'In an age of interfaith tension in the UK, this news is welcome,' said CCJ Chair Bishop Sarah Bullock. 'Fighting antisemitism and all prejudice needs us all, and His Majesty's patronage signals commitment to this at the highest level.'
CCJ had the distinct honour to confer our annual Bridge Award to His Majesty The King in 2021. This award recognises individuals who have made a significant, exceptional and leading contribution to building bridges between peoples, in a Christian-Jewish or wider setting. We were delighted that His Majesty the King was also able to join us in the presentation ceremony awarding Lord Rothschild in recognition of his work in this field in 2019. On accepting CCJ’s Bridge Award at an event last June, The King said “Never, I would say, has the C.C.J. been more needed in our conflict-torn world.” He then movingly quoted the Prophet Isaiah: “Thou wilt keep them in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.”
CCJ also had the extreme honour and privilege of having Her Late Majesty The Queen as our patron for 70 years. The royal receptions hosted for CCJ since 1952 were particular highlights for many of our members and we were delighted to welcome Her Majesty as a special guest at CCJ's 70th (early) anniversary celebration in 2011.
The Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) was founded in 1942 by the then Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth and the Archbishop of Canterbury. We are one of the oldest inter faith organisations in the UK, and by using Christian-Jewish engagement as a springboard we play a much wider role in the inter faith arena. Today, our ten presidents, representing the breadth of Christian and Jewish communities in the UK, are deeply engaged with the work of CCJ. They continue to bolster and support our initiatives and programmes, some of which are open to people of all faiths and none. Our work is split into three main areas: Dialogue, Education and Social Action. Our flagship Campus Leadership Programme, which launched in 2016, seeks to foster places of inclusion and dialogue at university – a critical task today.