FAIRFIELD, Conn., January 30, 2004--The World Symposium of Catholic Cardinals and Jewish Leaders was held in New York City on Monday and Tuesday, January 19 and 20, 2004.  Sponsored by the World Jewish Congress, with the largest known assembly of cardinals (outside of Rome) joining for a two-day symposium, the event was historic.

Rabbi Joseph H. Ehrenkranz, executive director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding (CCJU) of Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut, and Rabbi Emeritus of a large Jewish congregation in Stamford, Connecticut, was part of the group which hosted the 12 cardinals and principal leaders and scholars from around the world.

The purpose of the meeting was to bring together leaders to discuss issues of shared concern—especially the rise of anti-Semitism and the constant threat of terror. The participants identified ways they could work together on improving interreligious understanding and promote mutual respect between peoples and religions. This meeting also coincided with the pope's meeting of the two chief rabbis from Israel in Rome.

Rabbi Ehrenkranz was asked to be apart of the group because of the leading role that the CCJU has played in promoting Jewish-Christian relations around the world. Rabbi Ehrenkranz said, “This meeting is important because it continues the conversation that began in 1965 with the document, Nostra Aetate, which encouraged Catholics to work together with Jews to achieve God's plan of peace and to repair the world.”

Those attending the symposium included twelve cardinals, several Chief Rabbis, academic scholars, and religious and lay leaders from the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Israel. The plenary sessions took place at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place in Lower Manhattan. A memorial ceremony also took place at Ground Zero on Tuesday. Rabbi Israel Singer is the chairman of World Jewish Congress.

About The Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding
The Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding is an educational and research division of Sacred Heart University. Established in April 1992, the CCJU is a direct outgrowth of the Second Vatican Council's teachings which encourage interreligious dialogue and understanding. The Center draws together clergy, laity, scholars, theologians, and educators to focus on current religious thinking within Judaism and Christianity and provides forums for dialogue in order to advance greater knowledge, understanding, and harmony among religions. For more information on the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding, visit their website at www.ccju.org, or call 203-365-7502.

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