Italian Jewish leaders say they will not participate in an annual day of interfaith activities with Catholic leaders next January to protest a reinstated Catholic prayer that calls for Jewish conversion to Christianity.
During a recent interfaith gathering at the Italian Parliament in Rome, the president of the Italian Rabbinical Assembly, Rabbi Giuseppe Laras, announced that the rabbis have decided not to take part in the interfaith ceremonies with the Vatican, according to Religion News Service.
At the heart of the decision is the Old Latin Mass, which ceased to be used in the 1960s but was revived by Pope Benedict XVI last year.
In the old version of the prayer, Jews were described with the word “blindness” and Catholics prayed that God would “take the veil from their hearts.”
A new version published by the Vatican last February removed the word “blindness” and instead prayed for God to “enlighten (Jews’) hearts so that they may acknowledge Jesus Christ, the savior of all men” and voice the hope that “all Israel may be saved.”
Despite the change, the new and arguably less offensive version of the prayer drew complaints from Jewish leaders around the world, including the U.S.-based Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Rabbis.
On Nov. 18, Italian Jewish leader Laras explained that while dialogue over the Good Friday prayer is ongoing, the problem has not been resolved since last February so the leaders have decided not to participate in the interreligious event.
Catholic leaders, in response, have said they will continue to celebrate the “Day of Jewish-Christian Reflection” on Jan. 17 even without the Jewish leaders’ participation.
"The day is a bit wounded this year, but it's a wound that we hope will help to deepen the indispensable link and relationship between Christians and Jews," Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, head of the Italian bishops' ecumenical commission, told Vatican Radio on Nov. 20.
Currently, talks are underway for Pope Benedict XVI to make his first trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories next year, Vatican and Israeli officials confirmed this past Thursday.
Pope John Paul II was the first to make an official papal visit to Israel in 2000, during which he also visited Palestinian-controlled Bethlehem.
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proph,
baptism of the holy spirit? dontcha know that tongues is of the devil? HAhaHAha
(Not through the RCC, or SDA, or Baptist, or Presbyterian, or Pentacost)
Amen . . . Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2Corinthians 5:17).
(Plus there are some if not many in the Seventh Day Adventists who make the same claim mainly because they have stayed true to the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday)
Actually, there are many believers other than the SDAs that observe Sabbath on Saturday . . .
I would be labeled as pentacostal. I believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, healings, deliverances, and all that. I have a friend who is Baptist. They don't believe in any of that. So are they not going to heaven? No. They're just as saved as I am. They're just missing out on a LOT of blessings. And all the Baptists I know don't say "Being Baptist is the only way to get to heaven!"
Everything I believe, and teach, can be backed by scripture.
I wish certain groups would quit boasting of "being the only way" to salvation, or God. And listen to the Bible that says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father but through HIM. Not through the RCC, or SDA, or Baptist, or Presbyterian, or Pentacost.
Yes, that's one of the reason's why my brother and his wife left that denomination. Which put them at odds with her family because they are devout SDA.
prophet, plus there are some if not many in the Seventh Day Adventists who make the same claim mainly because they have stayed true to the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday.
A denomination such as the Catholics claiming to be the only true "Church" is rather prideful. A denomination such as the Catholics claiming to be the only way to salvation is rather prideful (as spoken by the "beloved" pope).
Wearing rolex, or commanding great armies isn't the example of pride. Satan himself comes as a wolf in sheeps clothing.
Well, if he says he knows me better than I do, then I would say that is rather prideful.
Prophet, when you see Benedict on tv, or listen to his messages, or read his encyclicals, do you honestly think he is condescending and prideful? Do you really think this man is full of pride? Does it show? Is he strutting around with Rolex watches, carrying weapons, leading armies, surrounding himself by sexy women? Doesn't appear to be so!
Maybe you're full of pride?
<><...
"If more Protestants believed in the true presence of Christ in the bread and wine, then they would understand why Catholics don't take eating or drinking it very lightly."
Thanks for knowing whether I take eating and drinking the communion lightly or not. Actually I do, but the condescending, prideful Pope wouldn't know that. All he knows is what the RCC has been shoving down people's throats for all these years.
But, yes, I would have a hard time worshipping with a group that doesn't worship God in spirit and in truth (the RCC). But I would humble myself to do that. I pray that someday the Catholic Church would actually humble themselves. They're nothing more than another denomination in Christianity. Nothing more.
IHS, "I read what the Pope wrote and said. He said that the Catholic Church is the true Church of Jesus Christ having been founded by Jesus Christ and having preserved all the teachings of Christ."
A history of Auricular Confession and Indulgences in The Latin Church Vol. 3 By Henry Charles LEA, LL.D:
"There is a trifling indulgence for little images of St. Peter, which are an exception to the general rule in that they require to be blessed by the pope himself. In 1857 Pius IX. granted fifty days for kissing the feet of the bronze statue of St. Peter in the Vatican basilica, and in 1877 he extended this to small images of it, good both for the possessors and their families. Limited as is the indulgence, being toties quoties, and the work to acquire it infinitesimal, it could be multiplied indefinitely, until, in 1880, Leo XIII. limited it to one in each day." [end quote]
Jesus was definitely not the founder of the above nonsense. We really should humbly examine all things in the light of God's word, lest we become entangled in the long robes of that which leads one farther from the truth. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1Ti 4:1.
ihs, every true believer is in the presence of God 24/7 as long has they do not have any unconfessed sin in their life we don't have to go to church or communion to experience the presence of God. Plus, many if not all of the Pharisees went to the Temple almost if not everyday of the week and spiritually they were dead. I believe that both church and celebrating the Lord's Supper are vital to the life of the believer so they can both grow and mature in their relationship with God and other believers and the Lord's Supper is a way we commemorate the greatest act of love the world will ever know and to never forget the price that was paid for our salvation.
ihs, and many catholics do the same thing, communion is nothing more than a ritual habit and by the way both are wrong and degrading to the celebration of the Lord's Supper and that's exactly what Paul warned against. But I see since you've become a catholic you've developed a rather arrogant attitude similar to chris and tallguy what's up with that. The pope also included any fellowship with regards to spiritual matters which of course would include worship which is a part of true fellowship among believers.
Yes Believer, he did say that Catholics should not "Worship" together. He did not say they should not "Fellowship" together.
Fellowshipping is a good thing, but the Pope did not want Catholics to worship in or with Protestants because we do not offer the true presence of Christ in the communion.
If more Protestants believed in the true presence of Christ in the bread and wine, then they would understand why Catholics don't take eating or drinking it very lightly. It is, afterall, GOD made present for us as the blood and flesh of our Lord.
I don't blame the Pope at all for saying this!
Also, when I was a kid and my dad did communion service for our church, he used the same bread for the service that he used for the children's ministry peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and we kids would drink up all the grape juice after the service.
I can see how one might think communion even once a quarter is a bit silly, especially how many churches treat that "Symbol" of Christ later. No sacredness, no wonder it means very little.
Catholics, on the other hand, believe in the true presence of Christ just like it literally says in the Bible. This is why they take it so seriously and why Catholics want to eat of the body of Christ everyday Mass is offered.
If you could have God, litterally present, in the appearance of bread and wine wouldn't you go to Mass everyday if you loved Jesus a lot?
Real Presence of Christ in communion or a mere symbol that you use later for a sandwich? Hmm. tough choice.
Prophet,
As someone who has been a Protestant all my life and third generation of pastors, and now I am converting to the Catholic faith I have to share something with you.
You rarely have ever on this site offered anything that was exact. You mentioned that "Somewhere" in the last year or so the Pope said "Something" of the fact that you can only be saved in the RCC.
Your ability to generalize something so innacurate is truly amazing. You should truly run for office, I think you have missed your calling. Stop portraying like you know anything of what he said, especially when you honestly have no first hand knowledge.
I read what the Pope wrote and said. He said that the Catholic Church is the true Church of Jesus Christ having been founded by Jesus Christ and having preserved all the teachings of Christ. The Catholic Church offers the fullness of faith, while other church like the Orthodox have much truth and have also preserved Apostolic succession and the sacraments. They are still wounded by the fact they are not in communion with the Bishop of Rome, but basically have close to the full amount of truth offered in their church. He said that Protestant churches are not true churches in the sense that they have not preserved apostolic teaching, apostolic succession, hierarchy of Bishop, Priest and Deacon, nor the fullness of the sacraments and they are not churches in the proper sense because of these "Defects" and they should be considered ecclesial communities.
