Jews and Catholics: a pilgrimage to partnership

Rev. Damian MacPherson

Some will agree that Canadian Jews are more inclined to identify with Catholics when they refer to the body of believers referred to as Christians. Perhaps this is so for any number of reasons. One thinks, for example, of the church’s involvement in the Crusades, the Inquisition, enforceable conversions, but especially the involvement of Catholics during the period of the Holocaust. 

In times past, suspicion was a hallmark of the Catholic-Jewish relationship. Jews remember the long history of forcible conversions. Christians considered Judaism as an obstinate religion. In turn Jews – with historical justification – suspected that the Christian motivation for communication with them was aimed at conversion. 

Thankfully, times change. At the grassroots level, it might be said that today, Catholics and Jews carry on a very civil relationship with one another. Today, tolerance and respect one for another can be found as Christians and Jews find themselves being neighbours and co-workers. Gratefully, deep and genuine friendships have developed between the two communities over the years. 

But the truth is that, while relationships between Catholics and Jews have improved greatly, they need to continue to do so in the future. Happily, across Canada there are a number of Christian-Jewish dialogue groups who do their best to show the fruits of such dialogue encounters. Their collective voices give concrete expression to the mutual regard we must have for one another as Christians and Jews. This pilgrimage to deeper partnership can never again afford to be interrupted. Our synagogues and churches ought to see as obligatory the need to promote such progress.

In 1960, a noted French Jewish historian, Jules Isaac, presented Pope John XXIII with pertinent historical information on Christian anti-Judaism and certain attitudes that contributed to the Holocaust. This historic meeting is generally credited with being a major impetus for the pope’s decision to direct Cardinal Augustin Bea, on Sept. 18, 1960, to draft a declaration on the Catholic Church’s relationship to the Jewish People for the upcoming Second Vatican Council. This was the genesis of what would become the council document known as Nostra Aetate (“in our time”). In addressing the significances of all world religions, the document boldly declares that “the Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions.” Further clarifying the Catholic Church’s position, the document continues: “She has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines which, although differing in many ways from her own teaching, nevertheless often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men.” 

Specifically, the document affirmed that “Jews should not be presented as rejected or accursed by God, as if this followed from the Holy Scriptures.” It further declared that the church “decries hatred, persecutions, [and] displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.” 

The document spends the greater portion of its time teaching and affirming the place and importance of the Jews, from whose validity Christians derive their identity.

Published on Oct. 28, 1965, this groundbreaking text is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. I dare to suggest that the average Catholic and Jew is unaware of the scope of this revolutionary document and thus the importance of the anniversary being celebrated. 

Together we must praise God, because the darkness of night has passed and the dawning of a new day has arrived, offering sure hope for the continuing success of this emerging pilgrimage and partnership. Going forward, therefore, we are confident that, as it is written in Psalms 29:11, “The Lord will give strength to his people. The Lord will bless his people with peace.” n

Rev. Damian MacPherson, SA, is the director for ecumenical and interfaith affairs at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto. The Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Toronto, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Toronto, hosts a celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate in Toronto on Oct. 8.