Jews and Christians in Germany
Responsibility in Today's Pluralistic Society
April 13, 2005 This declaration was adopted by the Discussion Group "Jews and Christi- ans" of the Central Committee of German Catholics on March 16, 2005, and its publication was approved by the presidency of the Central Com- mittee of German Catholics.
Original title of the declaration: "Juden und Christen in Deutschland - Verantwortete Zeitgenossenschaft in einer pluralen Gesellschaft", translated by Prof. Dr. Michael Signer, Notre Dame, Indiana; Claus Jungkunz, Bamberg; Sr. Dr. Katherine Wolff, Jerusalem
1st edition (German) 4000 April 2005 1st edition (English) 1000 November 2005 Contents
Preface by the President of the Central Committee of German Catholics 5
Foreword by the Chairperson of the Discussion Group "Jews and Christians" 6
I. Jews and Christians have changed 7
1. More Jews in the reunited Germany 7 2. Fewer Christians faced with greater tasks 9 3. Insuring that the fourth post-war generation will remember 10
II. Steps forward - in spite of obstacles 11
1. The Pope leads the way 11 2. Obstacles on the path 13 3. Christians and Jews read the same Bible in different ways 14 4. "Dabru Emet" - Jewish scholars enter new territory 15
III. Issues of continuing controversy 17
1. God's covenant with Israel was never revoked 17 2. No more missionizing of Jews! 18 3. What separates Jews and Christians must also be a part of the dialogue: Jesus Christ 19 4. The scandal of a world unredeemed IV. Biblical ethics oblige to contribute to world-society 22
1. Human dignity must be defended 22 2. Hostility towards Jews - an old scandal in a new garb 23 3. An open conversation with Islam 23 4. Working among the German public and in the schools 24 5. Judaism