Nostra Aetate
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions
What Is Nostra Aetate?
Nostra Aetate is a declaration of the Second Vatican Council on the Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions.
Its title means In Our Time.
The document discusses the Church’s approach to other religions while reaffirming that Christ is the fullness of truth and salvation.
Main Themes
- The unity of the human family.
- The religious questions shared by humanity.
- The Church’s respect for what is true and holy in other religions.
- The special relationship between Christians and Jews.
- The rejection of hatred, persecution, and antisemitism.
Why It Matters
Nostra Aetate helps Catholics approach people of other religions with truth, charity, respect, and a desire for peace.
It does not deny the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, but calls Catholics to witness to Him without hatred or contempt toward others.
Read the Document
Read the full Vatican text here:
Open Nostra Aetate ↗