Catholic, Jewish leaders urge collaboration on justice, rights

Published: 2004-07-09

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee focused on the shared commitment to justice of both faiths at its July 5-8 meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The meeting represented "a most important shift, from discussion of theoretical matters to looking to practical cooperation to alleviate poverty," Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore told Catholic News Service July 9 in a phone interview from Buenos Aires. In a joint declaration released at the end of the meeting, the committee said, "Our joint commitment to justice is deeply rooted in both our faiths. ... We share the conviction that every person has the right to be treated with justice and equality." The declaration also commented on progress in Catholic-Jewish relations and addressed global justice issues and problems of terrorism, anti-Semitism and anti-Catholicism. The Buenos Aires meeting was the 18th of the committee, which was formed after the Second Vatican Council and generally meets every three years. It was the first time the committee met in Latin America.

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