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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: In Speech to Jewish Council for Public Affairs Delegates, Cardinal defends PLO-Vatican Agreement Respondent Welcomes Cardinal Keeler’s Remarks; Criticizes Timing of Accords February 28, 2000 – Baltimore, MD – Speaking to delegates participating in the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) Plenum 2000, William Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, defended the recent agreement between the PLO and the Vatican regarding the protection of religious sites in areas under Palestinian control. Speaking from prepared remarks, Cardinal Keeler said, "For two years the Holy See has been trying to provide for Church institutions in territories under Palestinian control the same legal protection that they have in Israeli territory." Contrary to Israeli reaction to the agreement, Cardinal Keeler asserted that, "There is no attempt in the accord to enter into questions of territoriality or sovereignty in Jerusalem." Rather, he said, it is up to the Palestinians and Israelis to resolve these questions. For this reason, Cardinal Keeler said, the Holy See rejects "any unilateral claim to the city, by any one party." The Cardinal acknowledged, however, that further clarification between Israel and the Holy See may be necessary. Calling the Pope’s upcoming visit to Israel "enormously significant," Cardinal Keeler said, "The visit will provide the Pope with an opportunity to continue to educate Catholics and other Christians on our special faith relationship to the Jewish people." However, Cardinal Keeler expressed concern about the potential construction of a mosque near the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and said that "hopefully, the Government of Israel will address this concern for…the government has its own reputation as a guarantor of religious rights of all to protect in this issue." In a response to the Cardinal’s presentation, Rabbi James Rudin, of the American Jewish Committee, lauded the Cardinal’s great effort on the part of Catholic-Jewish relations, calling him an "architect" and "bridge builder." While he agreed that guaranteeing religious freedoms in the Palestinian territories is essential, Rabbi Rudin criticized the recent Vatican – PLO agreement, especially for its mention of Jerusalem. He underscored the "bad timing" of the document - at this delicate point in the peace process - calling the action "bad politics" that had created some unnecessary obstacles and tensions. ### The Jewish Council for Public Affairs is the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community and serves as the national coordinating and advisory body for the 13 national and 122 local agencies comprising the field of Jewish community relations. |
