The International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ) recently held its annual conference in Sydney, Australia, bringing together scholars, religious leaders, and community members from around the world to explore issues related to interfaith dialogue and collaboration. The conference, ccjaustralia.org which took place from September 5-7, featured a wide range of presentations and discussions on topics such as the role of religion in promoting peace and understanding, the challenges of combating religious extremism, and the importance of building relationships between different faith communities.

One of the keynote speakers at the conference was Dr. Rachel Kohn, a renowned scholar of Jewish studies who spoke about the history and significance of the ICCJ in fostering dialogue between Christians and Jews. She highlighted the organization's efforts to promote mutual respect and understanding between members of these two faith traditions, as well as its commitment to combating anti-Semitism and other forms of religious intolerance.

Another highlight of the conference was a panel discussion on the role of religion in promoting social justice and human rights. The panel featured speakers from a variety of religious backgrounds, including Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders, who shared their insights on how faith communities can work together to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, and conflict. The panelists emphasized the importance of building bridges between different religious groups and finding common ground in the pursuit of social justice.

In addition to the keynote speeches and panel discussions, the conference also included a series of workshops and breakout sessions where participants had the opportunity to engage in more in-depth discussions on specific topics related to interfaith dialogue. These sessions covered a wide range of issues, including the theological basis for dialogue between Christians and Jews, the history of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and reconciliation.

Overall, the ICCJ conference in Sydney was a valuable opportunity for participants to learn from each other, share their experiences, and deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with interfaith dialogue. The conference provided a platform for scholars, religious leaders, and community members to come together and explore new ways to promote peace, understanding, and mutual respect among different faith traditions.

Looking ahead, the ICCJ plans to continue its work in fostering dialogue and collaboration between Christians and Jews around the world. Through its ongoing programs and initiatives, the organization aims to promote interfaith understanding, combat religious intolerance, and build bridges between different faith communities. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, the ICCJ is helping to create a more inclusive and peaceful world where people of all faiths can come together in solidarity and cooperation.