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Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) today introduced a resolution commemorating Nostra Aetate, the “Declaration On The Relation Of The Church To Non-Christian Religions,” which changed the relationship between Jews and Catholics world-wide by condemning anti-Semitism in all its forms, and calling for interreligious dialogue and respect.
“This month, we mark the 40th anniversary of a watershed in interfaith relations, especially Catholic-Jewish relations,” said Holt. “As we commemorate this historic declaration, we need to remember that its essential message — the need for interreligious dialogue and religious tolerance — is vitally important today more than ever.”
Nostra Aetate, which was issued by Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965 after nearly unanimous approval by the Catholic bishops, repudiated all forms of anti-Semitism and repudiated “hatreds, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism directed against Jews at any time or from any source.” Nostra Aetate also strongly supported the need for “dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions.” While the document began as a declaration on solely Catholic-Jewish relations, it was later expanded to include Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other traditional religions.
Holt’s resolution commemorates the 40th anniversary of Nostra Aetate; encourages the United States to serve in a role of leadership in combating anti-Semitism and religious hatred or bigotry in all its forms and ending religious intolerance and religious discrimination worldwide; acknowledges and supports the new relationship of collaboration and dialogue that has grown between Jews and Catholics worldwide; and requests the President to 1) issue a proclamation observing the 40th anniversary of Nostra Aetate with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and 2) exert United States leadership to ensure that anti-Semitism and all forms of religious hatred and racial bigotry not be tolerated worldwide.
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