'Nostra Aetate' offers important lessons 40 years later, panel says

Published: 2005-10-31

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Although much remains to be done, the progress made in relations between Catholics and Jews in the 40 years since the Second Vatican Council's declaration on relations with non-Christians can point the way to dialogue in many arenas, a panel on Capitol Hill said Oct. 27. "This was no empty sentimentality," said Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., of "Nostra Aetate," the Vatican II document approved Oct. 28, 1965, that repudiated anti-Semitism in all forms. "It was historic, important and effective. It has made a difference in the history of the world." Holt, who sponsored a House resolution marking the 40th anniversary of "Nostra Aetate," convened the panel that also included Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif.; two rabbis; two Catholic priests; and the president of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy. Lantos, a co-chairman of the Congressional Task Force Against Anti-Semitism and a Holocaust survivor, said the resolution and the panel discussion were particularly timely in light of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's statement the day before that the state of Israel "should be wiped off the map."

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .