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This is the first time that the Catholic Church reaches out positively to other non- Christian religions and this stands out in stark contrast to the traditional representation of religions prior to Vatican II.

This is the first time that the Church deplores (and later condemns) the persecution of the Jews and the presence of anti-Semitism.

This is the first time that the Church acknowledges that God does not take back his gifts, and that the Jews, in the past or in the present, cannot be held responsible for the death of Christ.

Nostra Aetate inaugurated a huge reappraisal within Catholicism of Christianity's relationship with Judaism.

Nostra Aetate "provided the possibility for dialogue between Jews and Christians that had never existed in the history of these two great religions".

Nostra Aetate brought in a "doctrinal revolution" and effected "a radical upheaval in relation to the traditional representation of non-Christian religions".

Nostra Aetate ushered in a significant breakthrough, namely a "theological event" (pointing to the action of the Spirit of God outside Christianity) …"the presence of elements of truth and grace in other faiths, and a ray of the truth that enlightens all".

Over these last 40 years many exciting developments have taken place in the relationship between Christians and Jews and for that we are thankful. Nostra Aetate opened up new possibilities for us to learn about and appreciate the religious traditions of other people. In so doing, it provided us with an opportunity to move beyond the comforts of our own boundaries and prejudices in order to recognize and appreciate the dignity and worth of every human being no matter what faith tradition they adhere to. We pray for on-going developments between all peoples and traditions in the years ahead.