He also went on to say that there is much Truth in Protestant churches, enough to be saved and that all Catholics should consider Protestants as sepparated brothers and sisters in Christ.
In the future, try to get things first hand as it will appear as you have no clue of what you are talking about and you don't want to make it that obvious.
scits, my wife and I had a rather quiet one and now getting involved in all the various Christmas events going on in the churches we work with. And yes I continue to pray for you and for Christmas this year I wish you Jesus!
Greeting believer, yes still feisty as you can see and still an agnostic. I have not been on site for quite sometime, been busy at work, etc. Had good TG. Was your TG good? I hope yours was very good. And yes, we all revelled with Obama win. I hope all is well with you.....
prophet, plus he also discouraged catholics from fellowshipping with other denominations with regards to spiritual matters.
I see and understand what you are saying ms. But understand we havent been through the fire like the jews, havent heard first hand of the deaths and tourcher--that they have. They cont. to be percicuted in there on land. If they didnt hang on to their one God theology Im convenced that their wouldnt be protsant christans. Wheres the compassion, and understanding when you beat someone on the head with your bible. I didnt come to Christ that way. I came because of the love, patients, compassion. I guess the religous will contine to push religous forever. Im for letting God be God, and for being a true christian friend.
"Jewish Leaders Won't Attend Vatican Interfaith Event"
no one can accuse jews of being stupid
scits, I thought you had fallen off the edge of the earth or something, I see you're as feisty as ever, did you and your family have a good Thanksgiving as you revelled in the win by Obama?
My religion is the correct one and yours is wrong, yada, yada......LOL
A couple years back, the Pope made an announcement to the effect that the RCC was the only true way to be saved, and all other denominations were lesser and not the way.
Prophet,
No, we have never said that the path of Salvation is only through the RCC, but we have said that the ONLY path to salvation is through Jesus though.
We've also said there is no salvation outside the Church, which did not mean the RCC alone but rather there is no salvation outside of Christianity since Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father and Heaven.
There is only one way to Heaven and it is ONLY through Jesus Christ irregardless of denomination.
wrhalver,
"Very slight"? They think that only road to heaven goes through the RCC.
This article almost makes it sound like the Catholics have a very slight inroad on the path to salvation.
The scriptures are clear that it is God who has placed a "cover" over the eyes of the Jews and has promised to lift that "cover" when the season is right.
This is all for the honor and glory of God.
An honorary doctrate. How sweet.
Prophet,
I agree, baptists and Pentecostals have preached to Jews the Truth since inception. Good to have them on the front lines with us!
By the way, all Catholics love the Graham family. Billy Graham is awesome, and don't forget his only Honorary doctorate comes from a Catholic University!
Merry Christmas!
msnchris,
"Man, do I love our Pope! He Rocks! He never pulls punches, he never shies away from saying what is true."
Here's someone else who fits that bill:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081202/franklin-graham-speaks-against-abortion-at-calif-megachurch.htm
msnchris,
"I hope the Jews turn to Christ."
Amen. As do I, especially since they are the forefathers of our faith. But the Pope and the RCC still aren't the only ones preaching that, and neither have they been the only one preaching that. Baptists, pentacosts, presbyterian, etc...have been preaching the same thing as long as they have been around.
Prophet,
Thank you. I love it when our Church says things like that, because it is Politically incorrect AND TRUE. Jesus is the only way.
The Catholic Church has always said this for 2000 years. There are hundreds of quotes by Bishops, Popes and Ecumenical councils that have always said that Jesus is the only way to be saved.
We've been working with the Jews for a long time, even before the Reformation and even before the break with our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ. We have been praying for the Jews ever since Jesus resurrected that they would become enlightened to the TRUTH WHO IS JESUS.
Man, do I love our Pope! He Rocks! He never pulls punches, he never shies away from saying what is true. He is a hard core Bible Thumping Pope!
I hope the Jews turn to Christ.
msnchris,
"Jesus is the only way! The Vatican really hit a home run with this statement!"
