Informed sources here indicated today that when the Ecumenical Council resumes deliberations in the Vatican next September 8, it will probably consider steps to improve Catholic-Jewish relations but that it is unlikely it will issue a specific document condemning anti-Semitism.
It was suggested it was much more likely that the 2,000 bishops would seek to formulate proposals for a positive approach to education in its decisions touching on the position of the Jews. The Ecumenical Council’s Secretariat for Christian Unity is known to have prepared a document on the topic as long ago as last June.
The mood of the Council, it was reported, is against condemnations of any kind and in favor of an approach of positive teaching rather than condemnation. Vatican circles reportedly think that while a specific statement may be issued on Catholic-Jewish relations, it is more likely that the bishops will act for positive teaching in any area of Council decisions on matters of concern to Jews.
One certainty is that the Council will not do anything to endanger the improved Catholic-Jewish understanding which had been developed since John XXIII became Pope.
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