The Delegation of the Holy See’s Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s Delegation for Relations with the Catholic Church
Bi-Lateral Commission Meeting
Jerusalem, June 26-28, 2005, 19-21 Sivan 5765
I.
The opening evening was graced by the presence of the Rishon L’Zion, Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, Chief Rabbi of Israel, who expressed his fervent support for the dialogue to emphasize profound shared values of the two Traditions, while not ignoring the distinctions that make us different faith communities. Above all, the purpose of the dialogue is to promote the principles of sanctity and dignity of all human beings and to advance our cooperation for these goals.
In their welcome, the heads of the respective delegations, Chief Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen and Cardinal Jorge Mejia expressed their profound satisfaction at the depth of understanding and friendship that had developed through the meetings of the bilateral committee.
II.
Opening the deliberations – as this was the first meeting since the passing of Pope John Paul II of blessed memory – the chairmen made special mention of his historic contribution to Catholic-Jewish reconciliation and to the fact that this bilateral committee was the fruit of his initiative. Cardinal Mejia noted in addition, the remarkable reference to the former Chief Rabbi of Rome in Pope John Paul II’s will. Appreciation was expressed for the commitment to continue to promote these bilateral relations, on the part of his successor Pope Benedict XVI.
III.
The theme of this fifth meeting was The Relationship between Religious and Civil Authority in the Jewish and Christian Traditions. Based on the Biblical vision of the distinct roles of Priest, Prophet and King, as well as their respective relationships with the people of God, the following key points were made:
IV.
Discussion focussed on the responsibility of the state to guarantee the rights of all religious communities giving special attention to the situation and needs of the Christian communities in the Holy Land, as well as the needs of Jewish communities around the world, facilitating full social and political equality without undermining particular identities.
Jerusalem, June 28th 2005 – 21 Sivan 5765
The Jewish Delegation | The Catholic Delegation |
Chief Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen | Jorge Cardinal Mejia |
Ciuef Rabbi Rasson Arussi | George Cardinal Cottier, O.P. |
Chief Rabbi David Brodman | Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo |
Chief Rabbi Yossef Azran | Archimandrite Elias Chacour |
Chief Rabbi David Rosen | Msgr.Pier Francesco Fumagalli |
Mr.Oded Wiener | Fthr. Norbert Hofmann SDB |
Amb.Shmuel Hadas | Nuncio Pietro Sambi |