Other articles from this issue | Version in English | Version in French

Millennium Activities in Great Britain

At a January, 1999 meeting at the Vatican a delegation of British Progressive Rabbis agreed to a major international conference in London in the year 2000 to examine relations between Christians and Jews. After presenting Pope John Paul II with Jewish prayer books, the delegation, led by Sir Sigmund Sternberg, President of the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain, met with Edward I. Cardinal Cassidy and Fr. Remi Hoeckman of the Vatican Commission on Religious Relations with the Jews. They agreed that the most constructive joint Christian-Jewish approach to the forthcoming Christian Millennium would be to further improve relationships on the interfaith level. By working together on a basis of shared ethical values it is possible to make a contribution to the welfare of humanity on a global basis. Cardinal Cassidy will be the keynote speaker at the Conference which will be held at the Sternberg Centre for Judaism, Europe’s largest Jewish cultural centre. The Conference will explore “The Theology of Partnership” and will include a discussion of the theological differences between the two religions. The conference will be organized in consultation with the Council of Christians and Jews.

The Council of Christians and Jews has established a Millennium Committee under the chairmanship of Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Romain. Although the Millennium, an important Christian landmark, holds no religious significance for Jews, a range of events have been planned to bring together the Jewish and Christian traditions. Plans include a Garden Party at Lambeth Palace, a panel evening featuring the Presidents of CCJ and an Essay Competition for graduates and theological students on Religious Dialogue. It is hoped that this will stimulate interest in CCJ amongst the younger generation of lay and religious leaders.