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May 2007
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On Wednesday 16th May the 37th Cardinal Bea Memorial Lecture took place at the Sion Centre for Dialogue and Encounter. Cardinal Bea prepared the declaration on the Church and the Jewish people which was proclaimed officially at the Second Vatican Council in 1965.
The title of this year's lecture was "Identity and Integration in
our Religious Traditions". Rabbi Jonathan Romain spoke of the great strides
which have been made since the Second Vatican Council. Religious leaders, in
particular, find they have much in common as they engage in dialogue. He felt
that younger people will learn about each other's faith by mixing together in
schools rather than being educated separately. 
Austen Ivereigh is presently running a
campaign called "Strangers into Citizens". Many faith traditions have united in
calling for an acceptance of people who have been living irregularly in this
country for a long time. Immigrants can make a very positive contribution to
life in Britain but are often denied access to jobs, housing and benefits. By
granting equal status with all British citizens the government would be
recognizing the dignity of immigrants as fellow human beings. The evening, ably
chaired by Jane Clements (CCJ) was most successful. The audience of about 80
was appreciative and lively.