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They denounced antisemitism both as a sin against God and
humanity and as a danger to modern civilization. And to
address these vital concerns, they issued a call in the form
of 10 points to Christian churches to reform and renew their
understandings of Judaism and the relationships between
Judaism and Christianity.
Now, more than 60 years later, the International Council
of Christians and Jews issues a new call ― this one to both
Christian and Jewish communities around the world. It
commemorates the anniversary of the Seelisberg gathering,
which was also the genesis of the International Council of
Christians and Jews. Today’s call reflects the need to refine
the Ten of Seelisberg, consistent with the advances in
interreligious dialogue since that groundbreaking document
of 1947.
This new call contains 12 points ― presented as goals, and
addressed to Christians and Jews, and to Christian and
Jewish communities together. After listing the 12 points and
several specific tasks for each one, the document reviews
the history of the relationship between Christians and Jews,
which has provided the contextual framework and impetus
for our initiative.
We members of the International Council of Christians and
Jews speak together in this new call as active members of
our traditions with a centuries-long history of alienation, hostility
and conflict, punctuated by instances of persecution
and violence against Jews in Christian-dominated Europe, as
well by as moments of graciousness and mutual recognition
from which we can take inspiration.
Spurred by the Seelisberg initiative, we have worked to
overcome the legacy of prejudice, hatred and mutual distrust. Through a serious commitment to dialogue, self-critical
examination of our texts and traditions, and joint study
and action for justice, we better understand each other,
accept each other in the fullness of our differences, and affirm
our common humanity. We understand that Jewish-
Christian relations are not a “problem” that is going to be
“solved,” but rather a continuing process of learning and refinement.
Perhaps most important, we have found friendship
and trust. We have sought and found light together.
The journey has been neither simple nor easy. We have encountered
many obstacles and setbacks, including conflicts –
some quite serious – over theological or historical developments.
But our determination to pursue the dialogue in spite
of difficulties, to communicate honestly, and to assume our partners’ good will has helped us stay the course. For these reasons, we believe that the history, the challenges, and the
accomplishments of our dialogue are relevant for all those
who are dealing with intergroup and interreligious conflicts.
In that spirit, we issue this call to Christian and Jewish communities
around the world.