1. The Catholic co-chair Cardinal Peter Turkson opened the meeting welcoming the delegations, introducing the current theme, and wishing fruitful deliberations. The Jewish co-chair Rabbi Rasson Arussi expressed thanks to the hosts and noted that this was the first meeting since the death of the founding Jewish co-chair Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen of blessed memory, whose leadership was indispensable for the success of this bilateral commission. At the same time he recalled the other founding co-chairs of blessed memory, Cardinal Jorge Mejίa and Cardinal Georges Cottier, for their inspiring guidance. Rabbi Arussi welcomed the new member of the Jewish delegation, Rabbi Moshe Dagan, the new Director General of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and noted with satisfaction the decision of the Chief Rabbinate Council confirming Mr Oded Wiener as the coordinator of the Jewish delegation. Congratulations were offered on behalf of all the members of the bilateral commission to Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa on his elevation to the episcopate and appointment as Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, wishing him every success in this ministry.

2. The theme of the 14^th meeting of the bilateral commission was titled “Promoting peace in the face of violence in the name of religion”. Acknowledgement was made of the tragic sins of past violence that have been perpetrated in the name of religion, and the terrible blasphemous abuse of religion in our current times that desecrates human life, and denying human liberty and difference, and posing critical challenges for our respective traditions.

3. The Catholic presentation sought to assess whether and to what extent religions can play a role in the resolution of conflicts and the construction of a new international order based on justice, peace and the care of Creation. In affirming the divine sanctity of human life, our religions demand respect for each person’s life and identity. This must be guaranteed to refugees and migrants, also by receiving them in such a way that the rights and freedoms of all are promoted.

4. The Jewish presentation surveyed the various factors that lead to aggression, violence and war, and sought to define criteria and values available in particular to the Abrahamic traditions in combatting these – specifically, the sanctity of the human person, the principle of free will, and appreciation of diversity as a reflection of the Divine Presence and Will. Notable in this regard were the words of Cardinal Augustin Bea in his comments on Nostra Aetate that the concept of Divine Fatherhood implies that all human beings are equal in dignity. In addition, it is incumbent on religious leadership to exercise theological humility in presenting and interpreting their respective traditions in a manner that avoids violent intent towards others.