Apr. 27, 2007 16:57 | Updated Apr. 27, 2007 18:58
Catholic bishops to fight anti-Semitism
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
VATICAN CITY

The need to step up the fight against anti-Semitism will be a key issue for the world's Roman Catholic bishops at a meeting at the Vatican next year.

An entire section of a preparatory docuмent released by the Vatican on Friday is devoted to the Church's relationship with Jєωs, noting the "close associations of the two in faith" and calling for efforts "to overcome every form of anti-Semitism."

The 60-page docuмent, which was approved by Pope Benedict XVI, outlines the suggested topics and includes a questionnaire to be answered by local bishops.

After asking if priority is given to dialogue with the Jєωs, the questionnaire calls on bishops to investigate the use of biblical texts to "ferment attitudes of anti-Semitism."

"Much has already been done, but everything must be done to dispel every shadow," the synod's general-secretary, Bishop Nikola Eterovic, said during a news conference to present the agenda for the October 2008 meeting.

The 1965 docuмent of the Second Vatican Council, "Nostra Aetate," marked a new era in Catholic-Jєωιѕн relations. It deplored anti-Semitism in every form and repudiated the "deicide" charge that blamed Jєωs as a people for Christ's death.

Subsequent landmarks have included visits to ѕуηαgσgυєs by Popes John Paul II and Benedict.
The general theme of the meeting is an examination of the way scripture is studied and taught in the Church, and how the word of God can be influential in contemporary society.

In particular, while the docuмent encourages individual and group study of the Bible, it warns against the dangers of an arbitrary or literal interpretation of the Scriptures, which it says could lead to fundamentalism.

During the synod, bishops from around the world gather in Rome for two weeks to discuss the pre-established theme in general sessions and private groups. The body of bishops has no decision-making power, but can only present suggestions to the pope, who will then decide on them.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1177591147332&pagename=JPost%

Maybe they should combat anti-Catholicism first, but of course then they would have to fight themselves. :good-shot:

When will they learn that antiJudaism is not the same thing as antiSemitism!?

I don't know if they ever will get that, El Campy. It is sad that many cannot seem to understand proper distinctions. Ambiguity has become the language of today, like in 1984. Also, the literal interpretation of Scripture is the basis for interpreting it unless otherwise there would be a compelling reason to not have the literal interpretation as the basis for interpretation according to the context of a certain passage. That is something quite different from "fundamentalism."