Date: Sun, 27 Nov 1994 15:40:49 -0500
From: db477@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Cliff Pearson)
Subject: QRD submission, rabbi's letter

I submit the following letter to the QRD.  The author wishes to
remain anonymous.  (You may use my name as the submitter).  I
suggest it be posted either to "miscellaneous" or to "religious
issues."

Thanks, 

Cliff Pearson (db477@cleveland.freenet.edu), Tyler, TX

(Please include the following explanatory paragraphs).

This letter was written by a very good friend of mine, a rabbi,
to another friend of mine, an Episcopalian priest.  (Both of
these men are leaders in the progressive movement in my hometown,
and both strongly support gay, lesbian, and bisexual rights.)

The letter doesn't deal with queer issues per se, but some of the
points raised about personal dignity and inclusivity are very
good and apply to us.  The letter also lets the queer community
in on the oppression of another minority.  If we are to build
coalitions with other oppressed people, we must learn of them
and their pain.

LETTER FROM A RABBI TO A PRIEST ON RELIGIOUS ANTI-SEMITISM

BACKGROUND:  The priest and rabbi are good friends.  The priest
proposed to the local clergy that a ministerial alliance be
formed whereby they could come together to act on issues of
common interest.  At the first meeting, the priest proposed a
statement affirming that each group represented is a valid faith,
and should be accorded rights and dignity.  It was his hope that
each clergyperson present would sign the statement, and that it
would serve as the statement of purpose for the group.  The rabbi
offered an addition to the statement saying each faith is a path
to our common God and each offers salvation to its members.  This
letter was written shortly after the meeting.  Identifying
features, such as names, were removed to protect their privacy.

Dear Father _____, 

     I would like to share a few thoughts about last week's
ministerial alliance meeting.  That some ministers were open and
frank pleased me.  I hope it was acceptable that I too was honest
about my beliefs.  In your letter reminding us about the meeting
you asked, "Can we, coming from our various traditions, affirm
the rights and dignity of each religious group in our city?"  No
one had difficulty with rights, but dignity was another question.
You told me I was naive to bring such a statement before our
gathering.  I disagree.  It is a matter of my dignity and the
dignity of my people when some continue to deny that Jews can
find salvation through Judaism.  I know some Christians still
cling to this belief; that is why I wanted to discuss the issue.
This topic had a place in a discussion about religious diversity.

     As I mentioned, if all people converted to Christianity,
there would be little religious diversity.  To affirm a statement
that says religious diversity is an asset, but to deny the
legitimacy of other religions is hypocrisy.  (When one claims
that only his or her religion offers salvation, he or she denies
the legitimacy of other faiths).  I also pointed out that
extending rights and tolerance is only an intermediate step along
the way to full recognition and acceptance.  The continued
teaching of "only salvation through Jesus" will yield what it has
always yielded:  frustration with those who believe differently.       

     Throughout history, rights have been withdrawn and tolerance
has turned into intolerance.  Whether because of hard economic
times or frustration with the pace of "Jewish conversion," the
Jewish people have suffered greatly because they were Jews.  Even
when religious differences were not the stated causes of
anti-Jewish laws and attacks, they are at the root of them.
Religious anti-Semitism has caused other forms of anti-Semitism.
Therefore I am not only offended by views that deny Judaism's
legitimacy, but also threatened.

     That no one but you agreed with my suggested addition to the
statement disappointed me.  You went on to add that it conflicted
with the views of other Christians who could never endorse such a
belief.  (I agree insofar as the present is concerned.)  But you
implied that I had no right to ask the group to consider such a
statement.  That the others' views are protected, and that my
views are seen by you as asking too much, hurts me deeply.  I
must tell you, therefore, that Reform Judaism's universalism is
as much a part of my faith as certain Christian denominations'
views on salvation is a part of their faith.  With no apologies
regarding the exclusion of individual, intolerant beliefs,
Reform Judaism upholds the legitimacy of other religious faiths,
while claiming only that Judaism is best for Jews.  We explicitly
deny that we "own truth," or that our way is the only way for all
people.  

     I am sorry if my raising such a sensitive topic took us
"off-track," but as I see it, this is one of the topics we must
address.  For centuries, Jews have been asked to consider Jesus;
it is time for Christians who have not addressed the question, to
consider accepting Jews as a faith community whose covenant was
never annulled and whose faith is not superseded by any others.
I am not a potential convert--I am a Jew.  I hope that by
discussing this subject, I can initiate some new thinking for
those who have never even looked at it critically.

     The following morning after our meeting, a woman came to my
home and told me she wanted to "discuss the Bible with me."
There were stars of David in my windows, a "Happy Chanukah" sign
on my door and a mezzuzah on the doorpost, yet she still felt she
needed to convert me.  Put yourself in my shoes.  Can you imagine
a "Jewish evangelist" (if one even exists) coming to your door, 
knowing that you are an Episcopalian priest and insisting that
you consider Judaism?
             
    I hope we will continue this discussion at future meetings.
Please let me know when the next meeting is scheduled.

B'Shalom--In Peace,

Rabbi _____.