Vatican Surveys Catholic Bishops On Anti-Semitism

The Vatican plans to survey Roman Catholic bishops around the world.

The Vatican plans to survey Roman Catholic bishops around the world to see if they think Biblical texts are still used to foster anti-Semitism.

The survey questions, published on Friday by the Vatican to prepare for a major meeting next year, also ask bishops if they are making dialogue with Jews a priority in their work.

The questionnaire says too few Catholics know enough about the Old Testament, the Scriptures that outline Jewish history before the coming of Jesus Christ, and says they need better training in how to read it and understand difficult passages.

"Are biblical texts used to ferment attitudes of anti-Semitism?" asked the questionnaire ahead of a worldwide meeting of Catholic bishops in Rome in October 2008. "Is priority given to dialogue with Jewish people?"

Catholic-Jewish relations have improved immensely since 1965 when the Second Vatican Council repudiated the concept of collective Jewish guilt for Christ's death, called for dialogue with Jews and highlighted the Jewish roots of Christianity.

They reached new heights in 1985 when the late Pope John Paul II visited Rome's synagogue and called Jews "our beloved elder brothers". He later visited Jerusalem and asked forgiveness for Catholic offences against Jews. In recent weeks, however, Catholic and Jewish experts have expressed concern that relations could be hurt if Vatican plans to revive the old Latin liturgy include long-forgotten prayers for converting the Jews or roll back respect for their heritage.

Pope Benedict is to announce soon a revival of the Latin mass, a concession to traditionalists who have long criticised the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) reforms that promoted mass in local languages and understanding with non-Catholics.

While the Vatican has given no hint of whether the disputed prayers used in Good Friday services will be restored, the questionnaire took such a positive approach to Judaism that it would be surprising to find the old view indirectly revived.

SPECIAL ATTENTION FOR JEWS

"Special attention is given to the Jewish people. Christ and the Jews are sons of Abraham, grounded in the same covenant," it said, referring to the Biblical bond between God and Israel.

The text said Catholics should know more about "the original character of the Jewish understanding of the Bible". At the same time, it warned against literal readings of the Bible that lean towards fundamentalism and cause "useless controversy".

Pope Benedict has recently argued against the creationist reading of the Bible popular among evangelical Protestants and said evolution can be accepted within a broader Christian view that acknowledges God as the ultimate maker of the universe. (Reuters)