Letter: A broad church of Jews and Christians

Sir: The Independent recently (24 March) carried an advertisement for 'Jews for Jesus', an organisation that targets Jews as potential converts to Christian faith.

The Council of Christians and Jews believes that this policy is both misconceived and harmful; damaging to both the Christian faith and Judaism. In the light of our tragic history, the first priority for Christian churches today in relation to Judaism is to establish a new, more constructive relationship, avoiding the errors of the past. This entails respecting the integrity of Judaism as a living religion.

In the experience of many of us, both Jews and Christians, this is an approach which can deepen our apprehension of the one true God.

Yours sincerely,

RICHARD OXON (The Bishop of Oxford)

North Hinksey,

Oxford

30 March