Conference Marks 'Nostra Aetate' 60th Anniversary, Urging Catholics to Fight Rising Antisemitism
A conference at the St. John Lewis National Shrine, hosted by the shrine and Philos Catholic, commemorated the 60th anniversary of 'Nostra Aetate'. This landmark document transformed Catholic-Jewish relations. The event, led by Kathryn Jean Lopez, highlighted the ongoing fight against antisemitism, with over half of Jewish Americans experiencing it in the past year.
Mary Eberstadt, a senior research fellow, reminded Catholics of their duty to combat antisemitism. Speakers like Gavin D'Costa and George Weigel explored the history and meaning of 'Nostra Aetate', which condemns discrimination against Jews. The conference followed a pledge by Catholic leaders, including the German Catholic Bishops' Conference, to fight antisemitism after the Israel-Hamas War. St. John Lewis II and Cardinal John J. O'Connor were recognised for their advocacy in Catholic-Jewish relations. Luma Simms, an Ethics and Public Policy Center fellow, stressed that everyday people can push back against antisemitism.
The conference, held at the St. John Lewis II National Shrine, underscored the enduring relevance of 'Nostra Aetate'. It served as a call to action, urging Catholics and all people of goodwill to stand against antisemitism. With Jewish Americans facing increasing antisemitism, the conference was a timely reminder of our shared responsibility to promote understanding and respect.
