Peace in the Holy Land Can Only Come from Cooperation of Religions

Yesterday (18 Dec 2006) in Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI received 112 members of Jewish organization B'nai B'rith International. On the occasion, the Pope said that peace in the Holy Land can only come if it is the concern of Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, expressed in dialogue and concrete gestures.Full text of the news in Czech: HERE.

Vatican: At the greeting, the Pope recalled how, since the 1965 promulgation of the Vatican Council II Declaration 'Nostra Aetate,' representatives of B'nai B'rith have visited the Holy See on numerous occasions in 'the spirit of understanding, respect and mutual appreciation which is developing between our communities.' He also reminded that 'much has been achieved in the past four decades of Jewish-Catholic relations, and we must be grateful to God for the remarkable transformation that has taken place on the basis of our common spiritual patrimony.'

According to the Holy Father, this rich heritage of faith enables 'not only to enter into dialogue,' but also 'working together for the good of the human family,' because 'Jews and Christians are called to work together for the healing of the world by promoting the spiritual and moral values grounded in our faith convictions.' Common support of the good makes 'our voice… more convincing,' said Benedict XVI.

The Holy Father also said that in the Holy Land, 'peace can only come about if it is the concern of Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, expressed in genuine inter-religious dialogue and concrete gestures of reconciliation. All believers are challenged to show that it is not hatred and violence, but understanding and peaceful cooperation which open the door to that future of justice and peace which is God's promise and gift.'

B'nai B'rith International (Hebr. 'Sons of Covenant ') is the oldest Jewish volunteer organization – it was founded in 1843 in New York.