National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel
Tel. (248) 557-4540 · Fax. (248) 557-4527 · E-mail: NCLCI@MSN.COM

For further information contact
David Blewett
NCLCI National Director
(248) 557-4540
(248) 719-0962
 

NOSTRA AETATE  AT 40:

YESTERDAY’S ACHIEVEMENT, TODAY’S CHALLENGE

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) is a coalition of Protestants, Catholics and other Christians who are pastors, priests, professors, writers, broadcasters and community leaders. The coalition exists to encourage and develop understanding and support for the people, land and state of Israel in the North American Christian community.

The Executive Committee of the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI), meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, celebrated the 40^th anniversary of the groundbreaking Vatican II document, Nostra Aetate, that opened the door to a new era of Christian-Jewish relations.

 We also expressed profound gratitude for the extraordinary contributions of Dr. Rose Thering, O.P., one of the founders and a past Executive Director of NCLCI. Sister Rose continues to serve as a Vice-President of the NCLCI Board of Directors. Her pioneering research on Catholic teaching about Jews and Judaism was a major influence on the discussions at Vatican II and subsequent statements of the Catholic Church. She remains a powerful and articulate advocate for Jews, Judaism and Israel.

 We commend the Roman Catholic Church for formally recognizing and establishing diplomatic relations with the state of Israel, culminating in the visit of Pope John Paul II in 2000. At a time when other churches have taken actions detrimental to Israel, such as proposals for divestment and criticism of Israel’s legitimate security measures, we call upon all Christians to join in the affirmative spirit of Nostra Aetate and its later official documents.

October 22, 2005