Catholic University in Florida Honors AJC's Interreligious Affairs Director

American Jewish Committee
Sunday, 7 May 2000

Rabbi A. James Rudin, the American Jewish Committee's Director of Interreligious Affairs, received today an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida.

"Your accomplishments as a scholar, as a builder of bridges between religions are deserving of our highest honor," Saint Leo University President Arthur F. Kirk, Jr., said today upon awarding the honorary doctorate.

"Throughout your life and career you have modeled in every way the values which direct Saint Leo University."

Rabbi Rudin, who has been on the AJC staff for 32 years, 17 as director of interreligious affairs, is a pioneer in interreligious relations, and has made major contributions to deepening understanding between Catholics and Jews through dialogue and innovative programming. He often is cited in the mainstream media, as well as faith-based publications, and writes a weekly column for Religion News Service.

In 1998, the American Jewish Committee and Saint Leo University established the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies on the University's campus, located near Tampa.

Rabbi Rudin, a founder of the Center, will serve as Senior Consultant to the Center beginning June 1, 2000.

Through educational programs and publications the Center fosters Catholic-Jewish dialogue and seeks to present to the broader public Catholic and Jewish points of view on critical issues.

AJC is the leading American Jewish organization building bridges with the Catholic community in the United States.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org