Interfaith Dialogue: Entering a Church

Question

Hello,

Is an observant Jew allowed to come to a church for an interfaith dialogue?

Thank you,

(Name withheld by AskTheRabbi.org for privacy)

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    It is forbidden fora Jew to enter the sanctuary in a church – especially a Roman Catholic one, see Igrot Moshe, Even Haezer 2:17. The Talmud, Tractate Avodah Zarah 17a, explains the verse in Mishlei, 5:8, “‘Distance your ways from it’- this refers to heresy”. If, however, the meeting is not in the actual sanctuary it might be permissible to attend. It would be best to discuss the issue with a local Orthodox Rabbi to ascertain exactly what is permitted and what is not.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team