NZ Anglicans asked to abstain from ‘Christian seder’ meals

A general synod committee for the Anglican Church ratified a joint statement by the Anglican Church’s Council for Ecumenism and Rabbi Dean Shapiro of Auckland’s Beth Shalom Progressive Jewish Community.

The statement noted that the seder meals in question have been taken out of their natural context of Jewish worship and celebration of the liberation of the Hebrew people from the slavery of Egypt, and transformed into a celebration of “Christian seders”.

The joint statement said: “As superficial attempts of appropriation of the religious traditions of another religion, ‘Christian seders’, in fact, not only disrespectfully approach the Jewish festival, but also trivialise celebration of the Christian holy days; by banalising their content in both traditions, they also obscure the real meaning of seder meals.”

The statement added that it is known with certainty that the Last Supper was not a “seder meal”. Seder meals developed later in history, during rabbinic Judaism.

Anglican Christians in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia are asked “to abstain from organising, promoting and participating in ‘Christian seders’”.

“In this time of division and diminished dialogue, more than ever, it is important to build the bridges of mutual understanding. Therefore, we encourage all to establish relationships and close bonds of affections with Jewish congregations, families and individuals,” the statement added.

“If one wishes to experience a genuine seder, an invitation from Jewish friends will be the highest symbol of appreciation and respect that we as people of different faiths have for one another.”

In 1988, the Committee on the Liturgy for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that “seders arranged at or in cooperation with local synagogues are encouraged”.

According to the Catholic Answers website, “Catholics are encouraged to participate in seder meals celebrated by their Jewish friends, or consult rabbis — or Jewish converts to Catholicism — to ensure that they celebrate the seder authentically and thus with respect toward our Jewish friends”.

“In short, Catholics unfamiliar with the Jewish seder should not attempt to improvise or Christianise it,” the website explained.

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Anglican Taonga : New Zealand’s Anglican News Leader (Anglican Taonga)

Jewish Seder Meal Okay for Catholics During Holy Week? | Catholic Answers Q&A (Catholic Answers)