The new book, "Examining Nostra Aetate after 40 Years: Catholic-Jewish Relations in Our Time," opens greater possibilities in religious relationships. This book focuses on the Catholic and Jewish religions, specifically on how crucial it is now, to build an inter-religious relationship. "Christianity is the child of Judaism," said Dr. Anthony Cernera, President of Sacred Heart University. Nostra Aetate is a Latin word translated to, "in our time." In the Catholic church this is very significant because it focuses on the importance of bringing together Catholic and non-Christian religions. Cernera not only edited this book, but also contributed an essay on this significant topic. "The church has a response to two issues," said Dr. Cernera. "Ecumenical, this is the relation to other Christian churches, in other words, Christians talking to other Christians and the relationship to other religions, which is inter-religious understanding." According to the Anti Defamation League, in 1965, the Second Vatican Council met to discuss necessary changes within the church. Nostra Aetate was a significant document that came out of this because the leaders of the church wanted to engage in dialogue with non-Christian religions. "For more than 40 years, the Catholic Church and most Christian churches have been rethinking their attitudes, teachings and practices towards other religions, especially Jews, partly because Jesus and the early disciples were Jewish, but also because all people are God's people and have dignity and are worthy of respect," said Dr. David Coppola, associate executive director of "Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding (CCJU). He also said that "because of the progress achieved in dialogue between Christians and Jews, perhaps all religions and cultures will reach out in friendship and peace." "The bishops of the world came together, with the highest teachings the Catholics have," said Dr. Cernera. "This happens only 16 times over 200 years." "This book is very important because before October 28, 1965, when the Catholic bishops of the world voted to approve the shortest and probably, most controversial document of Vatican II, Nostra Aetate, it was not uncommon for Christians to reduce Judaism to an outdated religion that had been replaced by Christianity," said Dr. Coppola. "Unfortunately, the supposed errors of the Jews resulted in them being discounted and even mistreated by Christians for centuries," he said. Dr. Coppola believes that these two religions are somewhat common in their teachings, especially because, as a whole, Christianity was drawn from Judaism. "The Jews and Christians have a familiar relationship, each believe in the same God and share the same beginning of the bible," said Dr. Brian Stiltner, chairperson, department of philosophy and religious studies. "It's important to affirm and relate as brothers and sisters." The CCJU is a program integrated at several Catholic universities. This is an important addition to the Sacred Heart community because it helps open doors towards this relationship between religions. "Rabbi Joseph Ehrenkranz and I have said since the founding of the center, there can not be any peace between the people until there is peace between the religions," said Dr. Cernera. "Anyone associated with the university should be very proud of the contributions the CCJU is making. Contributions not only locally and nationally, but internationally." The inter-religious study the CCJU has integrated into the university is able to further the churches goal that was acknowledged over 40 years ago. "Christianity was derived from the preaching's of a Jewish man," said junior Chris Interrante. "So by better understanding Judaism, we can better understand our own religion." This book has been able to open the eyes of others and initiate more dialogue. It's created a change "in our time," just as the Catholic church planned to do. "Catholic universities, such as Sacred Heart University, have a special responsibility to foster dialogue for the sake of discovering deeper truth. Such dialogue can lead to greater understanding and peace between people," said Dr. Coppola. "The Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding of Sacred Heart University (www.ccju.org) has been a leader in this most important work of repairing the world and seeking deeper truth for 15 years." "In today's world, it is important for people to talk and understand each other despite the many differences they may have," said Stiltner. "Religion is a source of conflict but can also be a piece of reconciliation."