Sydney: In a continuation of an enduring interfaith dialogue, Australia’s Catholic bishops convened with Jewish leaders in Sydney for the 2025 annual conversation, an event fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. The meeting, coordinated by the Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-Religious Dialogue and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), focused this year on the theme “Nostra Aetate 60 Years On,” commemorating the landmark Vatican declaration that transformed Catholic-Jewish relations.
Following the discussions, participants shared a kosher meal, emphasizing fellowship alongside dialogue. Archbishop Amel Nona, chair of the commission, reflected on the history of these gatherings: “Since 1998, these conversations have provided a space for bishops and Jewish leaders to explore broad and sometimes complex issues with openness, honesty, and respect, cultivating genuine friendships over decades.”
The Jewish delegation was coordinated by Peter Wertheim, co-CEO of the ECAJ, while Rabbi Benjamin Elton, addressing the gathering, observed that Nostra Aetate has reshaped nearly two millennia of Catholic-Jewish relations, fostering reconciliation and shared purpose. He highlighted growing collaboration on social justice, refugee support, climate action, and combating antisemitism, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in the dialogue. “Those of us committed to these conversations carry the responsibility of guiding our broader communities along, striving for the common good of both faiths and society at large,” he added.
Bishop Greg Homeming OCD of Lismore shared personal reflections, recalling his early encounters with Jewish communities and the connections fostered through his religious order, the Discalced Carmelites. He concluded warmly, “I call you friends, and may our friendship continue to deepen and grow.”
Also present were three council members with expertise in Catholic-Jewish relations: Fr. Michael Trainor, Sr. Mary Reaburn NDS, and Dr. Emmanuel Nathan, contributing to discussions enriched by years of accumulated knowledge.
Over the years, topics at these annual conversations have ranged from globalization and bioethics to just war theory, anti-discrimination legislation, and joint social justice initiatives. Last year’s dialogue recognized the profound grief of the Jewish community following the tragic events in Israel on 7 October 2023.
The bishops’ reflection marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate is available for consultation, underscoring a continued commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and interfaith partnership.