Australia’s Catholic bishops have met with Jewish leaders in Sydney for the 2025 annual conversation. Source: ACBC Media Blog.
Each year the Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-Religious Dialogue liaises with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
The topic for this year’s conversation was “Nostra Aetate – 60 Years on” – marking the anniversary of the landmark Vatican document on inter-faith relations.
Following the conversation, the Jewish leaders joined with bishops for a kosher meal.
“These conversations have taken place since 1998, allowing the bishops and Jewish leaders to look at big picture issues with freedom and openness, where respect, honesty and genuine friendship have been built over many years,” commission chair Archbishop Amel Nona said.
Peter Wertheim, co-Chief Executive Officer for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, coordinated the Jewish leaders.
Rabbi Benjamin Elton, who addressed the gathering, said Nostra Aetate had fundamentally reshaped “2000 years of sometimes difficult relationships” between Catholics and Jews.
He said there was an increasing partnership on social justice, refugees and climate change and combatting antisemitism.
“Of course, we still have complications in our relationships … but those of us who are in the forefront of the efforts to speak more deeply together have a responsibility to bring others in our own communities along with us because we know we are working for the greater good of both communities and wider society.”
Lismore Bishop Greg Homeming OCD spoke about his earliest interactions with Jewish people growing up, as well as some of the connections with his religious order, the Discalced Carmelites.
“I call you friends and may our friendship continue to grow,” he concluded.
Three Council members who have expertise in the area of Catholic and Jewish relations also attended the annual conversation: Fr Michael Trainor, Sr Mary Reaburn NDS and Dr Emmanuel Nathan.
Topics covered in past years have included the impacts of globalisation, bioethics, the concept of “just war”, anti-discrimination laws and cooperation on social justice issues.
Last year’s conversation acknowledged the pain felt by the Jewish community due to the atrocities committed in Israel on October 7, 2023.
The bishops’ 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate reflection document can be found here.
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Bishops meet with Jewish leaders in Sydney (ACBC Media Blog)
