A blanket policy against it, explained — and the kinds of cooperation that are contrarily welcome.
Q. Would not both Jew and Christian hearing what each other has to say, foster greater friendship? I realize that for most of history the majority of Christians haven’t thought this way, and so skepticism is understood and honored as justifiable, but today, many feel that you have something valuable to offer, and maybe to receive.
It’s great hearing an open-minded gentile who isn’t out to “missionize” or convert Jews. Unfortunately, as long as convincing Jews to convert is a common or even central goal to many Christian groups and clergy throughout history and to this very day (sometimes even veiling their real intentions), I imagine you can understand and respect our policy not to get into confusing differentiations or potentially “explosive” situations, preferring a blanket policy of not holding inter-faith dialogue regarding theology. We’re not out to convert or convince others, and we expect a similar, tolerant common courtesy. On the other hand, dialogue on political, community, humanitarian or international issues and events are fine, and cooperation of all mankind can help greatly. For example, if you can help us Jews deal with the immoral crackpot Moslem leaders in Iran who not only inconsiderately deny the Holocaust, but want to actually nuke us and kill another 6,000,000 Jews in modern Israel, it would be greatly appreciated, so we don’t have to do it ourselves and alone. This type of universal brotherhood is a lot more urgent!
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