NEWS INVOLVING RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE OR RELIGIOUS INFORMATION
FOR 2005-NOVEMBER

Sponsored link.

United States House of Representatives will vote on H.Con.Res. 260, a resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, Nostra Aetate, and the continuing need for mutual inter-religious respect and dialogue.

Introduced by Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ), the resolution calls upon the House of Representatives to recognize the significance of the Catholic Church's document as well as to encourage the continued implementation of the ideals it professes; commemorates the 40th anniversary of Nostra Aetate; celebrates the historic relationship between Jews, Catholics and other religions worldwide that has resulted; expresses the need for continued interreligious dialogue and cooperation between all people of all faiths; condemns anti-Semitism; and encourages the United States to be a leader in ending religious intolerance and discrimination worldwide.

Upon introducing the resolution, Congressman Holt described Nostra Aetate as a catalyst for open discussion between faiths: "This month we mark the 40th anniversary of a watershed moment in interfaith relations, especially Catholic-Jewish relations. As we commemorate this historic declaration, we need to remember that its essential message - the need for interreligious dialogue and religious tolerance - is vitally important today more than ever."

"I applaud Representative Holt for introducing such an important resolution and call on the House of Representatives to vote overwhelmingly in favor of it," commented Institute President Joseph K. Grieboski. "This resolution recognizes the universal message of coexistence set forth in the Nostra Aetate. Religious respect and understanding in every capacity advances Man's efforts to grow in peace as one people."

In Nostra Aetate, the Roman Catholic church reversed centuries-long teachings that:

1. All of the Jews in Palestine circa 30 CE were responsible for the execution of Jesus.
2. All Jews who are currently living are also responsible for Jesus' death.
3. God has rejected Jews because they murdered Jesus. ₁

Links to religious news sources:

References used:

1. "U.S. Congress to Vote on Resolution..." Institute on Religion and Public Policy, 2005-NOV-07.

Copyright © 2005 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2005-NOV-08
Latest update: 2005-NOV-08
Compiler: B.A. Robinson