Cardinal DiNardo, religious leaders re-affirm Nostra Aetate’s commitment to interreligious relations

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, joined by five other Houston-area religious leaders, affirmed the message of Nostra Aetate at a Feb. 8 interreligious gathering at the Cathedral Centre in Houston. (Photos by James Ramos/Herald)

In an ecumenical effort to celebrate the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo co-signed a “letter of mutual respect and pledge of cooperation” affirming the intentions and goals of the historic Vatican document colloquially called “Nostra Aetate” (“In our time”).

At a Feb. 5 event at the Cathedral Centre in downtown Houston, a diverse group of religious leaders from the Greater Houston area came together to address the impact and importance of the Second Vatican Council’s landmark document on the Catholic Church’s relationship to other faiths, which denounced “hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.” This year will see the document’s 60th anniversary, as it was declared by St. Paul VI on Oct. 28, 1965.

“It has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines which, although differing in many ways from its own teaching, nevertheless often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men and women,” the document reads.

That bold declaration was made in Nostra Aetate, which sought to put an end to centuries of enmity and discord between Christians and non-Christians — notably Muslims and Jews — “for the benefit of all, let them together preserve and promote peace, liberty, social justice and moral values.”

Nostra Aetate was a commentary on the times — and on the Church’s reformed position in regard to other religions. In 50 years, followers of the faith have made some significant strides — but still have far to go to bring about peace and goodwill between religious groups.

The event, co-hosted by the Archdiocese, the American Leadership Forum of Houston, the Houston Rabbinical Association and the Minaret Foundation, featured a panel of speakers who addressed interfaith efforts from their unique perspectives.

In his comments, Cardinal DiNardo recognized St. John Paul II’s pivotal role in making the document meaningful, particularly through his personal engagement with the Jewish community and his understanding of anti-Semitism.

Reflecting on Houston’s diversity, Cardinal DiNardo said the region is able to live out the document’s vision and bring it to reality.

“I see Nostra Aetate taking place palpably in the world here. We must become friends,” he said. “We’re not going to always agree ... but what we have is solid ... and St. John Paul II taught us palpably how to live it.”

Other speakers included Rabbi David Lyon of Congregation Beth Israel; Rev. Jennifer Hope-Tringali, senior pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Houston; Shariq Ghani, director of the Minaret Foundation;

Rabbi Shaul Osadchey with the American Leadership Forum; and Geetha Ravula, founder and chief teacher of the Hindu Ashirwad A Blessing Temple.

Rabbi Lyon spoke about his encounter with Pope Francis when he met the pontiff during a visit in September 2024. Also an ecumenical encounter, the meeting with the pope reminded Rabbi Lyon of the common ground found between all faiths.

“Abraham’s stock stands together in the representation of all faiths that grew from him, and all faiths that honor the creation of humanity in the divine image,” he said. “We are brothers and sisters in families of faiths, and the friendships that we have nurtured and celebrated are not superficial. The friendships that we have enjoyed are the rewards for adhering to our respective faiths and honoring the faiths of others.”

Rev. Hope-Tringali also echoed that message of being interwoven and said, “We are interconnected as we rely on God and on each other for love, support and life.”

Father Orrin Halepeska, who leads the Archdiocesan Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs joined Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, in attending the event.

Father Halepeska said the effort to reaffirm Nostra Aetate’s message was important because “even as we try to work better together, we must continue to work together because we are one people.”