Jewish-Catholic Relations

About Jewish-Catholic Relations and the Archdiocese of Chicago

Right to left: Noam Marans, Director of Interfaith and Intergroup Relations, AJC; Cardinal Cupich; David Inlander, Chair of Interreligious Affairs Commission, AJC; Barbara Kantrow Assistant Director, AJC Chicago.

At the Second Vatican Council in 1965, the Declaration Nostra Aetate (“In Our Time”) called for Catholics and Jews to collaborate in “biblical and theological inquiry … and friendly discussions.” The Archdiocese of Chicago takes this declaration seriously and is committed to continuing to understand and work with the vibrant Jewish culture in the Chicagoland area through a variety of initiatives. A few of our engagements and programs include:

Annual Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Jerusalem Lecture
The Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Jerusalem Lecture continues and enriches the relationship between Jews and Catholics with an annual lecture on the theological issues affecting their communities. Each year’s lecture alternates between a Jewish/Catholic speaker and location. The Archdiocese of Chicago co-sponsors the event with AJC Chicago, Anti-Defamation League, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago Board of Rabbis, DePaul University, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership.

The Bernardin-Jerusalem Lecture series commemorates Joseph Cardinal Bernardin’s voyage to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by local Catholic and Jewish leaders. On March 23, 1995, Cardinal Bernardin delivered a lecture entitled “Anti-Semitism: The Historical Legacy and the Continuing Challenge for Christians,” in the Senate Hall at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The lecture was the centerpiece of his visit to Israel. Upon returning to the United States, Cardinal Bernardin established an annual lecture to continue the high level of conversation between Chicago’s Jewish and Catholic communities around the theological issues affecting their relationship.
 

2025 Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Jerusalem Lecture

SIXTY YEARS AFTER NOSTRA AETATE: A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE ON ITS UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Join us for the 28th Annual Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Jerusalem Lecture with opening remarks by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago.

Immense good will accompanied the initial moves to implement Vatican II’s Nostra Aetate’s teachings about Jews and Judaism. However, this process proved to be far from simple, presenting regular challenges. Where have we come, what have we learned, and what remains to be done? Moderated Q & A session to follow.

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 7 p.m.
DePaul University - Lincoln Park Campus
Cortelyou Commons 2324 N. Fremont St., Chicago, IL

Speaker: Dr. Ruth Langer, Professor of Jewish Studies, Theology Department, Boston College

The event is free and open to the public.

See flyer for details.

Register here

Sponsors: Archdiocese of Chicago, AJC–Chicago, Anti-Defamation League, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago Board of Rabbis, DePaul University, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, and Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership