"We need to know each other better and, on the strength of that mutual discovery, to build relationships not just of tolerance, but of authentic respect." - Pope Benedict XVI, October 2006
The Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) was established at Saint Leo University in 1998 through a formal Memorandum of Agreement between Saint Leo and the American Jewish Committee—one of the oldest Jewish advocacy organizations in the United States.
Open to all, CCJS promotes interfaith dialogue on contemporary and historical issues, and educates communities on the philosophical and theological impact of Catholicism and Judaism on modern society.
Located in deChantal Hall on the Saint Leo University campus, CCJS is the only organization of its kind in the Southeast.
Our mission is simple and yet complex: To build mutual respect, understanding and appreciation among Jews, Catholics and all religious communities in the Greater Tampa Bay region and the American Southeast by providing opportunities for interfaith education and dialogue. We do this knowing full well the complexity of historical and contemporary interreligious strife between various religious communities. We offer resources to serve clergy, congregations, teachers and students at all levels, and the community at large. Programs include:
Together, in the spirit of "tikkum olam"—Hebrew for the Jewish concept of repairing the world, of making it a better place— CCJS promotes interreligious dialogue, social action and justice, as well as education. For us, interfaith dialogue is always respectful, reciprocal and constructive. We seek to understand what we have in common rather than what drives us apart. Find out how you can get involved, and support CCJS. Visit the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies website »
Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies Saint Leo University PO Box 6665 - MC2460 Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665 information@cjstudies.org (352) 588-7298
