1. DECLARATION ON THE RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO NON ‐ CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS NOSTRA AETATE PROCLAIMED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON OCTOBER 28, 1965

2. Vatican II Latest ecumenical council (1962-1965) Latest ecumenical council (1962-1965) Produced 62 documents that fundamentally changed Church’s relationship to the world and its self understanding Produced 62 documents that fundamentally changed Church’s relationship to the world and its self understanding Has led to much division and tension within Church Has led to much division and tension within Church

3. Nostra Aetate Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. Regards with sincere reverence: – –ways of conduct and of life – –precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds – –……reflect a ray of Truth which enlightens all men.

4. Nostra Aetate on… Hinduism: – –tradition of contemplation of the divine mystery: – –searching philosophical inquiry: – –seeking freedom….through ascetical practices or profound meditation Buddhism – –realizes the radical insufficiency of this changeable world – –teaches a way by which [individuals] can acquire the state of liberation, or attain…supreme illumination.

5. Nostra Aetate on Muslims They adore the one God, all powerful, Creator of heaven and earth Has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to…His will Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times even call on her with devotion. They await the day of judgment and the resurrection of the dead They value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

6. Nostra Aetate on Judaism Christian’s faith…have beginnings in Israel’s election are Abraham's sons (Jews)….are mysteriously included in the Church’s salvation The Church…cannot forget that she received the revelation of the Old Testament through….the Jews By Christ’ crucifixion…Jews and Gentiles are reconciled and made one in Himself

7. Nostra Aetate on Jewish People While Jews did not recognize nor in large number accept the Gospel nevertheless, God holds the Jews most dear He does not repent of the gifts He made The spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is so great…[we] want to foster mutual understanding [through] biblical and theological studies as well as fraternal dialogues. Though the Jewish authorities…pressed for the death of Christ, still, [the charge of deicide] cannot be charged against all the Jews, without distinction, then alive, nor Jews of today.