God’s Unfailing Word

Author The Faith and Order Commission
Publisher CHP £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780715111611

Living as I do in a London Borough which is 10% Jewish I found this book informative, challenging, moving and really important. It is an attempt by the Church of England to set out in a single document a theology of Christian-Jewish relations that accords with Church of England doctrine. In a foreword, Archbishop Justin Welby says that understanding the relationship between Christianity and Judaism is not an optional extra: ‘It informs our daily Bible reading, prayers and worship as well as our relationships with Jewish neighbours, friends and colleagues.’ The book points out that all preachers and teachers, in particular, need to be careful they are not perpetuating inaccurate and harmful stereotypes and attitudes. Tackling boldly the Christian Church’s appalling history, and modern conflict about the land and state of Israel, it ends with a very challenging response from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who is concerned that, even now, in the 21st century, Jews are seen by some Christians ‘as quarry to be pursued and converted.’

CLAIRE DISBREY

Interfaith