Nostra Aetate — the Declaration on the Relation of the Catholic Church to Non-Christian Religions — was officially promulgated by Pope Paul VI sixty years ago, on October 28, 1965, during the closing session of the Second Vatican Council.

This declaration marked a historic turning point in the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Jewish people. For centuries, that relationship had been shaped by tension, misunderstanding, and even persecution. Nostra Aetate made three significant affirmations concerning the Jewish community:

a) Rejection of collective guilt: It stated unequivocally that the Jewish people as a whole cannot be held responsible for the death of Jesus — a belief that had long fueled antisemitism.

b) Recognition of shared roots: It affirmed the Church’s deep spiritual connection to Judaism, describing the Jewish people as “dearly beloved” by God and acknowledging our shared heritage of faith in Abraham.

c) Condemnation of antisemitism: It explicitly rejected all forms of hatred and discrimination against Jews, whether religious or racial.

In practice, Nostra Aetate opened the door to dialogue, mutual study, and friendship between Catholic and Jewish communities — not as an act of charity, but as an acknowledgment of kinship.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of this landmark declaration, the Diocese of Shreveport is partnering with the Jewish community to bring together clergy from both faiths.

B’nai Zion Congregation and Agudath Achim, will host Father Mark Watson of St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, who will speak about Nostra Aetate during Kabbalat Shabbat services. The North Louisiana Jewish Federation will host a special Oneg Shabbat following the service. 

[Shown above in picture: Pope John Paul II and Rabbi Elio Toaff at the historic visit at the main synagogue in Rome in 1986.]