The Chairman of the Council of Christians and Jews has warned of challenging times for inter-faith dialogue and that the problems with the Israel-Palestine peace process shouldn’t define the relationship between Jews and Christians
Speaking at the Chairman’s Annual Reception at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 13 September, The Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, Lord Bishop of Manchester, also stated that across Europe there was a worrying growth in intolerance of the Jewish way of life with challenges to Shechita (ritual slaughter,) circumcision and Kosher food.
He added, however, that in the UK relationships are better and much of this was to do with the work of the CCJ and its supporters and he thanked them for their practical and financial support.
Earlier, guests were treated to a unique private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, where its history, intrigues and secrets were brought to life by Canon Revd Dr Bob Reiss, Sub Dean of Westminster Abbey, who delighted all with personal anecdotes and details that might otherwise have been missed. Later he was presented with an award to thank him for all his support and work with the CCJ as Chair of the Central London Branch.
Former President of Board of Jewish Deputies and CCJ Vice President, Dr Lionel Kopelowitz, thanked everyone for coming in what was the CCJ’s 70th anniversary year and gave a vote of thanks to Westminster Abbey, Canon Reiss, Bishop Nigel and to the CCJ’s CEO, David Gifford, for his hard work and dedication.
