religious Relations with Jews, began this morning with a session dedicated to reflecting upon the initiatives and events that have characterized the post-conciliar period, and upon the development of religious relations between Catholics and Jews. The discussion also turned to the most appropriate ways to develop further reciprocal understanding and cooperation between the two faiths.
This afternoon, a commemorative act will take place during which "Nostra aetate" will be evaluated and its future prospects considered. Participating in the event will be Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Holy See Commission for Religious Relations with Jews, Rabbi David Rosen, international director for inter-religious affairs of the American Jewish Committee, and Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, archbishop emeritus of Paris, France. Also present will be various representatives of international Jewish institutions with which the Holy See commission has had contact and dealings over these years, as well as members of the Roman Curia and of the diplomatic corps to the Holy See.
The Holy See Commission for Religious Relations with Jews was established by Paul VI in 1974 as an organization distinct from, though part of, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Its aim is to promote and stimulate religious relations between Jews and Catholics, with the collaboration of other Christians. The president, vice president and secretary of the commission are, respectively, Cardinal Walter Kasper, Bishop Brian Farrell L.C., and Fr. Norbert Hofmann S.D.B.
.../NOSTRA AETATE/KASPER VIS 20051027 (290)
