Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Fides Service) - “Nostra Aetate marked a turning point in inter-religious dialogue” the Catholic Bishops of Australian said in a statement issued at the end of a recent meeting in which they said the Council Declaration “was a document which marked an era”. The Australian Bishops spoke of this on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Nostra Aetate being celebrated all over the world and also in various dioceses in Australia.
The Bishops said they hoped all religions would be always ready to work together for the common good of humanity through dialogue. Referring to the present context in Australia they said the Council document help build relations and contact among leaders of different religions in the country: “on the occasion of this anniversary we are committed to consolidating friendships with the other great world religions present in Australia built on mutual respect”.
The Bishops recalled the exiting good relations with the Jewish community underlining with pleasure that dialogue with the Islamic community has increased also “because - the said - peace in the country and in the world depends partly on relations between Judaism, Christianity and Islam”. The Bishops also said they intend to intensify relations with Australia’s Hindu and Buddhist communities.
Nostra Aetate Declaration was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 27 October 1965. For religions leaders and experts the world over it marked the beginning of a new season of dialogue among religions leader in our day.
With Nostra Aetate the Church built a bridge towards believers of other faiths and a path to peace and reconciliation. The Declaration laid the foundations for frank theological dialogue, helped overcome prejudice and promoted respect and co-operation. (Agenzia Fides 5/12/2005 Righe: 24 Parole: 258)
