Nostra Aetate

Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions

Second Vatican Council; solemnly promulgated by St. Paul VI1965-10-28Current

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Overview

Addresses the Church's relationship with non-Christian religions, rejects religious discrimination, and gives particular attention to Judaism and Islam.

Why This Document Matters

It is the foundational Vatican II text for Catholic interreligious relations and for repudiating antisemitism.

Historical Context

Promulgated after intense conciliar development shaped in part by the tragedy of the Shoah and the need for renewed religious relations.

Authority and Status

Genre: Ecumenical Council Declaration
Authority class: Ecumenical council declaration
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1965-10-28

A declaration of an ecumenical council, solemnly promulgated by the pope, teaching principles for the Church's relations with non-Christian religions.

Key Points

Interreligious DialogueJudaismIslamHuman Fraternity

Major Themes

Interreligious DialogueJudaismIslamHuman FraternityReligious Relations

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Nostra Aetate

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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