It was a group of clergy and theologians living in Israel who founded this fraternity in 1966. It was their conviction that recent history called forth a serious consideration of Judaism and the Jewish people. Its purpose therefore was to deepen the Christian relationship with Jews, to bring together other Christian traditions and to be a catalyst in Christian-Jewish dialogue throughout the world.
Sr Rita Kammermayer attended the event on behalf of Notre Dame de Sion.
Sr Lucy Thorson, who served as the Fraternity’s first woman president from 1985 to 1988, was unable to attend the symposium, but sent a message which Sr Rita read to those gathered.
“The Fraternity has shown in reality how to build bridges – both in Jerusalem, and far beyond its borders. With all our diversities, the Fraternity has helped us over the years to learn to appreciate one another, respecting the richness of our diversity. The Ecumenical Fraternity continually reminded all of us, even until this very day, that it is by working together, that diverse Christians and Jews can more effectively address local and global issues such as poverty, antisemitism and human rights.
To me, therefore, the Ecumenical Theological Fraternity in Israel has always also been a strong reminder that ecumenical and interfaith relationships are not a “luxury”, but rather, these relationships are essential for our diverse faith communities to effectively serve our world today. Over the years, I have personally seen how The Ecumenical Fraternity in Israel has continually created a “space” where, in the midst of political and religious differences, Christians of diverse denominations can work together with the Jewish community in engaging in meaningful efforts of peace and reconciliation.
So, dear members and friends of the Ecumenical Fraternity, it is indeed a real pleasure and honor on this occasion to also THANK all those, present and past, who have faithfully worked to “plant seeds”; to continually build meaningful relationships and who have given their hearts and energies to contribute to the growth and vitality of the Ecumenical Theological Fraternity in Israel which we continue to witness until this very day. It is my sincere wish and prayer, therefore, that this year of the Fraternity’s 60th Anniversary may truly be a blessed time for all of us who continue into the future to serve in the area of ecumenical and interfaith engagements, both in Israel and internationally.”
Sr Lucy Thorson, NDS
“With this anniversary we were filled with gratitude at what had been accomplished over these 60 years and true amazement at how many people of different faiths found a place to come together and experienced great meaning in that coming together. The Sisters of Sion have been a vital part of the Fraternity since its beginning. It truly was a blessed event filled with beautiful memories and a future orientation as one speaker recalled, ‘Let us continue in this!’
Our deep gratitude to Dr. Petra Heldt, the director, who has held the inspiration and purpose so vividly for all of us. It was indeed a joy to celebrate such a milestone here in Jerusalem.”
