Anglican General Synod ratifies motion to replace prayer for conversion of the Jews
Jewish community celebrates long-sought change
CALGARY, AB – July 4, 2023 – On Friday, June 30, the Anglican Church of Canada’s General Synod ratified a motion to delete a prayer from the “Book of Common Prayer” calling for the conversion of the Jews. In 2019, the resolution to replace the text with a prayer for reconciliation with the Jews, which asks forgiveness for acts of violence and prejudice committed by Christians against Jews, was passed with nearly unanimous support. Today, at the 2023 General Synod, the resolution was ratified.
In response, on behalf of the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus (CRC) and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), Rabbi Adam Stein of Congregation Beth Israel said:
“I presented to the 2019 General Synod on behalf of the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus, and the CRC was honoured to share insights and guidance with our Anglican friends as they developed this poignant new text. We commend the General Synod for this important decision.
“Authentic interfaith dialogue requires respect. Any attempt by one to convert the other is the antithesis of respect. Changing this prayer represents a milestone in Anglican-Jewish relations and invites Anglicans to assume a reconciliatory stance with the Jewish community.”
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