Posted on 01/26/2006 11:29:21 AM PST by NYer
VATICAN CITY, Jan. 26 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Israel Singer, the Chairman of the Policy Council of the World Jewish Congress, has held talks in Rome with senior Vatican officials. He met (for the first time) with Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, Substitute for General Affairs at the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, and Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Secretary for Relations with States (foreign minister). Singer also met with Cardinal Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; and Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue.
The main points of discussions were ways to intensify dialogue between the two religions, and specific possibilities to expand inter-faith talks to also include high level Muslim clergy. The modalities will now be discussed, both in bilateral and multilateral meetings, according to Singer.
After his meetings at the Vatican, Singer said: "It is important to enter into discussions with the third 'Son of Abraham'. No one in the meetings has underestimated the difficulties in bringing about a meaningful dialogue. But we all agreed that the principle of mutual respect can override differences that exist between the religions."
Singer also stressed the need for the results of Catholic- Jewish dialogue to "trickle down" the hierarchies to every follower of both faiths.
------
The World Jewish Congress is the international federation of Jewish communities representing Jewish communities around the world. The WJC serves as the diplomatic arm of the Jewish people to world governments and international organizations.
Ping!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.