50 years ago, on October 28, 1965, Pope Paul VI issued a proclamation Nostra Aetate (In Our Time) at the Second Vatican Council, opening up the relationship of Catholics to non-Christian religions. The document called for mutual understanding, respect, and fraternal dialogue across religious traditions. This simple but profound proclamation marked a new chapter in interfaith cooperation, and has underwritten many movements of interfaith action to address issues of systematic discrimination and injustice.
SiVIC has joined with Santa Clara University, the Diocese of San Jose, the Rabbinic Association of Greater San Jose, and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley in celebrating this anniversary and committing to ongoing efforts to build understanding and appreciation among the religious communities of our area:
October 27, 2015
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, Santa Clara University, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose, the Cantorial and Rabbinic Association of Greater San Jose, Silicon Valley Interreligious Council, and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley join together in celebrating this milestone for interfaith relationships, and commit to continued partnership and dialogue as friends and colleagues. Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and those of non-Christian religions, calls for mutual understanding, respect, and fraternal dialogue across religious traditions. Over the last few years we have hosted many joint programs and initiatives to celebrate and deepen our common understanding and mutual responsibility. We are marking this anniversary by joining Pope Francis’ call for a moral response to climate change and urging our communities to work together to care for our common home.
Reverend Michael E. Engh, S.J.
President, Santa Clara University
Most Reverend Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop, Diocese of San Jose
Rabbi James Greene
Chair, Cantorial and Rabbinic Association of Greater San Jose
Reverend D. Andrew Kille
Chair, Silicon Valley Interreligious Council
Jyl Jurman
CEO, Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley
Read the full press release at the Santa Clara University website.