‘NOSTRA AETATE’

This month marks the 60th anniversary of Vatican II’s ‘Declaration on the Relations of the Church to Non-Christian Religions’

The Diocese of Albany has always been at the forefront of the Jewish-Catholic dialogue. In 1986, the first reconciliation service in the world between Jews and Catholics was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. And last summer, Father James J. Kane, director for the diocesan Commission for Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs, led a Jewish-Catholic gathering titled “Stand up to Hatred of Jews” at the famed Portal statue that faces out on Madison Avenue in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo) (Courtesy photo of Cindy Schultz)

On Oct. 28, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Vatican II document: “Declaration on the Relations of the Church to Non-Christian Religions” (“Nostra Aetate”). This affords an opportunity to review its teachings such as “The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions.” We will explore a quote from “Nostra Aetate” and that will be followed by a response. 

“Again, BUDDHISM, in its various forms, realizes the radical insufficiency of this changeable world; it teaches a way by which people, in a devout and confident spirit, may be able either to acquire the state of perfect liberation, or attain, by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination.”

BUDDHIST RESPONSE: “Christianity and Buddhism arose from geographically contiguous areas and there is historic evidence that their philosophies and practitioners interacted and may have influenced each other. There were both positive and negative results of this interaction. With ‘Nostra Aetate’ in 1965 there was a concerted effort for the two traditions to better understand and actively engage and cooperate with each other. As an example, in 1989, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II and the Venerable Etai Yamada Zasu (Head Priest and spiritual leader of Tendai Buddhism) initiated a twice-yearly, International Interfaith Prayers for Peace Summit, held on Mt. Hiei, Japan (in August) and Europe (in October), often in Assisi, Italy, that continues to this day. Religious leaders from around the world attend this inspiring event. Such interaction is a direct result of ‘Nostra Aetate’ ”

Ven. Rev. Monshin Paul Naamon (Abbot: Tendai Buddhist Institute (Chatham)

“The Church regards with esteem also the MUSLIMS. They adore the one God. …They take pains to submit wholeheartedly to His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God … they revere Jesus as a prophet.  They also honor Mary. … Finally, they value the moral life and worship God, especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.”

MUSLIM REPONSE: “As we approach the ‘Nostra Aetate’ anniversary. Locally the interfaith relationship has been strong. Muslims regard Catholics as friends and supporters in good times and challenging times. Muslims have appreciated the great social work that many Catholic charities do over the years. In the next 60 years, we hope to continue a positive interfaith relationship by learning more about each other’s faiths, appreciating the commonalities and respecting the differences. 

In view of the current world situation, I hope for more moral and political support from the Catholic Church as far as humanitarian issues go, particularly in Gaza during this time, and in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Convention.”

Dr. Mussart Chaudhry (Islamic Center of C.D. & Al-Hidaya; interfaith Story Circle)

“The JEWS remain very dear to God. … Since Christians and Jews have such a common spiritual heritage, this sacred Council wishes to encourage and further mutual understanding and appreciation. This can be obtained, especially, by way of biblical and theological enquiry and through friendly discussions. The Church repudiates every form of persecution against whomsoever it may be directed.” (The only condemnation in the 16 documents of the council).

JEWISH RESPONSE: “Over the past 60 years, Jewish-Catholic relations have undergone remarkable healing. Since ‘Nostra Aetate,’ we have moved from estrangement to partnership, from polemic to dialogue, from fear to friendship. This transformation embodies the Torah’s vision: ‘Seek justice and pursue it.’ (Psalm 34:15)  Seeking peace is not passive — it requires courage, humility and persistence.

“For the next 60 years, our task is to deepen trust through shared study, prayerful encounters, and collaboration on the world’s greatest challenges: combating anti-semitism, lifting the poor, protecting creation and upholding human dignity. As the prophet Micah taught: ‘What does the Lord requite of you? To do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ (Micah 6:8)

“The challenge issue will be each of our relationships with Israel. Empathy and understanding are key values here. Jewish-Catholic relations with Israel affirm shared sacred history, foster dialogue, support peace efforts and strengthen respect for faith and people.

“Our future together will be shaped not only by theological dialogue, but by standing side by side, showing that ancient faiths can honor their distinctiveness while working in sacred partnership for a more just and compassionate world.”

Rabbi Matt Cutler (Congregation Gates of Heaven & Schenectady Clergy Against Hate)

* * *

“We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly/

sisterly way anyone, created as s/he is in the image of God.”

“The Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against people or harassment of them because of their race, color, condition of life, or religion.”  — “Nostra Aetate”

PRAYER FOR UNITY

“You, the One from whom on different paths all of us have come, to whom on different paths we are all going, make strong in our hearts what unites us; build bridges across all that divides us;  united make us rejoice in our diversity. And at one in our witness to your peace. A rainbow to your glory. Amen” — Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR OCTOBER

“Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity.”

Rev. Father James J. Kane is the director for the diocesan Commission for Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs.