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The
ministry of CJRE
is guided by:
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The
Inspiration in the Constitution of the
Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, In Sion Firmata
Sum (1984) |
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History...is
the Magistra vitae, a teacher of how to live. This is why we must
be determined to heal the wounds of the past, so that they may never be
opened again. We must work for a new era of reconciliation and peace
between Jews and Christians. (John Paul II, Yad Vashem, March 23,
2000)
The
wounds of time will not be healed in a day, but the path which brought
you here leads to a
new horizon.
(Ehud Barak, Yad Vashem,
March 23, 2000)
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We stand at the beginning of a new
millennium. We have experienced a new "moment of grace" in
which the Catholic Church, through the words of Pope John Paul II, has
expressed its need for forgiveness, its compassion for wounded humanity,
and its hope for reconciliation, healing and peace.
In this time of diversity,
fragmentation, and change an increasing number of movements and peoples
- after a century of genocide - seek to live together in peace.
In the face of indifference, extremism
and spiritual eclecticism a new generation is attempting to take
interfaith conversations and relationships to a new depth.
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With
newfound openness towards one another, Christians and Jews must make
courageous efforts to remove all forms of prejudice. We must strive always
and everywhere to present the true face of the Jews and of
Judaism, as
likewise of Christians and of Christianity, and this at every level
of attitude, teaching and communication. (John
Paul II, Tel Aviv, March 21, 2000)
 At
the Western Wall March
26, 2000
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This "moment of grace" is a
prophetic call. It demands commitment to help this visionary message
become known, understood and rooted within the church and society. In both
contexts currents of restoration and accommodation demand prophetic voice
and action.
In the Christian-Jewish relationship
this commitment is apparent in 'official' and scholarly declarations as
well as in the 'unofficial' life of grassroots communities. As dialogue
experiences continue to clarify and transform motivations, the interfaith
conversation is increasingly expressing itself in relationship and
partnership. As the formal and theological dialogue conversations focus
with new depth on our sacred texts and our rich, complex and conflicted
histories, there is a deepening desire to realize our partnership by
bringing the values and teachings of our 'shared heritage' to the ethical
issues and social needs of today. This growth in authentic relationship
insists that we "speak the truth" within our own faith
communities and with each other. It calls for integrity and an attitude of
attentive reciprocity. It seeks that all the voices be heard.
The long shadow of the
Shoah
demands that the history of the Shoah be taught well, especially
with regard to its manifold theological and ethical implications.
Effective education - in all its forms and at all levels - shapes and
transforms attitudes, and fosters self-identity and faith understanding.
It teaches the inspiring and tragic lessons of history, helps instill the
values of our faith traditions, and challenges us to act on them.
Therefore continuing efforts in the re-reading of Scripture and history in
light of the Shoah, and in the consequent theological
transformations and reformulations - especially in Christology,
soteriology and evangelization - are imperative. It is equally imperative
that these developments be conveyed in homes, classrooms and places of
worship. Liturgical expressions, which so significantly shape Christian
self-identity and faith understanding, require ongoing scrutiny and
vigilance. Liturgical creativity is needed as well to better express the
intrinsic bond which links Christianity with the people and faith of
Judaism.
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We wish
to remember. But we wish to remember for a
purpose,
namely to
ensure that never again evil will prevail. ...Only a world at peace, with
justice for all, can avoid repeating the mistakes and terrible crimes of
the past.
(John Paul II, Yad Vashem, March 23, 2000)
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The spiritual heritage shared by Jews
and Christians carries with it the possibility of partnership to help heal
and transform the world. Today's social needs - local, national and global
- and the ethical issues rendered increasingly complex by advances in
technology, stand in need of this shared voice. At this time when humanity
is capable of destroying itself the world needs as never before the
challenge of Deuteronomy 30: "Look, today I am offering you life
and prosperity, death and disaster." Together, Jews and
Christians in a partnership of faith, can help humanity to "Choose
life." |
See
also - CJRE
VISION STATEMENT - 1994
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