IJCIC
International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations 165 East 56th Street New York, NY 10022, USA (001) 212-891 6768
Rabbi David Rosen, KCSG Chair (+972) 2-625-5281 rosend@ajc.org.il
Rabbi Dr. Richard Marker Vice Chair (001) 212-585-3332 marker@markergoldsmith.com
Seymour D. Reich Treasurer (001) 212-935-3131 sdr@gdblaw.com
IJCIC Welcomes Statement from Vatican's No. 2
IJCIC expresses satisfaction over the comments made by the Vatican's Secretary of State concerning Pope Benedict XVI's announcement regarding the wider use of the Latin Mass.
While previous Popes had allowed the use of the Latin liturgy which included the old prayer for the conversion of the Jews recited during the Easter period, IJCIC conveyed the concern that this prayer might now enjoy wider usage in Catholic churches worldwide. IJCIC asked for clarification as to whether these prayers would be excluded from the Pope's Motu Proprio.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone has now stated that the Vatican will consider this matter with the prospect of confirming that the new permission does not allow for the use of the prayer for the conversion of the Jews.
"We appreciate this statement in response to our request for clarification from the Vatican" declared IJCIC Chairman Rabbi David Rosen, who added, "accordingly, we look forward hopefully and with appreciation that the necessary steps will be taken to promote this qualification of the Pope's "Motu Proprio." Such action would be in keeping with the Pope's own commitment - and that of his predecessor John Paul II - to advancing Catholic-Jewish reconciliation and mutual respect."
The International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC) is the official body representing world Jewry to other world religions. Founded just two years after the signing of Nostra Aetate, IJCIC has been the Vatican's formal Jewish partner for almost 40 years. IJCIC's members currently include the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, the Israel Jewish Council on Interreligious Relations, the World Jewish Congress and the rabbinic and lay representative bodies of Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Jewry.