An informed source here asserted today that it appeared certain the Ecumenical Council would discuss and approve a proposed declaration on Catholic-Jewish relations.
Referring to plans to shorten the remaining work by removing that declaration from the chapter on Christian ecumenism and making it a separate appendix, the source said that this proposed change definitely would not weaken the effect of the declaration. It would absolve Jews from any blame in the crucifixion of Christ, and warn Catholics against anti-Semitism stemming from that ancient charge.
The source said that despite the efforts to shorten the remaining agenda, there was a possibility that a fourth plenary Council session might be necessary. It was indicated that among topics considered certain to get final approval also were the chapter on ecumenism and on freedom of religious conscience.
(In Geneva, today, Prof. Hans Deutsch, a well-known international lawyer and publisher, said upon his return from an audience in the Vatican with Pope Paul VI, that the Pontiff had endorsed an appeal to put an end to prejudice and misunderstanding which has hampered Jewish-Christian relations for centuries. He said the Pope had shown “much understanding” and was “fully concerned” with directing his efforts toward influencing greater tolerance between the two great religious denominations.)
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
