185
are irrevocableâ (
Rom
11:29). The Church, which
shares with Jews an important part of the sacred
Scriptures, looks upon the people of the cove-
nant and their faith as one of the sacred roots of
her own Christian identity (cf.
Rom
11:16-18). As
Christians, we cannot consider Judaism as a for-
eign religion; nor do we include the Jews among
those called to turn from idols and to serve the
true God (cf.
1 Thes
1:9). With them, we believe
in the one God who acts in history, and with
them we accept his revealed word.
248.âDialogue and friendship with the children
of Israel are part of the life of Jesusâ disciples.
The friendship which has grown between us
makes us bitterly and sincerely regret the terri-
ble persecutions which they have endured, and
continue to endure, especially those that have in-
volved Christians.
249.âGod continues to work among the people
of the Old Covenant and to bring forth treas-
ures of wisdom which flow from their encounter
with his word. For this reason, the Church also
is enriched when she receives the values of Juda-
ism. While it is true that certain Christian beliefs
are unacceptable to Judaism, and that the Church
cannot refrain from proclaiming Jesus as Lord
and Messiah, there exists as well a rich comple-
mentarity which allows us to read the texts of the
Hebrew Scriptures together and to help one an-
other to mine the riches of Godâs word. We can
also share many ethical convictions and a com-
