"Our Commitment to Justice Is Deeply Rooted in Both Our Faiths"

BUENOS AIRES, JULY 14, 2004 (Zenit) - Here is the Joint Declaration of the 18th International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee meeting, held in Buenos Aires from July 5-8.

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The 18th International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee Meeting
Buenos Aires, July 5-8, 2004

JOINT DECLARATION

Relations between the Catholic Church and the Jewish People have undergone far-reaching change since the Declaration of the Second Vatican Council, "Nostra Aetate" (1965). That Declaration highlighted Christianity's Jewish roots and the rich spiritual patrimony shared by Jews and Christians. Over the last quarter-century, Pope John Paul II has used every opportunity to promote dialogue between our two faith communities which he sees as intimately related at the very heart of our respective identities. This fraternal dialogue has engendered mutual understanding and respect. It is our hope that it will continue to resonate in ever-widening circles and touch the minds and hearts of Catholics and Jews -- and the wider community.

The 18th International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee Meeting was held in Buenos Aires, from July 5-8, 2004. This encounter, convened for the first time in Latin America, has been devoted to the subject of "Tzedeq" and "Tzedaqah" (Justice and Charity), in their theoretical aspects and practical applications. Our deliberations have been inspired by God's command to "love one's neighbor as oneself" (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). Drawing from our different perspectives, we have renewed our joint commitment to defend and promote human dignity, as deriving from the biblical affirmation that every human being is created in the likeness and image of God (Genesis 1:26). We recall Pope John XXIII's advocacy of human rights for all God's children enunciated in his seminal encyclical "Pacem in Terris" (1963) and we pay special tribute to him for initiating the fundamental change in the Catholic-Jewish relationship.

Our joint commitment to justice is deeply rooted in both our faiths. We recall the tradition of helping the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the stranger in our midst in accordance with God's injunction (Exodus 22:20-22; Matthew 25:31-46). The Sages of Israel developed a broad doctrine of justice and charity for all, based upon an elevated understanding of the concept of "Tzedeq." Building on the Church's tradition, Pope John Paul II, in his first encyclical, "Redemptor Hominis" (1979), reminded Christians that a true relationship with God requires a strong commitment to service of one's neighbor.

While God created human beings in their diversity, He endowed them with the same dignity. We share the conviction that every person has the right to be treated with justice and equality. This right includes an equitable sharing of God's bounty and graciousness ("chesed").

Given the global dimensions of poverty, injustice and discrimination, we have a clear religious obligation to show concern for the poor and those deprived of their political, social and cultural rights. Jesus, deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition of his day, made a commitment to the poor a priority of his ministry. The Talmud affirms that the Holy One, Blessed be God, always cares for the needy. Today, this concern for the poor must embrace the vast numbers on all continents of the hungry, the homeless, the orphan, victims of AIDS, those without adequate medical care and all those who at present lack hope for a better future. In Jewish tradition, the highest form of charity is removing the obstacles that prevent the poor from rising out of their poverty. In recent years, the Church has emphasized its preferential option for the poor. Jews and Christians have an equal obligation to work for justice with charity ("Tzedaqah") which ultimately will lead to Shalom for all humanity. In fidelity to our distinct religious traditions, we see this common commitment to justice and charity as man's cooperation in the Divine plan to bring about a better world.

In the light of this common commitment, we recognize the need to address the following immediate challenges: the growing economic disparity among people, increasing ecological devastation, the negative aspects of globalization, and the urgent need for international peace-making and reconciliation.

We, therefore, salute the joint initiatives of Catholic and Jewish International and National organizations which have already begun to address the needs of the indigent, the hungry, the sick, the young, the undereducated and the aged. Building upon these actions of social justice we pledge ourselves to redouble our efforts to address the pressing needs of all out of our common commitment to justice and charity.

As we approach the 40th anniversary of "Nostra Aetate" -- ...