Moslem and Christian religious leaders in Israel today voiced disagreement with Moslems in the Arab countries who have denounced the declaration on relations with the Jewish people adopted last week by the Ecumenical Council at the Vatican. Among other Moslem reactions outside Israel was one reported today from Jordan, where the Amman Government has announced it would blacklist all prelates who voted in favor of the declaration on the Jews at the Vatican conclave.
In a statement by the Moslem religious leaders in Israel, today, the action by the Ecumenical Council was hailed as “historic.” The Moslems said that those who criticize the Vatican action forget that the Koran itself had lauded Jesus, who was of the Jewish people. At the same time, Archbishop Georges Hakim of Acre and Galilee, the leading Christian prelate in this country, stated publicly that he “welcomes” the Ecumenical Council’s declaration on relations with the Jewish people.
The practical effect of the Jordanian action is to bar the affected prelates from entering Jordan to visit the Christian holy places, and the timing of the ban means that the customary Christmas visits to Bethlehem may be barred.
At Amman, Premier Mahjat Talhouni resisted, however, Parliamentary demands for “drastic action” against Catholic missions and schools in Jordan. Jordanian Catholics in Bethlehem reportedly sent a warning to Pope Paul VI that they might leave the church permanently if the Pontiff promulgates the decree, which he is expected to do at the fourth and final session of the Council.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
