VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2006 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received 112 members of B'nai B'rith International (in Hebrew, 'Sons of the Covenant'), the world's oldest Jewish volunteer organization, founded in New York in 1843.
In greeting them, the Pope recalled how, since the 1965 promulgation of the Vatican Council II Declaration "Nostra Aetate," representatives of B'nai B'rith have visited the Holy See on numerous occasions, in "the spirit of understanding, respect and mutual appreciation which is developing between our communities."
Continuing his English-language talk, the Pope pointed out that "much has been achieved in the past four decades of Jewish-Catholic relations, and we must be grateful to God for the remarkable transformation that has taken place on the basis of our common spiritual patrimony. It is this rich heritage of faith which enables our communities not only to enter into dialogue, but also to be partners in working together for the good of the human family. ... Jews and Christians are called to work together for the healing of the world by promoting the spiritual and moral values grounded in our faith convictions. If we give a clear example of fruitful cooperation, our voice in responding to the needs of the human family will be all the more convincing.
"On the occasion of your visit, I reiterate my unfailing hope and prayer for peace in the Holy Land. Peace can only come about if it is the concern of Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, expressed in genuine inter-religious dialogue and concrete gestures of reconciliation. All believers are challenged to show that it is not hatred and violence, but understanding and peaceful cooperation which open the door to that future of justice and peace which is God's promise and gift."
AC/JEWS:CHRISTIANS COOPERATION/B'NAI B'RITH VIS 20061218 (310)
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