Jewish-Catholic dialogue thriving

In March 1986, more than 1,000 Catholics and Jews gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard for what is believed to be the first Jewish/Catholic Reconciliation Service anywhere in the world.

The event, known as "From Fear to Friendship," included prayers and reconciliation for centuries of anti-Semitism. Since that time, relationships have greatly improved among Jews and Catholics, say those involved in the process.

Lasting impact

According to Mrs. Dunham, a parishioner of St. Francis Church in Northville, the dialogue committee meets three to four times a year and plans a major public event annually. These events have included panel discussions at local colleges, lectures and educational programs on the Holocaust.

Rabbi Bernard Bloom, rabbi emeritus of Temple Gate of Heaven in Schenectady, said that the dialogue committee and the events it sponsors are examples of the positive relationship that exists between Catholics and Jews locally. In addition, he pointed to Siena College's Institute for Jewish Christian Studies and the College of Saint Rose's Sidney Albert lecture series as programs that have promoted greater communication and understanding.

Leadership

"'From Fear to Friendship' made a difference," she said. "It's like a pebble in the pond. We now have a very special community."

Father Kane agreed, saying, "The relationship between Jews and Christians is better here than anywhere in the country."

Said Rabbi Bloom, "We're in the forefront, thanks to Bishop Hubbard."

Pilgrims together

She compared the connection between the faiths to having family in another part of the country: You may not speak with them every day, yet you are pleased to hear from them, celebrate their good news and provide support in times of crisis.

"We're very proud of our relationship," said Mrs. Kahn. "We've been very successful, and we've become very good friends."

Together

Committee members have become involved in projects sponsored by the other faith tradition. For example, a Jewish woman serves on the Albany diocesan Commission for the Aging. As a result, the Commission for the Aging and Jewish Family Services co-sponsor projects.

At times, Mrs. Dunham finds herself working on a project at a local synagogue while Mrs. Kahn is at a Catholic church, serving on a committee.

Mrs. Dunham explained that involvement in the Jewish-Catholic dialogue has changed her life. "I remember a Jewish woman with tears in her eyes, saying, 'I never thought I could trust a Christian.'"

More to do

Father Kane said, "The Holocaust is always going to be a point of friction." Jewish people would like Christians to acknowledge the centuries of anti-Semitism that led to the Holocaust, as well as the role Pope Pius XII played, he noted. Christians, for their part, would like Jewish people to acknowledge the five million Christians killed in the Holocaust.

"This continues to be a flashpoint of concern," he said. "However, the relationship in this area allows open dialogue on this."

Rabbi Bloom would like to see greater involvement of young people. "It's like the attitude of younger women to the feminist movement," he said. "They've come to take it for granted. For younger people, there's not as much of an interest. They think that's the way it's supposed to be."

(03-30-00) [[In-content Ad]]