Promise, Land and Hope
Partially in response to increased polarization in Christian-Jewish dialogues around the world caused by the ongoing lsraeli-Palestinian conflict, the PROMISE, LAND AND HOPE project will shed light on one of the conflict's specifically religious dimensions: how different disputants draw upon scriptural or other authoritative religious texts to advance their arguments. By becoming aware of how different voices adduce texts, it becomes possible to get beyond their contradictory conclusions to understand why people argue as they do. This kind of awareness enables dialogues to move from endless arguments over policies or actions to constructive engagement with diversity.
ICCJ on Facebook
A few weeks ago ICCJ created a Facebook page. The ICCJ Young Leadership Council and the ICCJ International Abrahamic Forum did so even before ICCJ itself became part of the FB community. The reason why is obvious: social media play an ever growing role in web communication. In particular younger people create their network on line. But not only the younger generation! To individuals and institutions social media offer an unheard opportunity to reach out to the general public. So: join us on Facebook!
All Manchester Keynotes on line
Three weeks ago the 2012 ICCJ international conference in Manchester ended. For three days the 180 participants enjoyed an excellently prepared program of plenary sessions, no less than 25 workshops, outings and cultural events. ICCJ and all conference delegates showed their gratitude to our Manchester friends during the gala dinner on the grounds of Manchester United Football Club. Now already all major addresses and the responses are on line on this website.
ICCJ Abrahamic Forum on circumcision ban.
During its recent meeting in Manchester, the ICCJ International Abrahamic Forum issued a statement responding to the ruling of the Cologne District Court in Germany on circumcision. The Abrahamic Forum will publish soon a more extensive position paper on issues like the Court’s ruling. In several countries, like in Holland and Sweden, a ban on ritual slaughter was discussed. Switzerland banned the building of minarets. Other countries consider a so called burka-ban. As one of the presenters during the annual ICCJ Manchester conference stated: the real clash in the near future will be the clash between law and religion. In western societies rights and freedoms, secularized and religious, will struggle for new relations to each other.
Opening Speech Dr. Weissman
For the past several years, I have opened the annual ICCJ conferences by mentioning my own family connections with the city or at least the country in which we’re meeting. For the first time, I can honestly say I have no family connections to the UK in general or to Manchester in particular. On the other hand, coming to this country definitely resembles a homecoming for anyone from the English-speaking world. But even beyond the English--speaking world, Great Britain is a cradle of democracy and human rights, from the time of the Magna Carta.
First two lectures on line
A very successful ICCJ international conference 2012 ended with a gala dinner on Manchester United Football Grounds on July 5. Most of the 180 participants came together that evening to celebrate an enriching and encouraging meeting, co-organized by ICCJ, the British CCJ, the Manchester CCJ Branch and the Manchester University Institute for Jewish Studies. Those who had worked hard to make this event happen, were thanked warmly and many promised “see you again in Aix en Provence next year.”
German ban on circumcision?
The German Coordinating Council for Jewish-Christian cooperation holds the judgment of the Cologne Regional Court, which assesses the circumcision of boys for religious reasons as physical injury, to be unconstitutional.
New feature for Memborgs
As from now a new list serve for all board members and executives of the 38 ICCJ member organizations world wide is open for use. Through this mailing list the ICCJ member organizations will be in contact with each other, they will keep their fellow organizations everywhere in the world informed about the activities in their respective countries and they will discuss through this mailing list the issues presently on the agenda of Jewish-Christian and Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogue.
New Neighbours, New Opportunities
Some 180 participants from 22 ICCJ member countries, geographically ranging from Northern, Central and Eastern Europe to Israel, Latin America and Australia will gather at Manchester Town Hall on Sunday July 1 attending the opening session of ICCJ’s 2012 conference on “New Neighbours, New Opportunities, the Challenges of Multiculturalism and Social Responsibility.
Victor Goldbloom: Chevalier du Pape
ICCJ warmly congratulates ICCJ Honorary President Dr. Victor C. Goldbloom on a well-deserved honor he received from the Vatican. Victor Goldbloom has been named a Papal Knight. L’ICCJ félicite chaleureusement le Dr. Victor C. Goldbloom, président d’honneur de notre organisation, pour la distinction méritée que lui a décernée le Vatican. Victor Goldbloom a été nommé Chevalier du Pape.
Last call for applications
Want to offer training to the next generation of interfaith practitioners of your organization? Looking for a way to get the younger ones involved in interfaith on an international level?The Young Leadership Council (YLC), is part of the International Council of Christians and Jews and is dedicated to Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogue facilitation and training for young adults(aged 18-35).
Manchester Conference
Sunday July 1st will be the official opening of the 2012 ICCJ conference to be held in Manchester. Theme of the conference: New Neighbours, New Opportunities: The Challenges of Multiculturalism and Social Responsibility. Registration for the conference will close end of this month. Therefore we want to remind all those interested in coming to Manchester to register on time! All information you need can be found on this website. Deadline for registration: June 1!
International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ) |
