Jews and Judaism
At the 12th Assembly in 2009, the Uniting Church Assembly adopted the statement Jews and Judaism which continues to guide the life of the Church and its understanding of the unique relationship of Judaism and Christianity and the ongoing need for dialogue and relationship between the two faiths.
JEWS AND JUDAISM: A STATEMENT BY THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA
12th Assembly, 2009
The Uniting Church acknowledges
1. that Jesus of Nazareth cannot be understood apart from the Judaism of his time as he was born, lived and died a faithful Jew, looking to
the establishment of God's kingdom as the fulfilment of God's promises;
2. that Judaism is a living faith today, and was at the time of Jesus, possessed of its own integrity and vitality within its own developing
traditions;
3. that historically, understandings of Judaism have been imposed from without, and that Judaism should be understood on its own terms;
4. that both Torah and Gospel are expressions of God's grace, calling forth a response of thankful obedience;
5. that Christianity stands in a unique relationship with Judaism because:
a. Christianity emerged from Judaism of the first century and cannot be understood apart from it;
b. Judaism and Christianity, as living faiths today, have developed significantly from this common root;
c. Christians and Jews share a common heritage in a unique testimony of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) to the One
God;
6. that Judaism, both historically and currently, cannot be understood from knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures alone, or from references to Judaism in the New Testament alone;
7. that many of the early Christian writings collected in the New Testament were written in a context of controversy and polemic between the Church and Synagogue;
8. that antisemitism in all its expressions is an affront to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Uniting Church acknowledges with repentance
9. a history of interpretation of New Testament texts which has often failed to appreciate the context from which these texts emerged,
viz. the growing separation of Christianity and Judaism with attendant bitterness and antagonism, resulting in deeply rooted anti-Jewish misunderstandings;
10. an anti-Judaism which developed in Christianity creating fertile ground for the spread of antisemitism culminating in the Shoah (Holocaust), and a history of insensitivity with respect to the importance of the Shoah for Jews.
The Uniting Church affirms
11. that Christians in their lives and by their words bear witness to God as known to them through Jesus Christ, whom they confess as Lord;
12. that the gifts and calling of God to the Jewish people are irrevocable;
13. that Christians and Jews have kindred ethical frameworks, grounded in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), which impel them to work together for the achievement of a just and responsible society;
14. that Christian self-understanding is enhanced through closer dialogue with, and openness to, Judaism; such dialogue does not preclude opportunities for mutual faith sharing;
15. that the State of Israel and a Palestinian State each have the right to live side by side in peace and security;
The Uniting Church does not accept
16. Christian teaching that is derogatory towards Jews and Judaism;
17. that belief that God has abolished the covenant with the Jewish people;
18. supersessionism, the belief that Christians have replaced Jews in the love and purpose of God;
19. forms of relationships with Jews that require them to become Chris tian, including coercion and manipulation, that violate their humanity, dignity and freedom;
The Uniting Church Encourages its Members and Councils
20. to seek opportunities to meet with Jews and to learn about modern Judaism; (this might include, wherever possible, receiving hospitality in Synagogue worship, inviting a Rabbi to speak during a worship service or
other gatherings, joining a Council of Christians and Jews).
21. to continue to study the Council of Christians and Jews (Victorian) documents Rightly Explaining the Word of Truth and Re-reading Paul along with the study of other writings of significance to the Christian Jewish relationship. (See Bibliography).
22. to respect the integrity of Jewish festivals, e.g. refraining from use of a Passover Seder in Holy Week worship;
23. to be vigilant in resisting antisemitism and anti-Judaism in church and society;
24. to pray and work for a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.