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Clearing Jews of Christ Killing on Vatican Agenda, Ritter Says

August 27, 1964
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The third session of the Ecumenical Council being convened at the Vatican on September 14 will definitely have before it a schema affirming the concept that all humanity, and not the Jews alone, is responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus, it was ascertained here today at the chancery of Joseph Elmer Cardinal Ritter.

The term “deicide”–Christ-killing–has been dropped from the version of the schema now ready for debate by the Ecumenical Council, it was ascertained on the authority of Cardinal Ritter, but the concept is still on the Council’s agenda. At a general press conference during National Liturgical Week, here, Cardinal Ritter said:

“To my knowledge, the word ‘deicide’ has been removed from the schema, but the meaning that the Jewish people are not guilty of deicide, is still implied in the schema. The schema is still under discussion. It is not final. It may be that when the Council resumes the word will be returned to the schema.”

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