After a preliminary meeting in Jerusalem on June 5, 2002, members of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel's Commission for Jewish-Catholic Dialogue met again with the Vatican's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, February 23-27, 2003, in Rome.
Acknowledging the basis for their ongoing dialogue as one grounded in truthfulness, honesty, and respect for each other's distinct religious identities, their discussions focused on their common call to give witness to God by a willingness to cooperate in fostering shared religious values, and furthering peace, justice, truth and love. In particular, the sanctity of human life and family values were discussed and the following statement was reached through consensus.
The Sanctity of Human Life
Human life is of unique and highest value in our world. Any attempt to destroy human life must be rejected, and every common effort should be made, in order to promote human rights, solidarity among all human beings and respect for freedom of conscience.
Our common religious motivation for this central affirmation is based on the biblical statement that human beings are created in the image of the living God, in His likeness (cf. Genesis 1:26). God is the Holy One and the Creator of human life, and human beings are blessed and obliged by His holiness. Therefore, every human life is holy, sacrosanct and inviolable. According to Leviticus 19:2, God's holiness constitutes an essential imperative for moral behavior: "You shall be holy for I am Holy, the Lord your God."
To protect human life is an evident ethical consequence of this conviction. Every believer, particularly religious leaders, should cooperate in protecting human life. Any attack against the life of a human being runs contrary to the will of God, is a desecration of God's name, directly opposed to the teaching of the Prophets. Taking any human life, including one's own, even in the name of God is sacrilegious. As was emphasized time and again by Pope John Paul II in his message for the 2002 Day of Prayer for Peace in the World, no religious leader can condone terrorism anywhere in the world. It is a profanation of religion to declare oneself a terrorist in the name of God, to do violence to others in His name. Terrorist violence everywhere in the world is a contradiction of faith in God, the Creator of humanity, who cares for and loves us.
As religious leaders of faith communities, we have an extraordinary responsibility for the education of our communities and particularly the younger generation in respect for holiness of human life. We should not admit any killing in the name of God who commands, "You shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17), avoiding fanatical or violent abuse of religion, as Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders declared in the common statement of Alexandria (January 2002). We all should unite our energies towards the construction of a better world for life, brotherhood, justice, peace and love among all.
There are cultural and educational implications regarding our cooperation in this field. All educators should strengthen their efforts in devising programs to educate the young in respect for the highest value of human life. Against the present trend of violence and death in our societies, we should foster our cooperation with believers of all religions and all people of good will in promoting a "culture of life."
Family Values
The institution of the family stems from the will of the Almighty who created human beings in the image of God; "male and female He created them" (Genesis 1: 27). Marriage in a religious perspective has great value because God blesses this union and sanctifies it.
Family and home unity provides a warm and protective surrounding that nurtures children and ensures their proper education, in keeping with tradition and beliefs. The family unit is the basis for a wholesome society.
Doubtless, the electronic and media revolution has brought about positive changes in society. However, at the same time, too often, a negative influence on the behavior of society has developed. Adults and the young alike are exposed to distorted and perverted aspects of life, such as violence and pornography. As religious leaders we are challenged by these destructive developments.
More than ever, we are obliged to educate at home and in the school towards family values, following our rich religious traditions. Parents should devote more time to show their love to their children and guide them towards positive attitudes. Among other important family values we should stress love, unselfishness, care for life and mutual responsibility for children and parents (cf. Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). From this perspective, we cannot agree to alternative models of couples' union and of the family.
“For I have chosen him [Abraham], so that he will direct his children and his household after him, to keep the way of the Lord, by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him” (Genesis 18:19).
26th February 2003
Rabbi Shar Yishuv Cohen (Chairman of the Jewish Delegation)
Cardinal Jorge Mejía (Chairman of the Catholic Delegation)
Rabbi Ratzon Arrusi
Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo
Rabbi David Brodman
Reverend P. Georges Cottier, O.P.
Mr. Oded Wiener
Reverend P. Elias Chacour
Monsignor Pier Francesco Fumagalli
Reverend P. Norbert Hofmann, S.D.B.
His Excellency, Mr. Shmuel Hadas
Archbishop Pietro Sambi
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