Catholic Cardinal in France Favors Christian-jewish ‘ecumenical Spirit’

A leading prelate of France expressed support last night for promotion of a Catholic-Jewish ecumenical spirit and for the closest relationships between the two faiths.

Cardinal Gerlier of Lyons took that stand in presiding at a meeting of Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergy in his See which was convened to discuss “whether a Jewish-Christian ecumenical spirit can exist.” The two principal Jewish representatives were Chief Rabbi Kling of Lyons and Prof. A. Ashkenazi, director of the French Jewish Seminary.

A Jesuit priest, Father Leon Dufour, cited the writings of Saint Paul “who lived in his own person a Catholic-Jewish ecumenical spirit” to argue that “co-existence is possible and we must look for a common dialogue.” Dr. A. Metzger, a Protestant pastor, went farther in declaring that while a Christian-Jewish religious syncretism could not be hoped for, “it is impossible to achieve Christian unity without the participation of the Jewish religion.”

Cardinal Gerlier, who has been credited with opposing the Nazi occupation in France and with saving countless Jewish lives during the occupation, declared himself “a supporter” of both Father Dufour and Dr. Metzger. He added that “the importance of this discussion is such that we must hope for a renewal of it.”

Rabbi Kling was more guarded in his contribution to the discussion. He paid tribute to the Cardinal’s anti-Nazi stand during the occupation and said: “We Jews have carefully followed the proceedings of the Ecumenical Council with passionate interest. We took no part in what was an internal Christian affair but we know it has favored a climate which helps mutual understanding.”