Amen. But let me ask you...did the Vatican come up with that idea (that Jesus is the only way)?
That theology has been preached for thousands of years, from all the different denominations, which yes, does include the Catholics. I'm just wondering why, now that the Vatican said it once, that it's a big issue?
I am excited that the Vatican is trying to reach the Orthodox Jews. But, again, that is nothing new either. Many denominations have been doing that one way or another.
Pavillon,
The jews are not coming because of a prayer that hopes for their conversion to Christ. You bring up forced conversions like they happened yesterday. Forced conversions have not happened for over 600-800 years on the Jews and it was limited mostly to Spain.
Also remember the Catholic Church at the Vatican saved thousands of Jews during WWII, testified by many Jews.
Remember, if you will, that it was the ideology of Luther who was a Protestant that sparked Germany's focus of getting rid of the Jews. It was Luther's theology that the Jews killed Christ, and therefore they should pay with their lives. Strong German Lutherans resentment of Jews is what sparked the Holocaust. Also Remember that while Hitler was baptized as a baby a Catholic, he never set foot in a church again after the age of 6 and he hated the Catholic Church for speaking out against him. The Pope spoke out vehemently against Hitler attacking the Jews, and Hitler in turn destroyed many Catholic Churches on his campaign and killed thousands of Priests because of what the Pope said to him.
There is something to be said about Christian behavior-- and Im glad that this meeting is a cordial one. Catholic history shows forced conversions at one time. I dont blame them for not comming.
At least you waited to get offline before you went off on some barbaric racist tirade.
What do you mean Huron, I am an Indonesian living in Indonesian time - I do not wait on anything.
Racist tirade? You are the racist, atheistic racists such as Chinese Maoist racists
John 14:6 (New International Version)
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
and this also goes to all Jews and Jewess
to huron137
Psalm 37:12
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;
Thanks msn . . .
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 3:11).
I am so Thankful that the prayer is that the Jews become enlightened to the fact that Jesus is the Savior of the world and no one can be saved through anything or anyone else save Jesus.
Jesus is the only way! The Vatican really hit a home run with this statement!
Well Said Online!!! Jesus fulfills ALL of the Old Testament Prophesies.
Many Jews think the "Rebbi" from New York was the Messiah, and yet not a Gentile knows of him. The Jews need conversion, and they still reject Jesus. No wonder why God called them "Israel", which means "Stiff necked".
huron,
On the contrary Jesus did fulfill the Old Testament prophecies concerning the messiah.
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5;2), Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), Of Davids linage (Jeremiah 23:5), Attempted murder by Herod (Jeremiah 31:15), Betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9), Sold for 30 silver coins (Zechariah 11:12), Crucified (Zechariah 12:10), Lots cast for His clothes (Psalm 22:18), No bones broken (Psalm 24:20; Exodus 12:46), Buried in rich mans tomb (Isaiah 53:9), and Raised the third day (Hosea 6:2). These are just a few Old Testament prophecies which Jesus fulfilled.
Where is your messiah if it is not Jesus?
Aritonang, "to all the Jews and Jewess"? really? At least you waited to get offline before you went off on some barbaric racist tirade. I think the Jewish faith should take to the world the demonstrable facts that Jesus is not the true Messiah but a lie of Satan. He did not fulfill the OT scriptures and Satan has fulled the Christians ever since. Read David Klninghoffer's "Why the Jews rejected Jesus". Why else would there be over 30,000 different and contradictory christian sects around the world if Satan didn't begin it with a lie?
John 14:6 (New International Version)
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
and this also goes to all Jews and Jewess
I'd say the Vatican comes out way ahead on this deal.
The Vatican is right to make the prayer an inoffensive as possible but still to keep the prayer itself, which is entirely Biblical and Pauline.
There is no offense, no denigration, to the belief that Jesus is the way that God provided to Himself. That we can say that and still love and respect those who believe otherwise should be a given, a very basic spiritual function, but ours is a day of politicization and oversensitization of everything. We seriously need to hold the line against vapid and insipid political correctness, and here the Vatican is doing just that. Good on them.
How is this desire that all would come to know the saving grace of Jesus any different than what St. Paul would preach? Seems that all of Christianity would echo this message.