RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO NON CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS

 
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DECLARATION ON THE RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS
Vatican II, Nostra Aetate 28 October 1965

Introduction:

            The Document On The Relation of the Church To Non-Christian Religions is very brief and concise. It has only five principles or points of renewal stipulated in the document. 

 

Principles: 

1.   Considering the developments which strengthens the friendship and bonds among countries, among regions and among peoples, the Church examines/reviews its relations with other non-christian religions. She reflects that which is common to all and that which promotes fellowship among them. 

2.   Throughout history, all accept the awareness and the reality of the hidden power, which lies behind the course of nature and the events of human life.  There is a recognition of a supreme being, of a Father.  This recognition results in a way of life that is imbued with a deep religious sense.  The religions which are found in most advanced civilizations endeavor  by way of well defined concepts and exact language  to answer these questions. 

3.   The Church has high regards to the Muslims.  They worship God who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to people.  They strive to submit themselves without reserve to the hidden decrees of God, just as Abraham submitted himself to God’s plan, to whose faith Muslims eagerly link to their own.  

      For many centuries, many quarrels and dissension arose between Christians and Muslims.  The sacred Council now 
      pleads with all to forget the past, and urges that a sincere effort be made to achieve mutual understanding; for the
      benefit of all.  Let them preserve and promote peace, liberty, social justice and moral values.
 

4.   Sounding the depths of the mystery which is the Church, the sacred Council remembers the spiritual ties which link the People of the New Covenant to the stock of Abraham.  The Church acknowledges that in God’s plan of salvation, the beginning of her faith and election is to be found in the patriarchs, Moses and the prophets.  She professes that all Christ’s faithful are included in the same patriarch’s call and that the salvation of the church is mystically prefigured  in the exodus of God’s chosen [people from the land of bondage. 

5.   There is no basis either in theory or in practice for any discrimination between individuals or between peoples arising from human dignity or from the rights which flow from it.  The Church reproves any discrimination against people or any harassment of them on the basis of their race, color, condition in life or religion. 


SR. LUCIA ARANA, OND
Presentor

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