Vatican II

Congress marks anniversary of 'Nostra Aetate'

By CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE   WASHINGTON. The House and Senate both approved a resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of "Nostra Aetate," the declaration of the Second Vatican Council on Catholic relations with other religions.   The Senate passed the resolution by unanimous consent Nov. 10 and the House approved it with a 349-0 vote Nov. 7.   The resolution noted the Oct. 28, 1965, promulgation of the Vatican II document, and said it "affirmed the respect of the Roman Catholic Church for Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, and exhorted Catholics to engage in 'dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions.'"   "'Nostra Aetate' made possible a new relationship between Catholics and Jews worldwide and opened a chapter in Jewish-Christian relations that is unprecedented in its closeness and warmth," the resolution said.   It recognized "the role of the Holy See in combating religious intolerance and religious discrimination," and said Congress by the resolution "encourages the United States to continue to serve in a leading role in combating anti-Semitism and other forms of religious intolerance and religious discrimination worldwide."   The resolution also asked President George W. Bush to issue a proclamation recognizing the document's anniversary. 11/21/2005 Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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