(RNS) Jewish leaders are welcoming a revised statement from the U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops that rejects suggestions that interfaith dialogue could lead to the conversion and baptism of Jews.
American Jewish organizations had raised concerns that a document released by the bishops in June reversed earlier statements and indicated that dialogue between Catholics and Jews could be used as an opportunity to proselytize.
“Here is this instance where the document was released without consultation with the Jewish partners in June,” said Rabbi Eric J. Greenberg, director of interfaith policy at the Anti-Defamation League.
“That raises concerns about our level of communication, which needs to be addressed.”
Earlier this month (Oct.), the bishops issued a new statement affirming that Jewish-Catholic dialogue “has never been and will never be used by the Catholic Church as a means of proselytism.”
Greenberg called the clarification a historical moment for the bishops. But the Jewish leaders remain concerned about a rollback in Jewish-Catholic relations since the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
“The need for consultation and continuing dialogue is crucial,” Greenberg said.
By Matthew E. Berger
Copyright 2009 Religion News Service. All rights reserved. No part of this transmission may be distributed or reproduced without written permission.
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posted October 27, 2009 at 8:56 pm
You mean the RCC got the wording right this time? We’ll see.
posted October 27, 2009 at 8:58 pm
It’s good the bishops backed down. If you really want to talk to someone you probably shouldn’t advertise to the public that the talks could lead to the other person changing his religion. In the case of Jewish leaders, while there’s surely no chance they would change there’s plenty of reasons their followers wouldn’t care for the talks to take place anyway.
posted October 27, 2009 at 10:46 pm
First they came for the Anglican, but I was not an Anglican, so I did not speak out.
Then, they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew, so I did not speak out.
They’re coming for internet comboxers next. Repent and be saved.
posted October 28, 2009 at 12:56 pm
There are so many people in the world that are struggling, seeking support and even more, desperate for hope. Why is it that religious groups feel the need to raid each others membership? Is there not a greater benefit to reaching out into the communities of people who lives have no such affiliation? I think the entire concept of evangelization has become so corrupt and silly that it is becoming void of any real meaning. Help the folks who truly need help, and leave the rest of the folks alone if you can’t talk to them without some sort of sales pitch. Hooray for the RCC and their realization of this, in this instance.
posted October 28, 2009 at 6:46 pm
“Why is it that religious groups feel the need to raid each others membership? Is there not a greater benefit to reaching out into the communities of people who lives have no such affiliation?”
No, please proselytize the churched and leave the unchurched unabused.
posted October 28, 2009 at 8:28 pm
no group is raiding any others membership, that is just a falsehood and a fear. People that operate out of fear come up with some ridiculous ideas. As a matter of fact a new survey proves that very few church members will ever tell anyone about Jesus in their whole lives. It is a dirty tactic that has made the word proselytize a dirty club that has struck fear in most Christians lives so much that they will either compromise with the nonbelievers to be like them or not to say anything at all. Their is a few that will never be ashamed of the gospel, those who have living and active relationships with the Lord can never be ashamed by the world into inactivity or to be noneffective. Very few as a matter of fact they are a remnant.
posted October 28, 2009 at 9:34 pm
That’s encouraging, cknuck. I hope you are right about the numbers.
posted October 29, 2009 at 12:08 am
ck
You go looking for goblins where there are none. Why should Jewish or Moslem or Hindu people feel their faith is less significant or less effective? Evangelizing them is simply rude. That there has been codified efforts in the RCC – though they may finally be set aside – is simply one form of evidence. I am not ashamed of the Gospel, of Jesus or my faith. I simply believe it shuld not become a weapon or a threat.
nnmns
I would no more propose evanglizing committed able atheisists than I would any of the above mentioned groups. I am writing about people who are desperate, feeling powerless, and need some hope from outside their own abilities. Religion in its many forms offers that for some people. Evangelizing them is a way to offer them help.
posted October 29, 2009 at 12:49 am
jest I find no evidence of the gospel associated with you. Evangelizing is not a mean act it is the Great Commission not suggested but commanded by my Lord. Paul expounded on the subject showing how relational the act is by saying placing your peace upon the house, and how if it is not received shaking the dust off of your shoes. Nothing if forced on anyone it is not hostile nor mean as you and your atheist friend would suggest. It’s like the offer of a handshake either you shake it or not, no harm no foul.
posted October 29, 2009 at 12:00 pm
pardon me the last post concerning the gospel was mine
posted October 30, 2009 at 1:21 pm
“Evangelizing is not a mean act it is the Great Commission not suggested but commanded by my Lord.” cknuck
It may not be a mean act, but it can be annoying to those who are perfectly content with what they have come to believe which may have nothing to do with the beliefs of the person spreading the “good news”.
posted October 30, 2009 at 2:50 pm
There is a lot of things in this world that are annoying but not evil pagan, so you have answered correctly. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. the mystery of the gospel.
posted November 21, 2009 at 4:59 am
I just read the post and found it to be an interesting one and that’s the reason I thought about droping a few words. I would completely agree that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. It is the way that the things work in this world.