Vincent Nicholls

The visit of Archbishop Vincent Nichols to South Hampstead synagogue

One of the advantages of studying for a M.A. in Christianity and interreligious relations at Heythrop is finding out about interesting lectures and events. On Sunday 4^th December Archbishop Vincent Nichols and retired Archbishop Kevin Macdonald answered questions about Israel and peace from Rabbi Shlomo Levin at South Hampstead synagogue. The Archbishop began by saying that this was the only second time he had spoken in a synagogue and he was grateful for the warm welcome from a packed synagogue. The questions were hard hitting but were answered frankly and clearly and there was much good humour. The Archbishop referred several times to his recent visit to the Holy Land and spoke of the 84 Palestinian families who had recently lost their homes near Bethlehem.

The Rabbi referred to the Protestant churches who gave great support to Israel and was answered by the comment that the Catholic church was more dynamic about Israel than Protestant churches with the Pope affirming the right of Israelis to the land of Israel. Archbishop Kevin spoke of the importance in interfaith dialogue of laying all concerns on the table. The Rabbi highlighted the contrast between the Christian claim that Jesus is essential to salvation and the historic attempts to convert those of other faiths and the desire of the Catholic church to enter into dialogue. He contrasted the Pope’s positive actions and also negative comments like the Williamson affair and the prayer on Good Friday. Archbishop Vincent replied that the Catholic church does change and does make mistakes. He pointed to the success of interfaith dialogue in Birmingham changing the local council’s view with the example of a Nativity scene now reinstated in the public square.

In reply to a question about decline in the face of secularism, he said that we should talk to each other more and be more ready to engage in public debate which is open to the voices of religion. We need to find the language and the images which will convey our message clearly and spoke of the gap within ourselves - “mind the gap” as we here on the Underground! We should be aware of our insufficiency rather than our selfsufficiency. He quoted the case of a church where the local radio station rang the priest to ask if he would like his church advertised on the radio. The priest said “Why would I do that? I have 2000 attending every Sunday. Would you like me to advertise your radio station at Mass?”

The Chief Rabbi had recently given the first Pope Benedict XVI lecture at which he mentioned his forthcoming meeting with the Pope and how much he shared with the Pope in his analysis of Western culture.

 In reply to a question about the search for spirituality among younger Jews, the work of monasteries was mentioned and the profound silence during some of the Papal visit services which has been reintroduced at Mass in many places. It was a pity that the valuable work being done by laity in churches to promote silent meditation was not mentioned.

Archbishop Vincent said that the country would be poorer without an established Church and that we had a radical right to follow and express faith. There were also questions about marriage between Catholics and those of other faiths with the emphasis now being on the Catholic partner to promise to do their best to bring up children in the faith and about education with mention of the recent Coloma case. Some felt that Israel had been singled out for criticism at the recent Lambeth Palace conference with claims that the number of Christians in Israel itself is increasing. Archbishop Kevin said that representations were made to the embassies of Arab countries about the treatment of Christians and Israel was not being singled out at all.

On a more light hearted note I recorded 2 of the rabbi’s sayings. “You are not paranoid unless you recognise that people are picking on you” and a Jewish atheist “I’m an atheist, thank God!”

The evening concluded with refreshments and an opportunity to meet those of other faiths. I was very glad that I had gone to the meeting!

John Woodhouse

Westminster cathedral interfaith group which now meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 4pm to 5pm in the Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace – all are welcome.