Coordinating Committee for Christian-Jewish Cooperation | Koordinierungsausschuss für christlich-jüdische Zusammenarbeit

Platform for Christian-Jewish rapprochement and education work

Initiators
The Coordinating Committee for Christian-Jewish Cooperation was founded by Prof. Kurt Schubert on the initiative of Karl Rudolf, Head of the Archbishop's Pastoral Office, then Prelate, in the summer of 1956. Initially a section of Pax Christi, it became an independent initiative in 1965.

Occasion
In 1956 Pax Christi had observed that the so-called „Jewish problem“ still loomed large in society. According to minutes of a Pax Christi meeting: „…there are still hate complexes in Austria and, particularly in this direction, which nothing has been done about since 1945.”

Target Groups
Schools, pedagogues, student, universities, curious people, communities, businesses and volunteers.

Objectives
Away from "missionizing the Jews" that had dominated activities for centuries, towards a Christian-Jewish dialogue. Since the Second Vatican Council, shaping religious education in the spirit of the conciliar renewal has been one of the central goals. One of the first activities was to re-describe the representation of Judaism in Christian catechesis.

The Coordinating Committee provides a platform for educational work and serves a Christian-Jewish rapprochement in the areas of education, science, dialogue and public communication.

Topics

  • Antisemitism and Anti-Israelism are to be prevented by strengthening the dialogue between Christians and Jews. A Christian-Jewish committee was installed as a concrete measure to this end.
  • Knowledge transfer about Israel in order to reduce potential bias.
  • Joint rejection (on the part of Christians and Jews) of Antisemitic agitation in the media.

Duration
The Coordinating Committee was founded in 1956, initially as a section of Pax Christi, since 1965 as an independent association which is still active.

Activities

  • Education
    • Workshop series at the KPH Wien / Krems
    • Lecture series at the Jewish Institute for Adult Education
    • Educational events on occasion of the commemorative week Mechaye HaMetim
    • Active contributions to educational programs and events for schools, communities, municipalities, institutions of higher education and universities
    • Speaker activities of the members of the board
  • Science
    • Publication of the scientific quarterly Dialog - DuSiach
    • Maintenance, expansion, supervision of a library specialized in Judaism, Christian-Jewish dialogue and Antisemitism
    • Scientific editing and authoring activities of the board members
    • Participation in university courses
  • Dialogue
    • Regular meetings with representatives of religious communities
    • Placement of speakers for and participation in dialogue events
    • Support in the preparation and organization of the Day of Judaism
    • Participation in the annual International Council of Christians and Jews World Conference
    • Cross-border networking, especially with Hungary and Germany
    • Dialog:Abraham, a student initiative that organizes trialogical events for students and young adults
  • Public communication
    • Contributions to radio, television and magazines
    • Statements on current issues affecting Jewish-Christian relations
    • Greeting messages to representatives of the religions on Rosh haShanah, Pessach, Christmas and Easter

Form of Organization
The board consists of Jewish and Christian members. There is an advisory board as well as local committees in Vienna, Eisenstadt, Graz, Linz and Innsbruck.

Yuval Katz-Wilfing is Secretary General.

Funding
Sponsors currently include: Austrian Bishops´ Conference (Archdiocese of Vienna, Diocese of Eisenstadt, Diocese of Salzburg, Diocese of Gurk-Klagenfurt, Diocese of Graz, Diocese of Innsbruck, Diocese of Feldkirch, Diocese of St. Pölten, Diocese of Linz) / Protestant Churches AB and methodist / the Jewish Community in Austria (IKG) / Stift Klosterneuburg / Sisters of our Lady of Zion / Ring of Austrian Adult Education Associations / district administration of Vienna’s 2nd district / Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications / Austrian National Bank

Products

  • Annual reports
  • Quarterly journal „Dialog-Du Siach“
  • Extensive library specializing in Jewish-Christian dialogue
  • Podcast: Radio Du Siach / dialogues with different actors in the field of interreligious dialogue
  • Newsletter

Website | Social Media | Contact
www.christenundjuden.org
Facecook: https://www.facebook.com/christenundjuden

Tandelmarktgasse 5/2-4
A-1020 Wien

T: +43 650 4797376
E-mail: info@christenundjuden.org 

 

editor: as / update: jv 2022