The Midlands Art Centre provided an appropriate venue for the first event designed to mark the 60 years since the publication of Nostra Aetate in Birmingham. This programme was coordinated by the RC Diocesan Commission for Dialogue in conjunction with the Birmingham Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ). It was supported by Birmingham and West Midlands Jewish Community, Columbans in Britain, and the Focolare Movement.
The evening started with a video that conveyed the significance of this Vatican II document, Nostra Aetate, particularly in relation to how the Church saw itself and its relation to the Jewish community. In reference to the theological and historical misunderstandings between both communities, Rev. Denis McManus from Georgetown University reflects, ‘Christianity has its roots in Judaism and nothing, but trouble will result from separating a community from its roots’.
The session was chaired by Ann Conway-Jones (from CCJ) and featured keynote presentations by Rabbi Yossi Jacobs (Chief Minister of the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation) and Rev. Jeremy Howard (Parish Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes Hednesford). Rabbi Yossi shared his experience of getting involved in dialogue with leaders of other faiths because of his appointment to work in multifaith Birmingham. He was appreciative of the long-standing relationships built with other faith leaders but acknowledged that it has not always been easy, stating that ‘meaningful relations come with work’. The audience appreciated Yossi’s sense of humour while relating stories that exemplified both the challenges and joys of his interfaith journey.
Fr. Jeremy shared about his work in hospital chaplaincy, as well as his personal interest in Judaism, as defining features of his involvement in Jewish-Christian dialogue and interfaith work. He reminded us of the damage caused by antisemitism, even nowadays, and the contribution made by people such as French historian Isaac Jules in helping the Church combat erroneous Christian teachings in relation to the Jewish people. He spoke about joyful interfaith encounters, particularly when celebrating each other’s religious festivals.
Attendees had the opportunity to share with one another in small break out groups regarding what part of the speakers’ message resonated with them. In these groups, the importance of listening, tolerance, and repentance was highlighted. Education was mentioned as a means of countering the antisemitism embedded in language and attitudes. The following questions addressed to the speakers can give you an insight into the groups’ discussions:
- How can we stay motivated in the face of so many challenges?
- How can we further strengthen relations between our communities today?
- What Christian-Jewish activities are there?
- What can we do to avoid backsliding?
- How does the rise of secularization affect interfaith dialogue?
- How can we instil the spirit of interfaith dialogue among younger generations?
- How can the successes of interfaith dialogue since Nostra Aetate be transplanted into society?
- Should spiritual leaders be more outspoken in their moral stance? Should they provide stronger leadership?
The speakers, in response, coincided in highlighting the importance of grassroots involvement and relationship-building. Interfaith dialogue requires patience, respect, and willingness to go beyond personal comfort zones, they stressed. They also spoke of the need for faith communities to get involved together in initiatives that serve the whole community.
Bishop David Evans on behalf of the Catholic Church ion Birmingham closed the evening by thanking the organisers and the speakers. The event was attended by 52 people.
The second event in the series celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate focusing on Muslim-Christian dialogue, will take place on Thursday, 8th May 2025 in Birmingham. This event will explore how Nostra Aetate has shaped engagement between the two faiths. Despite historical conflicts, misunderstandings, and theological differences, both traditions share a commitment to addressing contemporary global challenges, including poverty, war, environmental destruction, migration, justice, peace, and social action. The discussion will highlight how interfaith dialogue fosters healing, respect, and cooperation, particularly in the pursuit of global peacebuilding and shared values.
