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Tributes to a Great Adventurer in Ecumenism
The Editors
After the death of Cardinal Bea many Christians and Jews, individually or in groups, sent the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity expressions of their esteem for the Cardinal and of their sympathy. Without mentioning here the other numerous tributes to him which appeared in the press and periodicals, we present a cross-section of the homage paid him.
"All hope that the spark of his enthusiasm will live on and become a fire of love and openness in the Church towards the world which is ours."
Elias Chacour, Jerusalem.
"All the greater is his merit for having found a way between the rocks of dogmatism and the rapids of liberalism."
Jacob B. Agus, Baltimore.
"Moved by death of Cardinal Bea whose action was decisive for the conciliar declaration on the Jews."
Amitie judeo-chretienne, France.
"With my colleagues in the WCC send you ... homage of sincere sympathy. Give thanks for example of Cardinal Bea and his life in service of the Church and Christian unity."
D. Micheli, World Council of Churches.
"His blessed memory will always be cherished by Jewish people. His historic contribution to the opening of fraternal communication with our people in the service of our common ideals will remain a source of guidance."
Dr. Nahum Goldmann, President World Jewish Congress.
"Because of his dependence on the Holy Spirit he made the impossible possible and united what was divided."
Pere Aucagne, Beyrouth.
"Barcelona Jewish community directors have honor express profound sympathy death Cardinal Bea, great adventurer new relations Church and Jews; model of many other brotherly initiatives today."
"International Consultative Committee Organization for Christian-Jewish Co-operation assures Secretariat ... deep sympathy death of Cardinal Bea and regards with profound gratitude his splendid leadership in field Jewish-Christian relations.
W. WW. Simpson, Secretary
" Praising God ecumenical ministry Cardinal Bea assure my profound sympathy. "
Prior of Taize.
" Cardinal Bea will be remembered by Jewish history as the architect of the Vatican Council Declaration on Non-Christian Religions. "
American Jewish Committee.
" Profoundly moved by death Cardinal Bea, first cardinal ecumenist. "
Community of Chevetogne, Belgium.
"Secretariat for Catholic-Jewish Relations profoundly saddened by Cardinal Bea's death. Will remember him and his work in Masses and prayers."
E. H. Flannery, Ex. Secretary - U. S. Nat. Sec. for Catholic-Jewish Relations.
"His courageous and devoted dedication to the cause of universal brotherhood and more particularly to the improvement of Catholic-Jewish relations have won him a lasting place in the affections and memory of the Jewish people."
Rabbi J. P. Rudin, President Synagogue Council of America.